Wayne McClelland
Gore,STL
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven manager with extensive leadership experience across retail, operations, and public service. Proven ability to lead high-performing teams, manage complex operations, and deliver strong business results in competitive and fast-paced environments. Skilled in staff development, customer engagement, financial oversight, and stakeholder collaboration. Recognised for a calm, decisive leadership style and a solutions-focused approach that drives performance, fosters team culture, and builds lasting customer relationships. Highly adaptable, commercially astute, and motivated to bring strategic leadership and operational excellence to a branch management role.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
RECRUITING COORDINATOR – NEW ZEALAND ARMY RESERVES
NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE
01.2023 - Current
- Delivered against national growth targets by implementing recruitment and engagement strategies across multiple regions.
- Planned and led promotional events, representing the organisation’s values while engaging with diverse audiences to generate interest and increase applications.
- Built strong networks with schools, tertiary institutions, businesses, and community groups to drive awareness and strengthen the organisation’s reputation.
- Partnered with regional teams and local managers to identify new engagement opportunities, ensuring alignment with broader organisational strategy.
- Managed candidate/customer pipelines, monitoring progress, identifying drop-off risks, and providing tailored support to improve conversion.
- Oversaw onboarding processes, ensuring accurate information, smooth transitions, and positive first impressions for all new members.
- Provided insights and forecasts to senior leaders, enabling data-driven decision-making and resource planning.
- Contributed to continuous improvement by identifying and recommending changes to policy, process, and procedures to improve outcomes.
- Acted as a brand ambassador, consistently role-modelling professionalism and delivering a positive organisational image within the community.
POLICE OFFICER – NEW ZEALAND POLICE
NEW ZEALAND POLICE
01.2009 - 01.2020
- Team Leadership & Supervision – Served as relieving Sergeant/shift supervisor, leading frontline teams, allocating resources, and ensuring performance during high-pressure and fast-moving situations.
- Training & Staff Development – Worked as a Field Training Officer, mentoring and developing new staff to build high-performing, confident, and capable teams.
- Operational Management – Managed rural 2–3 person stations as Officer in Charge, overseeing day-to-day operations, community engagement, and stakeholder relationships with minimal supervision.
- Problem-Solving & Investigations – Led complex and time-sensitive investigations requiring critical thinking, attention to detail, and collaboration across multiple agencies.
- Strategic Project Work – Member of the Organised Crime Targeting Team, delivering targeted operations that required data analysis, planning, and execution to achieve measurable outcomes.
- Customer & Community Engagement – Built strong relationships with diverse communities, resolving issues, de-escalating conflict, and maintaining public confidence and trust.
- Stakeholder Collaboration – Worked closely with emergency services, councils, businesses, and government agencies to deliver coordinated solutions to public safety and operational challenges.
- Performance Under Pressure – Consistently demonstrated calm, decisive leadership in high-stakes situations, ensuring safety, clear communication, and positive outcomes.
SECURITY TEAM LEADER – PRIVATE SECURITY (MIDDLE EAST)
ARMOUR GROUP
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Delivered close protection and site security leadership in high-threat environments.
- Managed security teams in operational planning, convoy movement, and personnel protection.
- Liaised with international agencies and contractors to maintain compliance and safety.
- Liaised with multinational forces intelligence operators for up to date information and also passed on information on locations and routes.
OPERATIONAL DEPLOYMENTS – NZ ARMY (REGULAR & RESERVE FORCES)
NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE
01.1997 - 01.2002
- Managed training, discipline, and operational preparedness for 30+ personnel.
- Ensured delivery of coordinated and safe training activities across multiple units.
- Led deployments overseas, integrating with international forces and local agencies.
- Multiple leadership and career progression courses
Education
DIPLOMA - CONTEMPORARY POLICING
ROYAL NEW ZEALAND POLICE COLLEGE
PORIRUA02.2010
Some College (No Degree) - UNDERSTANDING HUMAN BEHAVIOUR – GRADE A
VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF WELLINGTON
WELLINGTONSome College (No Degree) - SENIOR NON COMMISSIONED OFFICERS COURSE
NZDF ARMY LEADERSHIP CENTRE
NEW ZEALAND11-2023
Skills
- Operational Leadership & Team Management
- Health & Safety (Certified Representative, 2018)
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Risk Management & Situational Awareness
- Staff Development & Training Continuity
- Administrative skills
- Strategic planning
- Interdepartmental coordination
Affiliations
Soldiers Sailors Aviators Association of New Zealand (SSAANZ) - Southern Coordinator - Volunteer
Gore RSA - Executive Committee
Certification
Health and Safety Representative - Vertical Horizonz
Timeline
RECRUITING COORDINATOR – NEW ZEALAND ARMY RESERVES
NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE
01.2023 - Current
POLICE OFFICER – NEW ZEALAND POLICE
NEW ZEALAND POLICE
01.2009 - 01.2020
SECURITY TEAM LEADER – PRIVATE SECURITY (MIDDLE EAST)
ARMOUR GROUP
01.2004 - 01.2006
OPERATIONAL DEPLOYMENTS – NZ ARMY (REGULAR & RESERVE FORCES)
NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE
01.1997 - 01.2002
DIPLOMA - CONTEMPORARY POLICING
ROYAL NEW ZEALAND POLICE COLLEGE
Some College (No Degree) - UNDERSTANDING HUMAN BEHAVIOUR – GRADE A
VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF WELLINGTON
Some College (No Degree) - SENIOR NON COMMISSIONED OFFICERS COURSE
NZDF ARMY LEADERSHIP CENTRE
Area Commanders Commendation - NZ Police
Rescued a suicidal teen who was in the process of jumping off the Mataura River bridge in Gore when the river was in flood.
Similar Profiles
Mark VaurasiMark Vaurasi
Executive Staff Officer at New Zealand Defence Force - Messines Defence CentreExecutive Staff Officer at New Zealand Defence Force - Messines Defence Centre
Cherrie LawsonCherrie Lawson
Facilities Support Officer at New Zealand Defence Force, Linton Military Camp, New ZealandFacilities Support Officer at New Zealand Defence Force, Linton Military Camp, New Zealand
Christine ConnellChristine Connell
Logistics Trade Training Instructor at New Zealand Defence ForceLogistics Trade Training Instructor at New Zealand Defence Force
Gavin CallaghanGavin Callaghan
Dairy Farm Assistant at Chris HendersonDairy Farm Assistant at Chris Henderson
Lindsay AndersonLindsay Anderson
Cleaner of Press Hall at Pile CleaningCleaner of Press Hall at Pile Cleaning