Flight Operations Manager

Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers; Franklin; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Rescue is seeking an experienced Flight Operations Manager to lead the safe, compliant delivery of flight operations across our aeromedical network in New Zealand. Reporting to the CEO, you will act as the CAA nominated Senior Person for Flight and Ground Operations, providing strategic leadership across safety, compliance and performance while remaining connected to frontline flying.

Location options include Whangārei (Onerahi) or Auckland (Ardmore) with travel between bases as

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience within aviation operations.
• Strong knowledge of aviation safety, compliance and regulatory requirements.
• ATPL (H) licence and multi-engine IFR operations qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the safe, compliant delivery of all flight operations across the aeromedical network.
• Provide strategic leadership across aviation operations, safety, workforce capability, compliance and operational performance.
• Act as the CAA nominated Senior Person for Flight and Ground Operations.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams and foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
• Maintain frontline connection with flying crews and operational delivery.

Skills

Senior leadership

Aviation operations

Stakeholder management

Change leadership

Communication

Continuous improvement

Team development

Safety culture

Education

ATPL(H) licence holder

Multi-engine IFR operations qualification

Job description

Northern Rescue operates the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Northland Westpac Rescue Helicopter services, delivering critical emergency air ambulance, rescue and medical transport services across Te Tai Tokerau and Tāmaki Makaurau. Our crews operate 24/7, providing lifesaving care and transport to communities across Northern New Zealand.

Behind every mission is a highly skilled team committed to safety, operational excellence and outstanding patient outcomes. We are now seeking an experienced aviation leader to join Northern Rescue as our Flight Operations Manager.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Flight Operations Manager is responsible for leading the safe, compliant and effective delivery of all flight operations across Northern Rescue. As the CAA nominated Senior Person for Flight and Ground Operations, you will provide strategic leadership across aviation operations, safety, workforce capability, compliance and operational performance.

This is a significant leadership role with responsibility for shaping the future of Flight Operations while ensuring our crews, aircraft and systems remain operationally ready to deliver critical aeromedical services. The role also includes operational flying duties, providing a unique opportunity to remain connected to the frontline work of Northern Rescue.

Location: Whangārei (Onerahi) or Auckland (Ardmore), with travel between bases as required.

You are an experienced aviation leader who combines strategic thinking with a practical understanding of operational delivery. You have a strong track record of leading teams, building capability and fostering a culture where safety, professionalism and continuous improvement are at the forefront.

You’ll bring:

• Senior leadership experience within aviation operations
• Strong knowledge of aviation safety, compliance and regulatory requirements
• Experience as an ATPL (H) licence holder and be qualified in multi engine IFR operations
• Experience leading operational performance and continuous improvement initiatives
• The ability to develop and lead high-performing teams
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills
• A collaborative, solutions-focused approach and the ability to lead through change
• Experience within aeromedical, helicopter or emergency service operations will be highly regarded.

Why join Northern Rescue?

This is a rare opportunity to lead Flight Operations within one of New Zealand's most respected aeromedical organisations.

You’ll play a vital role in ensuring our aviation teams can continue delivering the safe and reliable service that communities depend on every day. Working alongside passionate professionals, you’ll help shape the future of an organisation whose impact is measured not just in flights flown, but in lives helped.

Applications close at the close of business on28 September 2026.