Deputy Director-general Cyber Security

Protecting and enhancing New Zealand's security and wellbeing has never been more vital. As our digital landscape grows in complexity and sophistication, so too must our capability to safeguard it.
The Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) is seeking an exceptional senior leader to shape New Zealand's national and cyber security resilience - providing strategic direction, expert advice, and practical services to individuals, businesses and large organisations, government, and operators of critical infrastructure to safeguard their information from advanced technology-borne threats.
About the Role
As Deputy Director-General Cyber Security, you will lead the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and provide system-wide cyber security leadership for Aotearoa.
Reporting directly to the Director-General of the GCSB, this pivotal role is instrumental in shaping New Zealand's resilience to cyber threats and ensuring confidence in the systems and services that underpin our national security and prosperity.
**You will be instrumental in**:
Providing cyber security system leadership, strategic direction, operational guidance and services to the New Zealand government and the wider economy including private sector, industry leaders and digital providers.
Delivering the strategic vision and system leadership as Deputy Government Chief Information Security Officer (GCISO), to achieve system and supply chain interventions to better protect the services and information entrusted to government.
Fulfilling the New Zealand government's international communications security responsibilities as National COMSEC Officer.
Overseeing the NCSC's delivery of intelligence, incident response, and protective services to customers.
Leading New Zealand's engagement on cyber security issues internally, nationally, and internationally, ensuring collaboration and trust that develops and preserves strong, lasting relationships.
Build and empower a high-performing, values-led team of experts within the NCSC.
Shape the future of national and cyber resilience through innovation, partnership, and strategic foresight.
As a member of the GCSB Senior Leadership Team, contribute to the overall strategic direction of the Bureau and the wider New Zealand Intelligence Community (NZIC), influencing cross-agency priorities and long-term capability development.
This role sits at the intersection of national security, technology, and public trust. It requires balancing operational leadership with visionary system stewardship - driving outcomes that protect the nation's digital integrity and reputation.
About You
You are a strategic, credible and inspirational leader with deep experience navigating complex, high-stakes environments. Your background demonstrates a track record of leading multi-disciplinary teams, shaping strategy, and delivering results across organisational and system boundaries.
**To be successful in this pivotal position, you will possess**:
Extensive senior leadership experience in risk management, intelligence, security operations or related fields.
A proven record in strategic planning, delivery and governance with complex stakeholder environments.
Demonstrated success leading high-performing, multidisciplinary teams to achieve shared outcomes - a visible and credible leader who models integrity, energy and professionalism.
Proven experience driving major operational delivery.
Demonstrated ability to lead sector or organisation-wide performance and planning initiatives.
Exceptional interpersonal, communication and influencing skills, with a strong record of building trusted relationships at senior/executive levels, across sectors, and internationally.
You will be comfortable leading through ambiguity, driving large-scale change, and inspiring confidence in others.
Why Join Us
At GCSB, we are unified by our purpose - to protect and enhance New Zealand's security and wellbeing. We offer a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact at a national level, within an organisation guided by its values: Respect, Commitment, Integrity, and Courage.
As part of the GCSB Senior Leadership Team, you will have the opportunity to shape not only the future of cyber security, but also the broader strategic direction of the GCSB and the New Zealand Intelligence Community.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce - one that reflects the communities we serve and where every person feels valued.
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.
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