Flight Operations Manager

Northern Rescue Helicopter; Whangarei; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Rescue Helicopter is seeking an experienced aviation leader to join as Flight Operations Manager, overseeing safe, compliant flight operations in the Northland and Auckland regions.

Reporting to the CEO, you will shape the future of Flight Operations, act as the CAA Senior Person, and balance strategic leadership with occasional frontline flying duties across Whangārei (Onerahi) or Auckland (Ardmore) with travel between bases as required.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, compliant and effective delivery of all flight operations across Northern Rescue.
• Provide strategic leadership across aviation operations, safety, workforce capability, compliance and performance.
• Perform operational flying duties while overseeing frontline delivery.

Skills

Senior leadership

Aviation safety

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Change leadership

Continuous improvement

Communication

Team development

Education

ATPL (H) licence holder

Multi-engine IFR operations

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.

Northern Rescue Helicopter – Whangarei, North Island

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.

please contact**************@northernrescue.org.nz

Applications close at the close of business on 28 September 2026.