Airline Workforce Planning & Optimisation Lead

Air New Zealand; Auckland; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Air New Zealand is seeking an experienced Senior Workforce Management Planning and Optimisation Specialist to lead cross-functional projects and apply advanced workforce management expertise to optimise crew utilisation, resource planning and operational efficiency.

You will drive continuous improvement, challenge conventional thinking and shape industry benchmarks for excellence, working within a squad structure to implement changes quickly with minimal disruption and strong risk management.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in workforce management within the airline industry.
• Deep expertise in rostering, resource planning, and training optimisation.
• Experience working across airline resource groups (Pilots, Cabin Crew or Ground).
• Exceptional analytical acumen with data modelling and decision-making tools.
• Strategic thinker with track record balancing long-term vision and short-term impact.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and union agreements.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional projects to optimise crew utilisation and operational efficiency.
• Work within a squad structure to implement changes quickly with risk management.
• Provide expert advice on best practices and emerging trends in airline workforce management.
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses for workforce initiatives to support operational changes.
• Develop and present reports to leadership on workforce strategy impact on performance and profitability.
• Build collaborative relationships with internal teams and external partners to drive change.

Skills

Leadership in workforce management

Rostering

Resource planning

Training optimisation

Advanced data modelling

Decision‑making tools

Regulatory requirements

Union agreements

Pairing optimisation software

Senior stakeholder influence

Tools

Pairing optimisation software

Job description

Air New Zealand is seeking an experienced Senior Workforce Management Planning and Optimisation Specialist to lead cross-functional projects and apply advanced workforce management expertise to optimise crew utilisation, resource planning and operational efficiency.

You will drive continuous improvement, challenge conventional thinking and shape industry benchmarks for excellence, working within a squad structure to implement changes quickly with minimal disruption and strong risk management.