Supervising Customs Officer (SupCo) - Operations Centre (Gateway) - Ops Support

Ready to take your operational experience to the next level?

We have a leadership opportunity in our newly established Customs Ops Support, Operations Centre (Gateway) in Customs Ops Support. The team provides support to sensitive and covert operational activity to help protect our communities from Transnational Serious Organised Crime (TSOC), importation of illicit drugs, terrorism and smuggling. The Gateway works alongside partner agencies in New Zealand, bringing together technical, operational and strategic experts from a variety of disciplines.

We're looking for a leader who, ideally, has first-hand Covert operational experience or has worked in a similar environment. This means you're familiar with various covert operational practices and you may hold a recognised qualification - including completion of the Customs surveillance qualification programme or Customs Technical operational skills, or qualification from another organisation.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi

This is a Supervising Customs Officer role, which means you'll be managing people and working alongside Customs Technical Specialists from a number of work groups. You may not have held a formal leadership role before, but you have demonstrable leadership skills and experience coaching and mentoring others. You are approachable, supportive and willing to help. You make decisions with your team members' wellbeing in mind. You remain calm and level-headed in stressful situations.

As a leader, you'll need to plan schedules, resources and development opportunities for your team. You'll create and review processes to manage work and make improvements. You'll be assessing team members' work in the field and as well as in the office. You'll foster open, trust-based relationships and model the integrity and discretion expected of all team members.

The various groups that Gateway supports relies on 24/7 coverage. As an operational leader, like your team, you will work long hours at times. You may start or finish work in the middle of the night or in the early hours of the morning. You may need to work on weekends and holidays.

This position sits within a salary band of $99,496 - $128,403 plus a flexibility allowance of $16,286 per annum. 

About you | Ko wai koe

• You must have previous experience in covert law enforcement operational environments, including surveillance and/or technical aspects.
• Knowledge and experience applying legislation, policy and procedures when conducting and overseeing operations
• Ability to identify, manage and mitigate risk in an operational environment.
• Experience in developing and managing standard operating procedures for covert teams, that would enhance processes and outcomes.
• Evidence management and preparation of files to an evidential standard for court, including oversight of the Evidential Log keeping process.
• Experience in integrating and managing a variety of bespoke technical platforms for an operational environment.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and make decisions in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Experience coaching and mentoring others in a covert work environment and the related operational intricacies. Ensuring the team models the integrity and discretion expected with operational security.

Requirements to apply

To work for the New Zealand Customs Service in this role, you must be able to meet the following requirements:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret* level security clearance.
• Be a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident
• Residing in New Zealand at the time of application
• Have resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 10 years*
• Must have a clear Police record and be able to obtain an Organisational Security clearance.
• Hold a full New Zealand drivers licence

Already having a Top Secret clearance is a benefit, but not a requirement. We'll guide you through the process.

You will also be asked to complete a medical check, drug screening and a physical fitness test**.

(*) If you are a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last 10 years but have been absent from New Zealand for periods of 6-9 months within the past 10 years, preferably in one or more of the following countries: either Australia, Canada, UK or the USA then you may still meet the requirements for a 'secret' clearance.  You will be required to provide overseas Police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.

(**) The physical test, which is part of the recruitment process, measures you against average levels of fitness for your age and gender. You will need to pass the Beep Test to 'average' level (you can find out more about the Beep test online) and some strength based tests.

How to apply… 

The online application process takes a bit of time and requires you tell us your interest and motivation for the role and to provide examples of previous work. It's best to set aside some time when you won't be interrupted.

If you're shortlisted, you'll be asked to complete online psychometric testing.

As you move through the recruitment process, you'll be provided with information about what comes next, so you know what to expect.

For more information on the recruitment process, contact Jasmine at [email protected] 

Close date for applications is Wednesday 4th February 2026 at 5pm.

Discretion is central to covert operational work. If you choose to enter the recruitment process, please do not discuss it with anyone outside of the Customs assessment team.