Solution Architect

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• Shape end-to-end technology solutions that drive real business outcomes at Customs.
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• Lead the design of future‑fit solutions aligned to strategy, security, and delivery excellence, including the thoughtful use of AI and other emerging technologies.
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• Work across business and technology to design solutions that deliver real value.
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• Turn complex business needs into smart, scalable technology solutions.
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• Full‑time permanent role based in Wellington.
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Join New Zealand Customs and play a key role in designing and delivering secure, scalable technology solutions that support critical national operations. This is an opportunity to work across complex programmes and initiatives, explore how new technologies such as AI can improve outcomes, and ensure solutions align with strategic direction and deliver real business value.

As a Solution Architect, you will design and guide the delivery of end‑to‑end technology solutions that meet business needs and align with Customs’ architecture standards and strategic goals. You will work closely with stakeholders, delivery teams, and vendors to translate business requirements into robust, sustainable solutions across applications, data, infrastructure, and cloud environments.

This role plays a critical part in ensuring solutions are secure, resilient, and fit for purpose across their full lifecycle.

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• Designing end‑to‑end solution architectures across applications, data, integration, infrastructure, and cloud.
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• Developing high‑level and detailed designs, solution options, and cost estimates to inform decision‑making.
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• Identifying risks, dependencies, and trade‑offs, and providing clear recommendations.
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• Engaging with stakeholders to understand business needs and ensure solutions align with strategy.
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• Supporting delivery teams through implementation, testing, and transition to operations.
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• Providing trusted architectural advice and contributing to standards, frameworks, and governance.
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• Experience designing and delivering solution architecture in complex enterprise environments.
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• Strong ability to translate business needs into practical technology solutions.
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• Broad knowledge across applications, cloud, integration, and infrastructure domains.
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• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
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• A collaborative approach, curiosity about AI and emerging technologies, and experience working across agile, project, and product delivery teams.
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At Customs, you’ll contribute to meaningful work that protects and enables New Zealand’s borders while working in a collaborative and forward‑thinking environment. You’ll have the opportunity to influence technology direction, work across diverse stakeholders, and help deliver solutions that make a real impact.

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• Must be a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 5 years and currently resides in New Zealand at the time of application.
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• May have been absent from New Zealand for periods of up to six months within the past five years in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom or the United States of America; in such cases, provide overseas police certificates for those periods spent outside of New Zealand.
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• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Confidential level security clearance.
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• Must have a clear Police record and be able to pass a drug test.
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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.