Senior Advisor - Business Improvement & Innovation
New Zealand Customs Service
New Zealand
$106,872-144,582 per year
Permanent
Full-time
3 days ago
Are you a strategic innovator with a passion for user-centred design and continuous improvement?Bring your analytical mindset, collaborative spirit, and drive for positive change to New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa.The Business Improvement & Innovation (BI&I) team, part of the Strategic Systems and Service Optimisation (SSSO) Group, is at the forefront of transforming how Customs delivers services for Aotearoa. We partner across the organisation to understand business challenges, co-design solutions, and deliver real, measurable benefits for trusted travellers, traders, and our people.About this role| Mō tēnei tūranga mahiAs a Senior Advisor in BI&I, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our business improvement and innovation work programme. You'll work collaboratively with other Senior Advisors and Business Analysts, leading and supporting a diverse range of projects and initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, user experience, and organisational capability.You'll engage with stakeholders across Operations, IS, Finance, Policy, Legal and Privacy, using your expertise in business improvement, service design, and project management to identify opportunities, design innovative solutions, and manage projects from discovery through to delivery and post-project review. You'll champion our user-centric, data-driven, and agile approach, ensuring solutions are practical, secure, and aligned with Customs' strategic direction.The salary range for this position is $106,872 to $144,582 (mid-point is $125,732)What you'll be doing | He aha tāu e mahi ana
Leading and supporting business improvement and innovation projects from concept to completion, using the Double Diamond design process and continuous improvement methodologies.
Applying analytical skills to uncover root causes, map user journeys, and support evidence-based decision-making.
Engaging with stakeholders to co-design solutions that deliver tangible benefits.
Managing project delivery, including planning, resourcing, risk management, and reporting to governance groups and stakeholders.
Championing innovation, collaboration, and supporting a culture of learning and safe-to-fail experimentation.
Mentoring and coaching others in business improvement thinking, methodologies, and tools.
What you'll need to be successful | Ko ngā mea ka hiahia e koe kia angitu te haereTo be successful in this role you will need to be able to demonstrate the following:
Experience in business improvement, innovation, or service design, ideally in the public sector.
Strategic thinking and business acumen, with the ability to identify and realise opportunities for efficiency, effectiveness, or improved client service.
Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, able to build trusted relationships at all levels.
Knowledge of project management, Agile principles, process improvement, user-centric design, and how to implement change successfully.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, multidisciplinary team environment.
Commitment to continuous professional development and a growth mindset.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Confidential (*) level National Security clearance.
Requirements to apply | Ngā paearu hei tono(*) This position requires you to obtain and maintain a Confidential level national security clearance.To work for the New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa, you must be able to meet the following requirements:
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 5 years*
Successful applicants are also required to pass a medical assessment, drug test and have a clear Police record.
(*) If you are a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last 5 years but have been absent from New Zealand for periods of 6-9 months within the past five years, preferably in one or more of the following countries: either Australia, Canada, UK or the USA then you will be required to provide overseas Police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.You must have a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service towards a recommendation of suitability for security clearance at a higher level. Already having Confidential clearance is a benefit, but not a requirement.Due to the nature of Customs work you must have a clear Police record. Successful applicants are also required to pass a drug test.What we offer | He aha mātou e tukuWe 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:
A dynamic work environment
20 days annual leave plus 3 days additional paid leave between Christmas and New Year
Discounted Health insurance through Southern Cross
Free annual flu vaccinations.
A career at Customs | Te Mana Ārai could take you anywhere.How to apply | Me pehea te whakauruPlease apply online - we cannot accept applications via email - you must apply using the link provided.Applications close on Friday, 12th September 2025 at 12:00pm (midday) interviews will be held at the end of September at Customhouse, Wellington.The New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role.