Security Operations Manager

• Are you a security leader ready to make a national impact?

• Lead NZTA's security operations and incident response.

• Drive security uplift and best practice across the agency.

• Location: Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton or Palmerston North

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is seeking a Security Operations Manager to lead our security operations team and help protect the people, information, and assets that keep Aotearoa moving.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

As Security Operations Manager, you will lead a team of security specialists and analysts within the Te Aukaha Digital group, playing a pivotal role in protecting the agency's people, information, and assets. You'll be responsible for identifying and responding to security threats across our environments, and for managing strategic and operational security planning, delivery, and mitigation activities to minimise risk. This is a leadership role that requires strong relationship-building skills, the ability to communicate complex technical information clearly, and a commitment to the values of integrity, collaboration, and service.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning, development, and implementation of the Security Operations function to grow NZTA's security operational capability.

• Build and lead the cyber security incident response function, managing responses to major incidents across the agency and with external partners.

• Implement Protective Security Requirements (PSR) uplift within security and technology operations teams.

• Build the capability and resilience of the security operations team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Provide subject matter expertise and recommendations to senior leaders and stakeholders.

• Develop and manage security reporting for the Executive Leadership Team and Board.

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to enable proactive security improvements.

• Drive security uplift by working with government and external agencies to bring best practice to the team.

To view the Position Description click here.

At NZTA, you'll be part of a team that values integrity, collaboration, courage, and service. You'll help shape a safer, more secure transport system for all New Zealanders.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

What you will bring:

• Significant experience (7+ years) as a Security Operations Manager with a national focus, or equivalent demonstrable experience.

• Previous experience in programme or project management within a large organisation.

• In-depth understanding of security concepts and their implementation.

• Significant (5+ years) experience with controls for cloud technology models and information security.

• Comprehensive experience in proactive risk management and modern project/technology delivery methodologies.

• Proven ability to present complex technical information clearly to non-technical audiences.

• Experience delivering uplift in Government's protective security and information security requirements.

• Excellent written communication skills, especially for senior audiences

Qualifications

• A relevant degree, and technical or industry qualifications that demonstrate a deep understanding of security and evidence of continuous development.

• Appropriate industry certifications such as CISSP, GIAC or equivalent.

Please note: the successful applicant must be able to achieve and maintain a NZ National Security clearance up to and including SECRET.  To check whether you might be eligible to apply for this clearance please go to and use the Eligibility self-check tool | Protective Security Requirements. 

Applicants who might not be eligible to apply for a national security clearance should not apply for this vacancy.

You will also demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. Come with knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.

Why Join Us?

At NZTA, you'll be part of a team that values integrity, collaboration, courage, and service. You'll help shape a safer, more secure transport system for all New Zealanders.

Ready to make a difference?

Apply now and help us keep Aotearoa moving safely and securely.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

For further information, email:

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.