People Team Lead

At DEFEND our dream is “to improve everyday life by creating a cyber resilient world.” We achieve this by being passionately invested in our purpose of “always delivering industry leading cybersecurity” to improve the cyber resilience of our customers. To achieve this, we will join our customers on their cyber resilience journey and ensure we always deliver excellent outcomes in accordance with the DEFEND Way. As a team, we are trusted experts in the eyes of our customers and the market. We confidently make the right decisions and embrace innovation to drive better outcomes. Transparency, collaboration, and open communication with our customers, partners, and peers guide how we work. We are caring and considerate in every interaction, fostering genuine relationships built on respect and empathy. Above all, we are personally invested in our dream and dedicated to achieving our purpose, together. We are seeking a People Team Lead to join our Professional Services team. As the People Team Lead, you will champion a people-first approach, driving staff development and aligning performance with organisational goals. You will be responsible for optimising processes such as onboarding, goal setting, performance reviews, and career development, while fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture. Your work will ensure that employees thrive in a demanding industry and contribute to DEFEND’s ongoing success.

Key Responsibilities include:

Employee Care & Support: Provide confidential one-on-one guidance to employees, addressing both personal and professional matters, and ensuring their wellbeing. Manage leave requests in line with company policies. Onboarding & Integration: Oversee the onboarding process, ensuring new employees have a positive experience and are equipped for success from day one. Performance & Development: Support employees in setting and reviewing performance goals, facilitate performance reviews, and provide constructive feedback. Collaborate on career development plans and coordinate training programmes. Lead the performance management process, including Performance Improvement Plans where necessary. Leadership Contribution: Actively participate in the DEFEND leadership team, modelling company values and contributing to cross-functional business outcomes. At least 1-year relevant work experience working in a complex environment Bachelor’s degree or above in a relevant area such as applied management, human resources, sociology, is mandatory. Understanding of New Zealand employment legislation Proven performance and behaviour management, experience in building positive team cultures, coaching/mentoring, and change management. Excellent written and verbal communication, facilitation and influencing skills, high emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking. Experience working in the technology industry is preferred This position is a full-time, permanent role with 40 hours (please make sure it is correct) of work per week, from Monday to Friday. What’s great about working for DEFEND? By joining our innovative and creative team you will have the opportunity to contribute a variety of cybersecurity outcomes, from culture & awareness of cyber resilience, through to offensive & defensive security, developing yourself in technology and digital delivery across multiple sectors.

Diversity & Inclusion:

We’re committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our goal is to be recognised as an employer of choice for all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, generation, flexible work status, family circumstances, sexual orientation, or disability. Each addition to our team is an opportunity to grow and diversify our ideas, experiences, and viewpoints.