Supervising Customs Officer (SupCO) - Investigations - Wellington

Interested in taking the next step in your investigations leadership career? About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi We're looking for an experienced investigations leader to establish, lead and develop a team of investigators. This role requires a proven people leader who can balance operational excellence with strong coaching and mentoring skills, creating an environment where investigators are supported to develop their capability, confidence, and professional judgement. You will bring extensive investigative experience, a collaborative leadership style, and the ability to build team culture from the ground up. Working in a complex and dynamic environment, you will provide clear direction, foster continuous learning, and develop a team that delivers high-quality investigative outcomes while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. As a leader, you'll oversee investigations and operational activities, liaise with a range of internal and external stakeholders, undertake operational planning, and manage resourcing. You'll create and review processes to manage work and make improvements, along with assessing team members' work in the field and as well as in the office. Working alongside your Chief Customs Officer, you will be assisting with the overall direction and leadership of the Investigations team you are responsible for. Our investigations team relies on 24/7 and flexible coverage. As an operational leader, like your team, there may be time when you are expected to work long hours. You may start or finish work in the middle of the night or in the early hours of the morning. You may also need to work on weekends and holidays. This may also include being deployed to other regions to assist the wider team. This position sits within a salary band of $96,176 - $124,015 plus an annual allowance of $16,481 for working unpredictable hours. This role is based in Wellington. About you | Ko wai koe To be successful in this role you will need to be able to demonstrate the following: Previous and up to date knowledge of investigations. Experience in leading teams in a law enforcement environment. Excellent relationship management skills with proven experience in working with business partners, internal and external. In-depth knowledge or understanding of the strategic objectives and direction of: Customs, intelligence, investigations and enforcement. Capability to pass Officer Safety and Tactics (OST) and arrest training, and complete annual refresher training. A good level of physical fitness - you will need to pass the Police Physical Competency Test (PCT). Ability to achieve and maintain an organisational security clearance and security clearance at Secret(*) level. Ability to work full-time and flexibly to enable Investigations coverage 24/7 when operationally required. What we offer | He aha mātou e tuku At Customs | Te Mana Ārai, we aim to create a great place to work, where our people have a sense of belonging and the capability and desire to meet our future challenges. We are an organisation that is clear about our mission and this is underpinned by Te Pou Tokomanawa (the Foundations) and our Whanonga Pono (Values). Our work really matters to the safety and success of New Zealand. We care about well-being, personal growth, and job satisfaction, which is supported through: offering on-the-job training, formal courses and leadership programmes, and the chance to move across diverse roles. fostering inclusive and supportive team environment with vibrant social and cultural groups. supporting flexible working - talk to us about how we can help you achieve your flexible working goals, within our operational requirements. providing discounted health insurance, and free on-site gyms (in some locations). three days of service holidays, in addition to four weeks of annual leave. Requirements to apply | Ngā paearu hei tono To work for the New Zealand Customs Service in this role, you must be able to meet the following requirements: Be a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident Residing in New Zealand at the time of application Have resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 10 years* Must have a clear Police record and be able to obtain an Organisational Security clearance. Full New Zealand Drivers Licence. Already having a Secret clearance is a benefit, but not a requirement. We'll guide you through the process. You will also be asked to complete a medical check, drug screening and a physical fitness test**. (*) If you are a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last 10 years but have been absent from New Zealand for periods of 6-9 months within the past 10 years, preferably in one or more of the following countries: either Australia, Canada, UK or the USA then you may still meet the requirements for a 'secret' clearance. You will be required to provide overseas Police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand. (**) The physical test measures you against average levels of fitness for your age and gender. You will need to pass both the medical test as well as the NZ Police Physical Competency Test (PCT). The PCT is a timed obstacle course, requiring you to do a variety of tasks from climbing a wall, to dragging a weight, to jumping through a window. Applications close at 5pm on Wednesday 19th August 2026. 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. New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa also support flexible working arrangements. #J-18808-Ljbffr