Product Practices Manager

Role overview

New Zealand Customs Service is seeking an experienced Product Practices Manager to champion modern product and delivery ways of working across its Digital & Technology function. This permanent, full-time position based in Wellington is focused on improving consistency, delivery flow, and high-quality outcomes across teams.

In this role, you will help teams align discovery, prioritisation, and execution, while strengthening planning routines and setting practical standards that support better business impact. You will also act as a dependable advisor to leaders, helping to lift delivery maturity through continuous improvement and clear, outcome-focused guidance.

What the role involves

• Shape and roll out product management and delivery practices across Digital & Technology.
• Set principles, standards, and shared working methods throughout the product lifecycle.
• Improve delivery planning, coordination, and team operating rhythms.
• Coordinate Big Room Planning and run workshops that support alignment, prioritisation, and smoother flow of work.
• Track delivery health, risks, and cross-team dependencies.
• Lead initiatives that improve delivery performance, predictability, and overall outcomes.
• Offer practical advice and support to leaders on product and delivery practices.

Experience and strengths needed

• Background in product management, product operations, or delivery practice roles.
• Proven ability to introduce consistent ways of working in complex environments.
• Strong skills in stakeholder engagement, influence, facilitation, and workshop leadership.
• Experience improving delivery flow, performance, and team effectiveness.
• Motivation to help teams perform well and deliver meaningful outcomes.

Working at Customs

You will contribute to work that supports New Zealand’s borders and economy, while being part of a collaborative and forward-looking environment. The role offers the opportunity to influence how work is delivered across a diverse stakeholder landscape.

Application conditions

To work at Customs, applicants must be New Zealand citizens or New Zealand permanent residents who meet the residency requirements described for security clearance purposes. Candidates must also be able to obtain and maintain an organisational security clearance, have a clear police record, and pass a drug test.

For eligibility, applicants must either have lived continuously in New Zealand for the past 5 years and be residing in New Zealand at the time of application, or have lived in New Zealand for the past 5 years with only limited absences of six months or less within that period, preferably to Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, or the United States, and be able to provide overseas police certificates for those periods spent outside New Zealand.

Applications are to be submitted online with an updated CV and cover letter. The closing time is 11pm on Tuesday 14 July 2026. Early applications are encouraged, as shortlisting may begin before the advertised deadline and the vacancy may close sooner.

Customs will manage the recruitment process internally and is not working with recruitment agencies for this vacancy.

New Zealand Customs Service is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and supports an inclusive workplace with equal employment opportunities for all candidates who meet the role requirements.