09th February, 2026
Mō mātou | About Us
Every hour of every day, 365 days of the year, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is contributing to the defence, security, and well-being of Aotearoa New Zealand. As a modern, professional military, our goal is to maintain well trained, equipped, and disciplined armed forces that can respond to crisis at short notice.
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is seeking an exceptional digital leader to shape and deliver the organisation’s digital and data strategies, enabling information advantage and operational excellence across the Defence Force.
Mō te tūnga | About the Role
Reporting to the Commander, Information Command, the Chief Digital Officer (CDO) provides strategic leadership across NZDF’s digital ecosystem, ensuring secure, resilient and future-focused digital and data capabilities. This key role leads a team of senior specialists responsible for digital infrastructure, data strategy, and technology enablement that underpin both military and corporate operations.
As CDO, you will:
- Provide strategic leadership across digital platforms, data management, and ICT infrastructure.
- Deliver secure, modern and resilient digital services that strengthen military and corporate operations.
- Lead and champion change across a range of initiatives focused on modernising and optimising Defence digital delivery to enable the Defence Force to deliver military effects and achieve information advantage.
- Drive innovation, digital transformation, and adoption of emerging technologies including AI and data analytics.
- Ensure effective cyber and information security posture in collaboration with national and international partners.
- Build and maintain strong relationships across NZDF, government agencies, industry, and allied defence forces.
- Lead a high-performing digital and data function that is customer-oriented, future-focused, and mission-aligned.
This is a unique and influential leadership role within a highly complex, high-trust environment, offering the opportunity to shape the digital direction of one of New Zealand’s most critical national institutions.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience
The successful candidate will be an accomplished digital executive with significant senior leadership experience in digital, ICT, or data strategy roles within large or complex organisations. You will have a proven ability to lead change and continuous improvement in a complex delivery environment, including enterprise-wide digital programmes and transformation in secure, high-availability, or mission-critical environments.
You will demonstrate strong strategic acumen and the ability to align digital and data strategies with organisational goals. A confident communicator and influential leader, you will excel at building trusted relationships across senior leadership, government, industry, and international partners. Your sound business judgment, integrity, and understanding of the public sector context will be key to success.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply
NZDF offers a unique opportunity to serve New Zealand by leading digital transformation at national scale.
This search is being managed by Rothley Partners on NZDF’s behalf. To apply please submit your CV and covering letter through SEEK or alternatively email info@rothley.co.nz for a copy of the position description. If you have any questions, you can contact Marc Schmid on 021 102 6192.
Please note we are only able to consider candidates that have the right to work in NZ and can attain and maintain a TOP SECRET security clearance.
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