Director Flight Operations

Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers; Auckland; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Auckland-based senior aviation leader is sought to head Flight Operations, Ground Operations and Aviation Security for a growing international carrier. The role requires ATPL with current rating, 6,000+ flight hours (4,000 PIC), and strong regulatory acumen.

You will lead pilots and operations teams, ensure compliance, and shape operational strategy in a dynamic global network. You will interact with regulators and senior leaders, driving efficiency while maintaining safety and compliance in a

Qualifications

• ATPL with current rating required.
• Minimum 6,000 flight hours with 4,000 hours as PIC.
• Experience with CAA or equivalent regulator.
• Experience participating in regulatory audits or investigations.
• Strong leadership and people-management capability.
• Deep aviation industry knowledge and credibility.
• Solid understanding of Boeing aircraft operations.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercial judgement with pragmatic, solutions-focused approach.
• Ability to operate in a demanding international environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop an experienced pilot and operational workforce.
• Provide leadership across Flight Operations, Ground Operations and Aviation Security.
• Maintain strong regulatory compliance and operational discipline.
• Represent the airline with regulators and during audits or investigations.
• Apply commercial judgement to operational decisions to improve efficiency.
• Collaborate with senior leaders across NZ, Australia and international networks.
• Challenge existing practices to drive ongoing improvement.

Skills

Leadership

ATPL

Flight hours

Regulatory knowledge

Audits/Investigations

Aviation industry knowledge

Boeing aircraft knowledge

Stakeholder management

Commercial judgement

Resilience under pressure

Education

ATPL with current rating

Job description

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.
• The maturity, resilience and confidence to operate effectively in a demanding environment.

Why Consider This Role?

This is a senior and influential aviation leadership opportunity within an entrepreneurial international business. You will work closely with the Chief Executive and senior leadership team, lead an experienced operational workforce and have the opportunity to shape how the airline operates as it continues to grow.