Preservation Services Manager

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Join more-than 15,000 New Zealanders working for the NZ Defence Force and directly contribute to the defence, security and well-being of Aotearoa New Zealand.

You will be part of the Data and Information Management (DAIM) Directorate with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). A team that designs and delivers data, analytics and information management outcomes tailored for a military organisation.

As the Preservation Services Manager, you will play a critical leadership role in safeguarding the New Zealand Defence Force’s legacy, operational knowledge, and institutional memory.

You will be responsible for establishing and driving a holistic, future‑focused preservation strategy for NZDF’s historical, current, and emerging physical and digital data, information, and knowledge assets. This includes ensuring these taonga are protected, compliant, accessible, and usable for future generations.

Providing strategic direction, expert advice, and professional leadership, you will guide a specialist preservation team and work closely with stakeholders across NZDF to embed best practice preservation into systems, processes, and everyday behaviours.

Key responsibilities for this role include:

• Leading the development and delivery of NZDF’s preservation framework, ensuring alignment with legislative, policy, and organisational obligations

• Acting as a subject matter expert within a major information management programme, contributing to the design and delivery of an enterprise digital archive

• Providing authoritative advice on preservation practices, risks, and requirements across physical and digital environments

• Guiding the preservation team’s work and lifting practice maturity ensuring high quality and compliant preservation outcomes

• Supporting “preservation by design” across new and existing digital capabilities, enabling automated, integrated disposal and preservation workflows that make it easy for personnel to do the right thing. 

This role is based in the Wellington region. Once you have undergone training and are up to speed, there is the option for flexible working arrangements.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We’re looking for someone with the ‘4Ps’ – passion, perseverance, persistence and patience – and the ability to partner across all levels of the NZDF. You will bring resilience and adaptability to support transformational change in the DAIM landscape. 

To be successful in this role, you will be:

• Experienced in preservation or archival practices, with deep knowledge of both digital and physical preservation methods

• Skilled at applying practical, fit‑for‑purpose preservation approaches in a large, complex organisation

• Able to balance compliance, risk, and business needs, focusing on delivering value rather than perfection

• An effective influencer and communicator, confident engaging with senior leaders and guiding stakeholders on preservation requirements

• Strategic and forward‑thinking, able to anticipate emerging risks and trends in preservation and adapt accordingly

• A capable leader, able to guide and support the preservation team while fostering strong stewardship behaviours across NZDF

• Familiar with relevant government and regulatory requirements related to data, information, and preservation

• Interested in NZDF, or already knowledgeable about the Defence operating environment.

No candidate is expected to meet every desired skill / experience listed. If your background differs from what we’ve outlined but you believe you can contribute to the role, we encourage you to apply. This role requires occasional domestic travel. You need to have a Class 1 Full Driver’s Licence.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – 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 Thursday 16 April 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 and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.

• 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.