Director Operational Compliance, Policy and Audit

Join our diverse and talented people and work at the heart of national security, providing essential intelligence to the NZ government to protect New Zealand and its people.
The Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) | Te Tira Tiaki is looking for an engaging and positive people leader with a solid background in operations, policy or audit, and the ability to see beyond the day to day, set a vision and chart a course to realise it. If these are your strengths, this critical leadership role in the GCSB's Legal and Compliance Directorate might be for you.
About the role
This role leads the Operational Compliance, Policy and Audit branch to deliver key functions that ensure GCSB's operational activities meet our legal and policy obligations and provide robust assurance to staff, senior leadership, and external stakeholders.
We can't reveal the details about what you will work on, but it will be complex and challenging. You will find novel solutions to hard problems at the intersection of policy, law and operational requirements. You will work at the heart of New Zealand's national security and have real impact in our community. The role is a key piece in the machinery of maintaining trust and confidence in GCSB.
Key responsibilities
Strategic leadership - provide strategic advice on operational compliance, policy and audit, including understanding and identifying relevant risks, trends and opportunities. Work with other directorate leaders to ensure the overall strategic direction of our teams, and the GCSB, is delivered.
People leadership - lead, mentor and coach a multidisciplinary team of leaders and professionals, fostering high performance, continuous learning and ethical standards.
Relationship management - build and maintain strong, trusted, relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, both within the organisation and outside it, and across all levels of the GCSB.
Lead and oversee the provision of four key functions - operational compliance advice, operational policy development and advice, operational advice and operational audit.
About you
Proven ability to work, and support others in challenging and complex environments
Experience in a similar, complex, role with another public‑sector agency
Understanding of New Zealand's national security system and environment
Exceptional written and oral communication skills
Experience managing, coaching or leading professionals
Tertiary degree in a relevant area
Why work for us
Alongside getting to work alongside our talented people, we also offer a range of comprehensive benefits which include:
Medical Insurance and Vision Care packages
Enhanced employer contributions to your Kiwisaver
Generous Leave benefits, including additional paid days off and enhanced sick and parental leave
Childcare allowance for your pre-schoolers
Onsite free gym
Opportunities for personal and professional growth and career pathways across the intelligence community
Great work-life balance
Before you apply
Working within our unique environment means we have to ensure you're eligible for employment.
**You must**:
Have been a New Zealand Citizen for at least 10 years
OR
Hold a current NZ Residency Class Visa and ideally have been a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada or Australia for at least 10 years
Be eligible to obtain a Top Secret Special (TSS) security clearance
Ordinarily, this means you'll have a 15 year checkable background in countries NZSIS Vetting can make meaningful and reliable checks.
You can also learn more about our work and understand our areas of focus by reading New Zealand's Security Threat Environment | New Zealand Security Intelligence Service
Job Details
Reference #
9265
Location(s)
Wellington
Salary
Band K $168,953 (90%) - $215,885 (115%)
Midpoint of the salary range (100%) reflects full competence in the role
Closes on
11 Nov 2025 23:55
Work type(s)
Permanent full-time
Job level(s)
Management, Executive
Expertise
Legal