Senior Executive Assistant

Are you a highly motivated and engaged Senior Executive Assistant looking for your next challenge?High profile work. Are you ready to take the lead in managing high-level priorities?Take your next step in your EA career in a role where you can make clear impact and add valueFlexible working arrangements + 3 additional Customs' leave days + in-house gym facilities on site.Wellington based full-time permanent position, only minutes from the Wellington Railway station.Ready to elevate your career? We're seeking a Senior Executive Assistant who thrives in a dynamic environment, to provide essential support to our Deputy Chief Executive, Enterprise Services, driving strategic initiatives forward.About the role | Korero mo te turangaThe purpose of this role is to provide high quality, one-to-one executive and administrative assistance in an advisory capacity, actively engaging with teams and projects across the organisation to ensure strategic and operational goals of the executive are met.This role is responsible for providing executive support and advice, which aligns with Customs priorities and stakeholder expectations, along with investigating matters and providing comprehensive reporting for the Deputy Chief Executive as required. The successful candidate will apply sound judgment using personal expertise and deep knowledge of the public sector to make strategic decisions that are aligned with Customs vision and are to the Chief Executive and Ministerial standards.You'll play a pivotal role in managing the DCE's schedule, ensuring their time is used effectively and efficiently. From coordinating meetings to anticipating priorities, your diary management skills will help keep things running smoothly, which will assist our DCE in staying organised and focused.This role requires a high degree of independence, discretion and trust, judgement, initiative and self-discipline, working effectively with other Executive Assistants and senior leaders. You will be technology savvy and seen as a credible and effective relationship builder who is comfortable working with a diverse stakeholder group.The ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance to a "Secret" level is required for this position.About You | Ko wai koeThis work takes a special kind of person with a passion for making a difference. The specific experience, skills, and qualities that will help you succeed in this role include:7-10+ years of experience working as an Executive Assistant within public sector organisationsDeep knowledge of governance, risk management frameworks, and government operations-or the ability to quickly gain such understanding.Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality.Proactive mindset with strong judgment, initiative, and the capacity to anticipate needs and solve problems with a demonstrated ability to deliver timely, high-quality outcomes.Outstanding interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.Effective business/plain language, writing and editing skills.Proven ability to build trust and credibility with senior leaders and stakeholders.Strong customer service orientation and commitment to providing quality support.Well-developed analytical skills with the ability to absorb and assess complex information.Expertise with Word, Excel, OneNote and Teams.Comfortable using Copilot (or similar AI tools) to enhance the quality of your work.A security clearance to a "Secret" level is required for this role.Proven experience in a senior support role, ideally within central government.Working at Customs | Mahi ki te Mana Arai o AotearoaWe 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.Working for New Zealand CustomsTo join Customs in any role you must be a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand permanent resident* and be able to obtain and maintain an Organisational Security clearance along with being able to obtain and maintain security clearance to 'Secret' level.(*) A New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last ten years, (including ten years ago from the date of this application) and resides in New Zealand at time of application.ORA New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last ten years, (including ten years ago from the date of this application) and resides in New Zealand at time of application who has travelled out of New Zealand for short periods of time i.e. > 6 months in one of the following countries: Australia, United Kingdom, United States or Canada and can provide police certificates from those countries for the period of absence.Because of the nature of Customs' work you must have a clear Police record. Organisational security clearances are mandatory and are conducted by Customs. You will also be required to pass a drug test.You must have a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service towards a recommendation of suitability for security clearance at a higher level.How to applyTo apply, please submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter, via our online process. (Please note, we do not accept applications sent directly to an email address).If you have any specific questions about the role, please contact Suzanne Leahy (Senior Recruitment Advisor) at Please note Customs will be managing this recruitment independently in-house and will not be engaging with recruitment agencies at this stage.Deadline for applications is 11pm, Thursday 30 October 2025.New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Arai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. It provides equal employment opportunities and welcomes applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role.Customs | Te Mana Arai supports flexible working arrangements and welcomes the opportunity to speak with you about your flexible working requirements.