Flight Operations Manager – New Zealand

Heli Preflight; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Rescue Helicopter Ltd. seeks a Flight Operations Manager to lead safe, compliant flight operations across our aeromedical service network in New Zealand.

Reporting to the CEO, you will provide strategic leadership on aviation safety, regulatory compliance and workforce capability, while also performing frontline flying duties as required. Location in Whangārei or Auckland with travel between bases.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience within aviation operations.
• Strong knowledge of aviation safety, compliance and regulatory requirements.
• ATPL (H) licence holder and qualified in multi-engine IFR.
• Track record of leading performance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to develop and lead high-performing teams.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, compliant and effective delivery of all flight operations across Northern Rescue.
• Act as the CAA nominated Senior Person for Flight and Ground Operations.
• Provide strategic leadership across aviation operations, safety, workforce capability, compliance and operational performance.
• Oversee safety, regulatory compliance and operational readiness of crews, aircraft and systems.
• Perform operational flying duties and remain connected to frontline work.
• Travel between Whangārei and Auckland bases as required.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

Aviation safety & compliance

ATPL(H) licence

Multi-engine IFR

Operational performance improvement

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in aviation or related field

Job description

Flight Operations Manager

Company: Northern Rescue Helicopter Ltd
Location: Ardmore, Auckland, New Zealand
Type: Full time
Posted: 11 hours ago

Description

Every second counts.

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 frontier.

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 on 28 September 2026.