Scrum Master
Salary: $126,827 - $146,989 (including 4% superannuation)
Mō te tūnga | About the role
We're establishing a new Cyber Operations Application Team (COAT) that will help protect and strengthen critical NZDF digital capabilities. As Scrum Master, you'll play a key role in building a high performing Agile delivery environment, enabling teams to deliver secure, resilient and mission critical cyber capabilities.
This is a rare opportunity to help establish a brand new team, influence ways of working, and support the delivery of technology solutions that directly contribute to NZDF's operational effectiveness and New Zealand's security.
You will be responsible for fostering Agile delivery excellence, coaching teams to achieve their full potential, removing obstacles to delivery, and promoting continuous improvement across cyber initiatives. Working closely with Product Owners, engineers and stakeholders, you'll help ensure the successful delivery of secure and reliable cyber capabilities.
This will include:
Facilitating Agile ceremonies and promoting Scrum best practice.
Coaching teams in Agile ways of working and continuous improvement.
Removing barriers and resolving issues that impact delivery outcomes.
Supporting Product Owners with planning, prioritisation and delivery.
Building strong relationships across NZDF, government and industry partners.
Coordinating technical and testing activities to support delivery success.
Applications may be reviewed upon receipt. It is advised to apply early to avoid disappointment, as this role may close ahead of time due to a high volume of applicants.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience
This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Scrum Master to help further develop NZDF’s cyber capability while contributing to work of national significance.
You will be a collaborative and influential leader with a track record of enabling high performing teams, fostering Agile maturity, and delivering complex technology outcomes in evolving environments.
You will bring:
Strong knowledge of Scrum, Agile principles and modern delivery practices.
Experience coaching teams to achieve high performance and continuous improvement.
Proven ability to facilitate delivery across complex technical environments.
Experience identifying and removing barriers to successful delivery.
Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
Experience supporting Product Owners with planning and backlog management.
A focus on building team capability, collaboration and delivery excellence.
Scrum Master certification (CSM, PSM or equivalent).
SAFe certification or experience working in scaled Agile environments desirable.
Cyber security, infrastructure or technical delivery experience advantageous.
No candidate is expected to meet every desired skill / experience listed. If your background differs from what we’ve outlined but you believe you can contribute to the role, we encourage you to apply.
This role may require travel to support operational and business requirements.
Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you
Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.
NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply
Applications close on Tuesday 1 September 2026.
Use the links on this page where you’ll be directed to the Defence Careers website.
Please Note:
All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.
NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.
NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.
NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.
Please Note:
To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here’s what you need to know:
Higher Level Security Clearance
You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.
You must have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.
If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.