Unit Manager Enterprise and Mission Services

Join our diverse and talented people and work at the heart of national security, providing essential intelligence to the NZ Government to protect New Zealand and its people.
Mō te tūranga mahi – about the role
We are looking for a dynamic leader who thrives on turning technology vision into real‑world impact. As the Unit Manager, you will own the end‑to‑end lifecycle of a range of systems from Active Directory and NTP through to data transport, Exchange and other critical services. Your unit is responsible for shaping everything from strategic road‑maps to day‑to‑day maintenance. You will be the go‑to technical champion for senior leadership while partnering across the directorate to deliver the systems and capabilities that keep the business moving forward.
What you will do: * Lead & inspire a high performing unit of system engineers, providing clear direction, mentorship and a culture of continuous improvement. * Own the product journey – from initial lifecycle planning and future‑state design through to development, rollout, and ongoing support. * Drive innovation by identifying opportunities to evolve our systems, ensuring they stay ahead of emerging business needs and tech trends. * Advise senior leaders, Directors and Deputy Director‑General – Technology with expert technical guidance that influences strategic decisions. * Collaborate widely with fellow managers and stakeholders across the directorate to align system capabilities with business objectives and deliver seamless, reliable services. Ko wai koe – about you
You are a seasoned technology professional with a proven track record of leading high‑performing technical teams and delivering reliable, large‑scale IT services. You combine deep technical expertise with strong communication, analytical thinking, and a customer‑focused, results‑driven mindset.
You will bring along: * Up to 15 years’ experience in technology roles, including the design, operation and management of medium‑to‑large IT infrastructures and high‑performing technical teams. * Strong grasp of modern IT security requirements, excellent written/oral communication, and a detail‑oriented, analytical approach to solving complex, ambiguous problems. * Proven leadership style that builds trust, collaborates across all levels, and delivers customer‑focused results under pressure. * Demonstrated relationship management experience, building and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders and partners. * Tertiary qualification in engineering/IT (or equivalent experience) plus, preferably, a Project Management certification and formal management development training. * Be eligible for a TSS security clearance and willing to participate in after‑hours on‑call duties on a rostered, rotating basis. If you enjoy bridging strategy and execution, empowering teams, and making high‑impact technical decisions, this is the role for you.
The expected appointing range for this position is: $168,953 - $180,217.
Why work for us
Alongside getting to work with other talented people, we also offer a range of comprehensive benefits which include: * Medical Insurance and Vision Care packages * Enhanced employer contributions to your Kiwisaver * Generous Leave benefits, including additional paid days off and enhanced sick and parental leave * Childcare allowance for your preschoolers * Opportunities for personal and professional growth and career pathways across the intelligence community Before you apply
Working within our unique environment means we have to ensure you're eligible for employment.
You must: * Have been a New Zealand Citizen for at least 10 years OR
Hold a current NZ Residency Class Visa and ideally have been a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada or Australia for at least 10 years * Be eligible to obtain a Top Secret Special (TSS) security clearance * Ordinarily, this means you'll have a 15 year checkable background in countries NZSIS Vetting can make meaningful and reliable checks. Still unsure? Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a TSS security clearance: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool
The NZIC treats all applications for employment in the strictest confidence and we expect that you maintain a similar level of confidentiality during the recruitment process and throughout your career.
We'll provide you with information and tips throughout the recruitment process, but in the meantime check out some of our Security FAQs here The security clearance process | Beyond Ordinary Careers You can also learn more about our work and understand our areas of focus by reading New Zealand's Security Threat Environment | New Zealand Security Intelligence Service