Internal Communications Manager

Auckland Airport; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Auckland Airport is seeking an experienced internal communications leader to drive our internal communications strategy and channels while supporting community relations. You will partner with senior leaders to craft clear, engaging messages that align with our strategy and drive cultural transformation.

You will manage content creation, newsletters and digital channels, measure impact, and guide an advisor as part of our dynamic, multi-site team.

Qualifications

• Requires tertiary qualification in communications, journalism, English or related field.
• Five to six years+ experience in communications, including three in internal communications.

Responsibilities

• Own and deliver internal communications strategy, channels and platforms.
• Partner with senior leaders to develop clear communications that support business priorities.
• Lead change communications to support transformation.
• Build relationships with operations teams and create content/newsletters.
• Measure communications effectiveness and use insights to improve engagement.
• Represent internal communications on the Emergency Management Team and lead employee communications during issues and crises.
• Lead community strategy and volunteering initiatives.

Skills

Strategic comms

Stakeholder mgmt

Change communications

Content writing

Education

Relevant tertiary qual in communications/journalism/English

Tools

SharePoint

Job description

What you will be doing

Reporting to the Head of Corporate Affairs, you'll lead internal communications that educate, engage and inspire. You'll bring our purpose and strategy to life, support cultural transformation and help our people feel connected to where we're heading.

The role combines internal communications (70-80%) with community relations (20-30%) and includes leadership of an Internal Communications Advisor.

In this role, you will:

• Own and deliver our internal communications strategy, channels and supporting platforms.
• Partner with senior leaders, including the Chief Executive, to develop clear, engaging communications that support business priorities.
• Lead change communications that help our people navigate transformation.
• Build strong relationships with our operations teams, creating content and digital newsletters that meet their needs.
• Measure communications effectiveness and use insights to strengthen engagement.
• Represent internal communications on the Emergency Management Team and lead employee communications during issues and crises.
• Lead our community strategy and initiatives, including volunteering, scholarships, sponsorships, and charitable activities.
• Act as a key connector between Auckland Airport and the community, making connections and reporting on the impact of our activities.
• Coach and support your advisor, while modelling our values and commitment to health, safety and wellbeing.

What you will bring to the role

At Auckland Airport, we are a busy hive of activity, and a lot of what we look for is how you would align with our AKL values All In | Tātou tatou - How we feel, Know How | Kōkiri Tahi - How we think and Let's Go | Karawhiua - How we act.

You're an accomplished writer and editor with the confidence to advise senior leaders and the creativity to make communications resonate. You combine strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery and thrive in a complex, changing environment.

To be successful in the role, you'll need:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in communications, journalism, English or related field
• Five to six years-plus experience in working in communications, including three in a specific internal communications role
• Experience working in community engagement, particularly with a focus on South Auckland communities
• Proven ability to drive successful internal communications programmes using a range of channels and techniques including news writing, internal social media, digital engagement, events and activations.
• Able to establish and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders including CEO and Executive team
• Experienced in change communication and using communications to drive cultural transformation
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure
• Strong understanding of best practice internal communications strategies and techniques
• Able to develop strong content - through exemplary writing and editing - which supports and brings to life Auckland Airport's strategy
• Proficient at Sharepoint
• Understanding of analytics and ability to share data in an engaging way
• Experience in a multi-site business or an organisation with a significant operational workforce would be an advantage.

About us

From the arrival of the Tainui Waka into the Manukau Harbour, Auckland Airport has always been a place of journeys. We stand proudly as the gateway to Aotearoa, welcoming travellers beginning their journeys, farewelling Kiwis to new destinations, connecting businesses and workers to new opportunities, and celebrating partners and investors who back us along the way. We have ambitions to be a global hub and a comprehensive development programme to deliver this vision.

With so many moving parts to keep the airport precinct running, it's our collaboration and passion that keeps everything together. This is what our culture and heritage have been built on. When you work with us, you'll share our ambition to be a great New Zealand business, and one that's making a strong contribution to the wellbeing of our communities and economy.

E mahi ana mātou mō Aotearoa. We are working for New Zealand.

Auckland Airport is more than just a business. It's a truly unique place with an important role to play in New Zealand's recovery. Together we're its custodians, knowing that the work we do has the power to create positive change for our customers, the community, the environment and for the prosperity of Aotearoa. We're all about creating a sense of place where everyone can thrive, and one where others aspire to work. We're a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome people from all walks of life.

Whiria te tangata. Our values weave us together. They're what we stand for, who we are and how we act.