Director Flight Operations

Cohesion Consulting NZ; Auckland; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Cohesion Consulting NZ in Auckland operates an ambitious, global aviation network and seeks a Director of Flight Operations to lead the safe, compliant delivery of flight and ground operations, including aviation security.

Based in Auckland and reporting to the Chief Executive, you will balance regulatory obligations with commercial realities, challenge established thinking, and build credibility with pilots, regulators and senior leaders in a dynamic international airline environment.

Qualifications

• ATPL with current rating (required) and 6,000 flight hours with 4,000 PIC.
• Experience with aviation regulators (CAA or equivalent) and regulatory audits/investigations.
• Strong leadership, safety culture and regulatory compliance mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead Flight Operations, Ground Operations and Aviation Security with strong regulatory oversight.
• Maintain strong operational control, discipline and regulatory compliance.
• Represent the airline confidently with regulators during audits and investigations.
• Provide commercial judgement and identify efficiency improvements in operations.
• Lead pilots and operations staff across New Zealand, Australia and international markets.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to advance the airline’s capability and operating model.
• Challenge existing practices and contribute to ongoing development of the airline.

Skills

Leadership experience

Flight hours 6000

PIC hours 4000

Regulatory knowledge

Audits/Investigation experience

Aviation industry knowledge

Stakeholder management

Commercial judgement

Education

ATPL with current rating

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Cohesion Consulting NZ – Auckland airport, North Island

Already an established international operator, this cargo airline is entering its next phase of growth across New Zealand, Australia and its wider global network. Entrepreneurial and solutions-focused, the business is continuing to evolve its operations, capability and ways of working as it grows.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a significant flight operations function and play an influential role in the continued development of the business. Based in Auckland and reporting to the Chief Executive, the Director of Flight Operations will be responsible for the safe, compliant and efficient delivery of flight operations, ground operations and aviation security.

The business is looking for an experienced aviation leader who can balance regulatory and safety obligations with commercial realities. You will bring the confidence to challenge established thinking, identify smarter ways of operating and build credibility with pilots, regulators and senior leaders. This is a hands‑on, highly accountable leadership role requiring the flexibility and responsiveness to lead flight operations in a dynamic international airline environment.

The Opportunity

Key responsibilities will include:

• Lead and develop an experienced pilot and operational workforce, ensuring strong capability and operational standards.
• Provide leadership across Flight Operations, Ground Operations and Aviation Security.
• Maintain strong operational control, discipline and regulatory compliance.
• Represent the airline confidently with regulators, including through audits, investigations and compliance matters.
• Bring commercial judgement to operational decisions and identify opportunities to improve efficiency.
• Work collaboratively with senior leaders across New Zealand, Australia and the wider international business.
• Challenge existing practices constructively and contribute to the ongoing development of the airline.

About You

You will be a highly experienced aviation professional with:

• Significant leadership experience within airline or commercial aviation operations.
• An appropriate ATPL with relevant current rating(s).
• Minimum 6,000 flight hours, including 4,000 hours as PIC.
• Strong knowledge of aviation regulation and direct experience working with the CAA or an equivalent regulator.
• Experience participating in regulatory audits or investigations.
• Deep aviation industry knowledge and strong operational credibility.
• A sound understanding of Boeing aircraft and airline operations.
• Strong people leadership, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercial judgement and a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach.