Manager Talent and Workforce Strategy

• Lead strategic workforce planning to shape the future of our organisation
• Drive talent initiatives that build capability and deliver impact
• Influence organisational success through innovative talent solutions
• Partner with leaders to design strategies that attract and retain top talent

We are seeking a dynamic Manager Talent and Workforce Strategy to lead talent, drive strategy and make an impact. This is your chance to lead with vision and influence the future of our workforce. This is an exciting full-time, permanent opportunity based primarily at our Wellington Customhouse. For the right candidate, we may consider Auckland as an alternative base location.

About the role | Kōrero mō te tūranga

As Manager Talent and Workforce Strategy you’ll lead the development and delivery of the Customs’ talent acquisition, strategic workforce planning, and people capability functions. This role ensures that Customs has the right people, skills and systems in place to meet both current and future workforce needs.

You’ll be a key member of the People and Capability leadership team, ensuring talent and workforce strategies are aligned, connected, and delivering tangible value across the organisation. This role will also be responsible for embedding consistent, effective people practices, driving continuous improvement, and enabling the use of data and automation to modernise how we attract, retain and grow our people.

About You | Ko wai koe

To be successful as a Manager Talent and Workforce Strategy, you will have demonstrated experience in leading teams, setting and managing budgets, developing and working to business plans and be results focussed. You will also need to be technically proficient in the following:

• Workforce planning methodologies.
• Talent acquisition strategy and sourcing techniques.
• Organisational development and learning design.
• Data analysis and use of workforce insights.
• Continuous improvement and process redesign.
• Strong understanding of HR processes and technology and digital enablement.
• Proven experience leading people strategy, talent acquisition, or workforce planning functions.
• Strong understanding of organisational development and future workforce capability requirements.
• Demonstrated experience using data to inform strategy, continuous improvement, and workforce insights.
• Skilled at working across leadership teams to embed change and deliver strategic outcomes.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Human Resources, Organisational Development, or a related field is desirable.

Working at Customs | Mahi ki te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa

We aim to create a great place to work, where our people have a sense of belonging and the capability and desire to meet our future challenges. We are an organisation that is clear about our mission, and this is underpinned by Te Pou Tokomanawa (the Foundations) and our Whanonga Pono (Values). Our work really matters to the safety and success of New Zealand.

We care about well-being, personal growth, and job satisfaction, which is supported through:

• offering on-the-job training, formal courses and leadership programmes, and the chance to move across diverse roles.
• fostering inclusive and supportive team environment with vibrant social and cultural groups.
• supporting flexible working - talk to us about how we can help you achieve your flexible working goals, within our operational requirements.
• providing discounted health insurance, and free on-site gyms (Wellington Customhouse).
• Three days of service holidays, in addition to four weeks of annual leave.

Working for New Zealand Customs…

To join Customs in any role you must be a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand permanent resident* and be able to obtain and maintain an Organisational Security clearance.

(*) A New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last five years, (including five years ago from the date of this application) and resides in New Zealand at time of application.

OR

A New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last five years, (including five years ago from the date of this application) and resides in New Zealand at time of application who has travelled out of New Zealand for short periods of time i.e. < 6 months in one of the following countries: Australia, United Kingdom, United States or Canada and can provide police certificates from those countries for the period of absence.

Because of the nature of Customs’ work you must have a clear Police record. Organisational security clearances are mandatory and are conducted by Customs. You will also be required to pass a drug test.

How to apply…

To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter, via our online process. (Please note, we do not accept applications sent directly to an email address).

If you have any specific questions about the role, please contact Suzanne Leahy (Senior Recruitment Advisor) at [email protected].

Please note Customs will be managing this recruitment independently in-house and will not be engaging with recruitment agencies at this stage.

Deadline for applications is 11pm, Monday 1 December 2025.

New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. It provides equal employment opportunities and welcomes applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role.Customs | Te Mana Ārai supports flexible working arrangements and welcomes the opportunity to speak with you about your flexible working requirements.