Portfolio Manager - Owned Assets

Shape the performance of a unique international property portfolio

• Lead a complex portfolio supporting New Zealand’s presence around the world
• Turn strategy into smart investment, risk and performance decisions
• Join a new leadership team with significant scope to reshape how we work
• Wellington based, permanent full time

Help reshape how MFAT manages a unique international asset portfolio, making the investment, risk and performance decisions that support New Zealand’s presence around the world. This is more than a portfolio management role. It is an opportunity to help shape a new approach to managing MFAT’s global assets, improving performance today while building a smarter, more disciplined portfolio for the future.

About the role – Kōrero mō te tūranga

MFAT manages a distinctive international property asset portfolio operating across diverse markets, operating environments and risk settings. We are reshaping how that portfolio is managed, with a stronger focus on strategy, information, portfolio performance and disciplined investment decision-making.

As Portfolio Manager – Owned Assets, you will be at the centre of that shift. Reporting to the Divisional Manager, you will take accountability for the performance, risk and lifecycle outcomes of a defined portfolio of owned assets. You will translate strategy into practical portfolio decisions, balancing investment, risk, performance and value in a complex international environment.

You will bring together commercial, financial, technical and operational information to make sound portfolio outcomes/conclusions and provide clear, trusted advice to senior leaders. You will also support key outsourced facilities and maintenance service relationships, lifting service performance while progressively simplifying and consolidating fragmented arrangements across the global network. As a member of the Asset Management Division leadership team, you will have a wider role in shaping the division itself: building a more information-centred, strategy-led and streamlined asset management function that makes the best use of internal and external capability. There is significant scope to make a difference. We are looking for someone who sees that as an opportunity.

You will:

• Own portfolio performance, with clear accountability for risk, lifecycle and asset outcomes.
• Turn strategy into investment decisions, managining portfolio planning, prioritisation and optimisation.
• Use information intelligently, bringing together financial, commercial, technical and operational perspectives to support better decisions.
• Lift outsourced service performance, strengthening contract management, simplifying arrangements and driving continuous improvement.
• Navigate complexity, making pragmatic choices and escalating material risks when required.
• Help shape the future of AMD, contributing to the strategy, performance and evolution of the division as a member of its team.

For more detail you can view a copy of the position description here.

The salary range for this role is $174,699 to midpoint $205,530 total remuneration, inclusive of our KiwiSaver employer contribution. We expect to appoint depending on your level of experience. Some international travel will be required from time to time. 

Who are we looking for? – Mā wai te mahi nei?

You will be an experienced asset, property or infrastructure leader who combines commercial judgement with practical delivery.

You are comfortable operating where the answer is not always obvious. You can quickly get across complex information, identify what matters, make sensible trade-offs and turn strategy into action.

You will bring:

• Significant experience managing complex asset, property or infrastructure portfolios.
• Strong portfolio planning, lifecycle management and investment capability.
• Commercial and financial acumen, with the judgement to balance competing investment, performance and risk considerations.
• Strong procurement, contract and outsourced service management capability.
• The ability to turn complex information into clear advice and decisive action.
• Credibility with senior stakeholders and the confidence to collaborate constructively.
• A track record of guiding people, improving performance and driving change.
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Māori and Māori customs and protocols would be beneficial.   

Most importantly, you will be motivated by the opportunity to build something better, not simply inherit and administer what exists today.

Why MFAT? - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Aorere?

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options consistent with guidance from the Public Service Commission.  Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.

MFAT is Rainbow Tick accredited. We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and a sense of belonging.  We welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds. 

About us - Mō mātou

Our people represent New Zealand on and offshore, and in doing so make New Zealanders safer and more prosperous.  By building connections with and influencing other countries and international institutions, we advance New Zealand’s interests and pursue New Zealand's values.  We provide advice to the Government on the implications for New Zealand of what is happening in the world. 

To Apply/Interested? - Me pēhea te tuku tono

Apply today by submitting your CV and cover letter. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and suitable candidates may be invited to interview prior to the closing date.

For a confidential discussion please email recruitment@mfat.govt.nz

To be considered for this position at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade you must be a NZ citizen. 

You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top secret security clearance at the required level. Ordinarily, to obtain this level of clearance candidates must have sufficient checkable background in countries where meaningful and reliable checks can be undertaken. Where requisite checks are unable to be made, the candidate application may not be able to be progressed.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Top secret security clearance . Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Applications close at midnight on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.

 Please note: This is not a Foreign Policy/diplomatic role.  This is a ‘Corporate’ role (known here as a specialist role based in central Wellington, NZ.  

While it is not usual for specialist staff to be ‘posted’ outside of NZ, from time to time a specialist role overseas becomes available at one of our embassies, high commissions, missions or consulates. To be considered for one of these positions you would need to apply and be considered via a competitive recruitment process.

If you do have an interest in an MFAT foreign policy/diplomatic career, you would be welcome to apply for this either via our graduate recruitment or mid-level foreign policy recruitment campaigns.