Supervising Customs Officer - Investigations

About the Role

We are seeking a seasoned investigations leader to build, direct, and nurture a team of investigators. This leadership role demands a blend of operational excellence alongside strong mentoring and coaching abilities to foster a supportive environment where team members enhance their skills, confidence, and judgment. The successful candidate will possess considerable investigative expertise, a collaborative style, and the capability to cultivate team culture from inception. Operating in a multifaceted and evolving environment, you will provide clear leadership, promote continuous professional development, and ensure high-quality, ethical investigative outcomes.

Responsibilities include supervising investigations and operational duties, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, operational planning, managing team allocation, refining work processes, and evaluating team performance both in the field and in office settings.

Supporting the Chief Customs Officer, you will help lead the investigations team overall.

The role requires flexibility as the investigations team operates 24/7, with possible long hours including night shifts, early mornings, weekends, and holidays. Deployment to other regions may be necessary.

The position is based in Wellington and features a salary band of $96,176 to $124,015 NZD plus an annual allowance of $16,481 for irregular working hours.

Candidate Profile

• Demonstrated current knowledge of investigative practices.
• Experience leading law enforcement teams.
• Strong relationship management skills with experience collaborating across business partners internally and externally.
• Well-versed in the strategic goals of Customs, intelligence, investigations, and enforcement sectors.
• Capability and commitment to pass Officer Safety and Tactics and arrest trainings, plus annual refeshers.
• Meeting fitness standards including passing the Police Physical Competency Test.
• Eligibility to gain and maintain a Secret-level organisational security clearance.
• Willingness to work full-time with flexible hours to support 24/7 investigations coverage.

Benefits

• Opportunities for on-the-job training, formal education, leadership development, and cross-role mobility.
• An inclusive, supportive workplace culture with active social and cultural groups.
• Support for flexible work arrangements within operational demands.
• Discounted health insurance and access to free gym facilities at certain locations.
• Three additional service holidays beyond four weeks of annual leave.

Requirements to Apply

• New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency.
• Current residence in New Zealand.
• Continuous residence in New Zealand for the past 10 years (including allowances for certain overseas stays with documentation).
• Clean police record and ability to obtain organisational security clearance.
• Possession of a full New Zealand driver’s license.
• Passing a medical examination, drug screening, and fitness testing component (Police Physical Competency Test).

Additional Information

Previous Secret-level clearance is advantageous but not mandatory; support during the clearance process is provided.

The physical fitness test encompasses a timed obstacle course involving climbing, dragging weights, and jumping.

The application deadline is 5pm Wednesday 19 August 2026.

New Zealand Customs Service is committed to diversity, equal opportunity, and inclusive workspaces.