Cyber Security Operations Centre Manager

The Ministry acts in the world to build a safer, more prosperous and more sustainable future for New Zealanders.

Kia hangai ake e te Manatu he ao-haumaru, ao-tonui, ao-pumau, ki te oranga tonutanga mo Aotearoa whanui.

• An important role in the Information Management Division (IMD)
• You and your team will be responsible for cyber security incident responses, manage cyber threats and vulnerability management.
• Wellington based

Your chance to contribute in many ways to a significant change and investment programme in the next few years to continue uplifting our cyber security maturity.

About the role - Korero mo te turanga

Our Information Management Division (IMD) provides key services to the Ministry in the areas of knowledge and information technology management, ensuring that the Ministry has the digital tools it needs to enable day-to-day business. Our staff are committed to building a safe, more prosperous and sustainable future for all New Zealanders, assisting the government with international priorities and providing advice to the government on the implications for New Zealand of what is happening in the world.

The Information Risk and Security team in IMD has overall responsibility for mitigating information risks, through policies, procedures, technology and skilled staff to reduce the likelihood and impact of cyber threats.

The Cyber Security Operations Centre Manager is a key member of this team responsible for:

• Developing and implementing the Ministry's CSOC strategy, policies, and procedures to ensure the protection of all digital assets.
• Leading a team of cyber security specialist and engineers to monitor and analyse security events, identify potential threats, and respond to incidents.
• Collaborating with other IMD and Ministry teams to ensure that cyber security measures are integrated into the Ministry's overall cyber security strategy.
• Monitor the Ministry's security environment and stakeholder feedback on an on-going basis to identify emerging risks requiring a security incident management and/or more strategy

For more detail you can view a copy of the position description here.

The full salary range for this role is $127,417 to midpoint $172,387 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. We expect to appoint depending on your level of experience.

Who are we looking for? - Ma wai te mahi nei?

We'd like to hear from you if you have the following skills and experience:

• Understanding threat landscapes for NZ government departments
• Technical skills in threat analysis and incident response
• Extensive experience in information security including cyber security operations centre management.
• Experience in people leadership and management, the ability to develop high performing teams and build capability through coaching, mentoring, development, and planning.

• Good familiarity of NZISM, GCIO cloud questionnaire and Certification and Accreditation processes.

• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Maori and Maori customs and protocols would be beneficial.

Why MFAT? - Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu Aorere

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options consistent with guidance from the Public Service Commission. Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.

MFAT is Rainbow Tick accredited. We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds.

About us - Mo matou

Our people represent New Zealand on and offshore, and in doing so make New Zealanders safer and more prosperous. By building connections with and influencing other countries and international institutions, we advance New Zealand's interests and pursue New Zealand's values. We provide advice to the Government on the implications for New Zealand of what is happening in the world.

To Apply/Interested? - Me pehea te tuku tono

Apply today with your CV and cover letter.

For a confidential discussion please email:

To be considered for this position at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade you must be a NZ citizen.

You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance. Ordinarily, to obtain this level of clearance candidates must have sufficient checkable background in countries where meaningful and reliable checks can be undertaken. Where requisite checks are unable to be made, the candidate application may not be able to be progressed.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Top Secret clearance . Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process:

Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Applications close at midnight on Thursday, 30 October 2025

Please note: This is not a Foreign Policy/diplomatic role. This is a `Corporate' role (known here as a specialist role based in central Wellington, NZ.

While it is not usual for specialist staff to be `posted' outside of NZ, from time to time a specialist role overseas becomes available at one of our embassies, high commissions, missions or consulates. To be considered for one of these positions you would need to apply and be considered via a competitive recruitment process.

If you do have an interest in an MFAT foreign policy/diplomatic career, you would be welcome to apply for this either via our graduate recruitment or mid-level foreign policy recruitment campaigns.