Operations Manager, Security Services

Mō te tūnga | About the role
You'll lead the security operation at Devonport Naval Base, and you'll do it in the middle of the biggest change the Security Guard Force has been through in years. * Leading four team leaders. Developing them, reviewing them, backing them, and having the hard conversation when it's needed. * Building the culture. Twenty-four people who know their job. Your task is to lift how they do it, and to make the standard hold when nobody's watching. * Taking them through change. New framework, new standards, new assurance testing. Some of it will land well and some of it won't. Leading that is most of this role. * Running the operation. A 24/7 roster, leave, sickness, short notice, kept covered without burning your people out. * Owning what happens at your site. What occurred, what was done, what gets reported, and what changes as a result. * Being the security voice in the room with Navy and NZDF staff at every level, including when the answer they want isn't the answer they get. You can work around the traffic, school hours – flexible start and ends times to suit. About The team
We can't say enough about our security guards or the contribution they make. They're permanent NZDF staff, not contractors, and many have been here a long time. You'll inherit real institutional knowledge and a team that's used to doing things a certain way. That's the opportunity and the challenge in one sentence. Coming from outside security? If you've run a 24/7 operation somewhere else, logistics, facilities, aviation, healthcare, corrections, and you can lead people, we want to hear from you.
The salary for this role sits around $85,000 inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments within this range are based on skills and experience. Please Note: The formal title for this role within NZDF is Site Supervisor, Security Guard Force. Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience
You must have: * Real leadership of a team, around 20 or more people, or a smaller team through something difficult. * A track record of developing people. Not attending courses about it. Actually doing it, with names you can point to. * Experience leading through change, including where people were unconvinced. * The judgement to make a call under pressure and the confidence to explain it afterwards. * A full Class 1 New Zealand driver licence. * A reasonable level of physical fitness, you may be required to walk long distances, climb stairs, stand for long periods, and respond physically in an emergency. We'd like you to have, and will help you build: * Experience in security, defence, emergency services, corrections or other controlled or compliance related environment. * Knowledge of NZDF and the National Protective Security Requirements (PSR). * Public or state sector experience. * Experience with performance and employment processes. * A current First Aid certificate — if you don't have one, we'll arrange it. Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you
Safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website. NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives. Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply
Applications close on Monday 14 September 2026.
Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website. Please Note: * All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description. * Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description. * Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made. NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.
NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.
NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit. Please Note:
To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know: Higher Level Security Clearance * You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa. * At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years. * You must have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level. If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.