20th February, 2026
Mō mātou | About Us
Every hour of every day, 365 days a year, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) contributes to the defence, security and wellbeing of Aotearoa New Zealand. As a modern, professional military, NZDF works closely with government partners and international allies to ensure New Zealand has the capabilities it needs to respond to evolving security challenges.
The Defence Capability Plan (DCP) is jointly owned and delivered by the NZDF and the Ministry of Defence (MOD). It spans the full capability lifecycle — from strategic policy and investment decisions, through acquisition and sustainment, to eventual disposal — ensuring defence capability delivers maximum value to New Zealand.
Mō te tūnga | About the Role
The Director Industry Strategy is accountable for building and leading NZDF’s strategic engagement with the defence industry. Working collaboratively with the Ministry of Defence, this role ensures NZDF decision-makers are well-informed, capable buyers of defence capability and that industry engagement directly supports delivery of the Defence Capability Plan.
Operating across NZDF, MOD, government agencies and international partners, the Director Industry Strategy creates a seamless, coordinated interface with industry. The role is wide-ranging and highly influential, involving engagement with senior military and civilian leaders, defence suppliers, and allied partners through both formal and informal government-to-government channels.
As Director Industry Strategy, you will:
- Lead NZDF’s Industry Strategy and Engagement Plan, ensuring a coordinated, strategic approach to industry relationships that delivers maximum value for NZDF and supports the Defence Capability Plan.
- Present a joined-up NZDF interface with industry, monitoring and reporting on engagement activity and ensuring consistency of messaging, feedback and expectations.
- Build and manage strategic supplier relationships, developing deep insight into supplier capability, capacity, innovation potential and contribution to NZDF’s future needs.
- Support major capability projects, providing advice on supplier capability, market dynamics, contract negotiation strategies and environmental context.
- Inform and equip senior decision-makers, directing the development and sustainment of a comprehensive supplier and industry intelligence database.
- Influence industry development, clearly signalling future capability needs (within security constraints) and encouraging innovation, capacity and capability uplift across the defence industry.
- Enhance NZDF’s credibility with industry, through consistent engagement, transparent processes and recognition of innovation, performance and value for money.
- Lead and develop the Industry Strategy Team, providing coaching, mentoring and strategic direction to ensure high-quality advice and effective collaboration across NZDF and MOD.
- Drive coordination and efficiency, proactively addressing duplication, overlap and information gaps in a complex multi-stakeholder environment.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience
You will be a leader with substantial experience operating in complex, high-trust environments, ideally across defence, government, major infrastructure, or highly regulated industries. You will bring strong strategic judgement, an ability to build credibility quickly with senior stakeholders, and a deep understanding of how industry engagement supports long-term capability outcomes.
You will be recognised for your ability to:
- Build and sustain strategic relationships across government, industry and international partners
- Provide clear, well-judged advice to senior decision-makers
- Navigate complexity, competing priorities and sensitive information with integrity and discretion
- Lead and develop high-performing teams in collaborative, matrixed environments
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply
This is a rare opportunity to shape how NZDF partners with industry to deliver nationally significant defence capability.
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.
Must be a New Zealand Citizen and able to attain and maintain a SECRET security clearance.
- Citizen or Resident Class Visa (Indefinite Stay or Permanent)
- 10 years checkable history in FVEY country or back until the age of 18.
Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.
Apply For Job