Security Project Manager - Local Guard Force (NZ)

Project Manager - Local Guard Force Security Operations

Direct Support Location: U.S. Embassy - Wellington, New Zealand

Satellite Support Location: U.S. Consulate General - Auckland, New Zealand

The U.S. Embassy is seeking a qualified and experienced Project Manager (PM) to lead and manage the local guard force ("LGF") program. The ideal candidate will have a proven background in security operations, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to thrive in high-pressure environments. The PM is tasked with providing proactive program management, the COR with specific information as request in compliance with the contract, and updates on the status of the local guard force on a daily basis. The PM shall be dedicated full time to support this contract. The PM shall be accessible and responsive to the CO or COR on all matters related to performance of this contract 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide daily oversight and proactive program management of the local guard force.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) on contract performance and security posture.
• Analyze regional and local security threats and implement effective countermeasures.
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate data in the myLGP system.
• Conduct quarterly visits to all covered U.S. Mission locations.
• Ensure full compliance with contract requirements, quality control standards, and contingency plans.
• Be available 24/7 and respond in-person within one hour when requested by the COR or GTM.

• Completion of secondary education, polytechnic school, National Diploma, or Associate degree.

• Minimum 5 years of supervisory or command-level experience in police, military, security, or local guard force management.
• At least 5 years of experience in New Zealand or surrounding region.
• Strong understanding of overseas security environments and U.S. Mission-related threats.
• Proficiency in English and local language at S4/R4 level.
• Advanced computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office).
• Experience with all levels of communication and team/project management.

Additional Required Skills

• Deep expertise in physical security and access control.
• Operational knowledge of guard force units and response protocols.
• Effective use of communications and radio procedures.
• Must understand operational methods of all guard force units and zones for response, and maintain a professional demeanor under highly stressful circumstances
• Strong planning, risk assessment, and resource management abilities.
• Oversight of quality control and contract compliance.
• Valid host-country driver’s license.
• Firearms certification (as required by local law and contract).
• Must be authorized to work in New Zealand (no employment sponsorship or relocation support offered)
• Must reside in Wellington.
• Must be accessible at all times and dedicated full-time to this role.