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Expression of Interest: Consulting in EY's Defence and National Security practice

Location:  Wellington
Other locations:  Anywhere in Country
Salary: Competitive
Date:  6 Aug 2026

Job description

Requisition ID:  1732994

At EY, we’re all in to shape your future with confidence. 

 

We’ll help you succeed in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go. 

 

Join EY and help to build a better working world.

 

 

 

Expression of Interest: Consulting in EY’s Defence and National Security practice

 

Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi 

 

With your contribution and my contribution, together we will thrive.

 

 

Hei Oranga Iwi | The opportunity

 

Thinking about your next career move? Interested in meaningful work with real-world impact? Join an inclusive, high-performing team with a clear commitment to delivering results for New Zealand.

 

We are growing our Defence and National Security practice and are seeking Expressions of Interest from high-performing consultants and public servants across a range of experience levels. Whether you are building your consulting career or bring deep sector expertise, we would welcome a conversation.

 

This is an opportunity to contribute to high-impact work for government clients, with a particular focus on Defence and National Security. You will support complex, nationally significant programmes while developing your consulting skills in a collaborative and values-led environment.

 

Why EY Government and Public Sector?

 

EY’s Government and Public Sector practice offers a distinctive consulting experience for people who want to work on issues that matter and develop alongside experienced practitioners:

 

  • Work at the centre of New Zealand Government, supporting outcomes of national significance
  • Contribute to diverse and complex programmes across operations, procurement, asset management, investment management and organisational transformation
  • Build strong public sector experience through meaningful client engagements and exposure to senior stakeholders
  • Be part of a connected national practice, with Wellington preferred and Auckland or Christchurch considered for the right candidate

 

This is a hybrid position based in our Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington). Our roles can potentially be adjusted to work flexibly with reduced hours. Please speak with us about potential options.

 

Ko Tō Rourou | Your key responsibilities 

 

  • Apply structured thinking to public sector, defence and national security challenges, with a practical, outcomes-focused mindset
  • Support impactful government projects across operations, procurement, asset management, investment management and transformation
  • Work closely with clients and EY teams to deliver sustainable change in complex environments
  • Analyse information, develop insights and support evidence-based decision-making

 

Ngā Pūkenga | Skills and attributes for success

 

  • A strong interest in New Zealand Government and public sector delivery
  • Practical experience in consulting, policy, defence, national security, emergency management, infrastructure or other complex government environments
  • Curiosity about how systems work and how they can be improved
  • A personal commitment to high standards, strong judgement and a willingness to take ownership of challenges and opportunities
  • Strong written and verbal communication, analytical and stakeholder engagement skills, with a practical focus on delivery
  • Exposure to business case development, AI, operating model design or complex organisational and governance environments would be an advantage

 

Security clearance eligibility

 

Some roles in this practice require the ability to obtain and maintain an appropriate New Zealand Government security clearance. Candidates must meet relevant citizenship, residency and background-check requirements.

 

  • You must be a New Zealand citizen, or hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
  • You may need to have lived continuously in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom or the United States of America for the last ten years.
  • You must have a ten-year background history that can be verified and assessed as part of the clearance process.

 

If you are unsure whether you meet these requirements, we encourage you to raise this during the EOI process.

 

Ideally, you’ll have the skills and attributes but don’t worry if you don’t tick all the boxes. We’re interested in your aptitude, attitude and willingness to learn.

 

  • Join EY’s leading Government and Public Sector practice, working on priorities that matter for New Zealand
  • Learn from senior leaders with deep government, defence, national security and transformation experience
  • Access to EY’s globally recognised learning and development programmes
  • Flexible working, strong wellbeing benefits and an inclusive culture where people are supported to do their best work

 

Ko Taku Rourou | What we offer you

 

At EY, we’ll fuel you and your extraordinary talents in a diverse and inclusive culture of globally connected teams.

 

  • Career development: At EY, your career is yours to shape! We’ll develop you with future-focused skills and equip you with world-class experiences www.ey.com/nz/careerdevelopment
  • Flexible work arrangements: Our flexible work policies empower you to balance your professional and personal life, fostering a culture of trust and autonomy.
  • A comprehensive benefits package: From a yearly wellness incentive, to access to additional 8 weeks of flex leave per year, and family-friendly policies, including up to 26 weeks of gender-neutral paid parental leave, we cater to your diverse needs to help you thrive both personally and professionally www.ey.com/nz/benefits    

 

Inclusiveness is core to who we are and how we work together, driving value for our people and for our business. We encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, cultures, sexual orientations, and gender identities and are committed to providing an equitable and barrier free recruitment experience for all. We encourage you to share any support and adjustments you need to be your best and participate equitably in our recruitment process. We understand sharing your needs with us can be daunting, so if you have questions before or during your application, we welcome you to get in touch at contactrecruitment@au.ey.com or +64 9 300 7044 (option 2). Anything you tell us will be kept completely confidential.

 

He rourou kai kei ō ringa hei tākoha? Tēnā haria mai!  

 

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today

#LI-Hybrid

 

EY | Building a better working world 

 

Our preferred applicant will be required to undertake employment screening by EY or our external third-party provider. 

 

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