Principal Advisor - Security

We’re looking for a confident and collaborative Principal Advisor Security to help shape how physical and personnel security is understood and implemented across a diverse, nationwide organisation.

This is not a traditional technical security role — it’s about embedding a culture of security, educating frontline staff, and ensuring practices are integrated into day-to-day operations.

You’ll support locations across New Zealand, responding to incidents, conducting physical security assessments, and reviewing existing policies and practice in line with Protective Security Requirements. But your real impact will come from your ability to engage the business — including those delivering front line services in challenging environments — and help them understand and adopt better security behaviours.

You’ll work closely with the Chief Security Officer and wider agency networks to contribute to forums and seek out external insights.

This is a great opportunity to apply your skills in a role that blends strategic thinking, hands-on delivery, and meaningful engagement with diverse front line teams.

Responsibilities

You’ll play a key role in strengthening governance, physical and personnel security across the organisation by leading engagement, driving improvements, and embedding good practice into business-as-usual. Your responsibilities will include:

• Building trusted relationships across the business to embed a culture of security, particularly with front line staff and leadership
• Leading incident response for physical and personnel security matters and supporting investigations
• Delivering clear, engaging training and guidance — moving from one-way delivery to collaborative, practical support
• Conducting physical security assessments at sites around the country (approx. one trip per month)
• Reviewing and improving existing PSR policies, procedures, and training materials
• Supporting the organisation’s shift to a proactive, embedded model for managing protective security.

Requirements

We’re looking for someone who combines knowledge with strong people skills and the ability to influence and educate others:

• Experience in physical and/or personnel security, emergency management, ideally within a large, complex organisation
• Knowledge of Protective Security Requirements across government
• Confident communicator who can engage and educate non-technical audiences
• Proven ability to build relationships, influence behaviours, and drive cultural change
• Sound judgement, practical mindset, and strong situational awareness
• Willingness to travel (monthly) and be part of an on-call roster
• Eligible for, or currently holds, national security clearance
• Ambitious, career-focused, and looking to make a meaningful impact

Applications close Friday the 4^th of July 2025.

Robert Walters endeavours to review all applications in a maximum of five working days. If you have not received correspondence within this timeframe please do not hesitate to contact Gabriella Vettoretti on 04 471 9711.