New Zealand Customs Service Looking for Manager – Investigations at Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Full Time

Interested in leading an Investigations team that contributes to disrupting and dismantling transnational organised crime groups involved in drug trafficking, fraud and child exploitation?

The New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa protects New Zealand’s border using world-class tools, world-class people and innovative approaches.

The Intelligence, Investigations and Enforcement (II&E) Group’s mission is to protect the integrity of New Zealand’s border system. With changing passenger and cargo volumes, as well as stakeholder expectations, the group is flexible and agile so that it can adapt to new technology and ways of working. Within II&E the Customs Investigations Unit (CIU) actively works both domestically and internationally with a wide range of partner agencies to disrupt and prevent transnational organisation crime groups targeting Aotearoa.

We are seeking an exceptional people leader to be appointed to the role of Manager Investigations to lead the CIU. We operate in a unique “live” operations environment, that is fast-paced, dynamic and no two days are the same.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

You will be a key member of the II&E Leadership Team and will have responsibility for the management of border related risks through investigative activity, long term proactive intelligence, and directed investigative activity to inform the best treatment of border related threats. The Manager Investigations role is strategic and innovative, with the ability to design and implement solutions to improve the success of future detection, investigative and prevention activities.

You will oversee the initiation, development and successful completion of investigations. In addition you will ensure investigations are undertaken in an efficient manner for the Service, using appropriate and legally sound investigative methodologies and technologies to achieve strategic and operational enforcement outcomes.

Furthermore, you will also be responsible for the management and leadership of the CIU. This team ensures the effective and efficient fulfilment of investigations of offences under a range of legislation, including drugs, fraud and prohibitions.

Building and maintaining strong relationships is a strength for you and is imperative to this role as you will need to work closely with national and international law enforcement agencies.

This role is based in Auckland however you will have a team reporting to you based around New Zealand.

Salary

The salary range for this role is $157,276 (85%) – $212,786 (115%). 100% or competent for the range is $185,031.

Ko wai koe | About you

You have extensive relevant operational leadership experience within a government or relevant commercial environment and can evidence strength in further developing and sharpening the focus of investigative strategies to identify and mitigate border risk. Strong people leadership skills and experience in people management will ensure that you are successful.

In addition you will have successful experience in managing complex investigative and operational activities along with an understanding of the role of tactical and strategic intelligence in forming and managing investigative response.

You have strong problem solving and decision-making capabilities with the ability to mitigate risks effectively. Having excellent interpersonal skills, using both verbal and non-verbal communication techniques, to ensure clarity of message and achieve the desired result are essential.

You will need to provide demonstrated evidence of developing and maintaining excellent working relationships, networks and partnerships with key stakeholders both internally and externally, as this role has a strong focus on stakeholder management.

Being media savvy is key as is your commitment to service excellence through continuous improvement and innovative approaches to issues.

Requirements To Apply

You will need to obtain a national security clearance. In order to obtain this you need to be a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 10 years and resides in NZ at time of application; OR a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last 10 years and resides in NZ at time of application, but may have been absent from New Zealand for periods of six or more months within the past 10 years. You may be required to provide overseas police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.

You must have a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service towards a recommendation of suitability for security clearance at a higher level.

Due to the nature of Customs work you must have a clear Police record. Successful applicants are also required to pass a medical assessment and drug test and must hold a full NZ Driver’s licence.

Mahi ki te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa | Working at Customs

Our people get on-the-job training, formal courses and leadership programmes, and the chance to move across diverse roles. We foster an inclusive and supportive team environment with vibrant social and cultural groups. We also support flexible working – talk to us about how we can help you achieve your flexible working goals, within our operational requirements. Our people get discounted health insurance, free on-site gyms (in some locations) and three days of service holidays in addition to four weeks of annual leave.

Me pehea te whakauru | How to apply

Please apply online. Please submit a cover letter which outlines your suitability and motivation for this role. You will be asked to outline your relevant skills and experience and a few competency based questions along with why you are interested in the role. The online application process takes a bit of time and requires you to provide examples of previous work – specific questions are asked in the online process. It’s best to set aside some time when you won’t be interrupted.

If shortlisted, you will be asked to complete online psychometric testing which includes a personality and leadership growth profile that will be used to aid your career development.

If you have any queries, please contact [email protected]

Applications close on 5pm on Sunday, 15 October 2023.

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. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role. We also support flexible working arrangements.