Manager, Aviation Security (Upper North)

New Zealand Government; Auckland; On-site; NZD 137,000 - 168,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Sick leave entitlements from day one

10 days domestic leave annually

KiwiSaver matching up to 4%

Vision assistance

Flu vaccinations

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

The Civil Aviation Authority is seeking a Manager, Aviation Security (Upper North) to provide strategic and operational leadership for Aviation Security at Auckland Airport. You will report to the Regional Head of Aviation Security (Upper North) and oversee performance, resource planning, continuity and stakeholder engagement to deliver world-class security services.

You will lead through experienced operational leaders and drive improvements in service excellence, safety, and passenger

Qualifications

• Experience leading large operational teams through leaders.
• Strong track record of delivering operational performance and continuous improvement.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead aviation security operations at Auckland Airport, ensuring compliance with laws, regulations and operational requirements.
• Drive performance, continuous improvement and customer-focused outcomes across Auckland Airport operations.
• Contribute to strategic planning, business continuity, budgeting, and workforce planning.
• Build and maintain relationships with airports, government agencies and industry partners.
• Coach and develop leaders to build a high-performing operational team.

Skills

Operational leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Financial & budget mgmt

Change management

Job description

The Civil Aviation Authority and the Aviation Security Service offer distinctively different career opportunities and embrace diverse talent. All jobs at the Authority contribute to ensuring safe and secure skies to help New Zealand fly. The Civil Aviation Authority is the regulatory arm of our organisation and the Aviation Security Service is the nationwide provider for aviation security.

Manager, Aviation Security (Upper North) Auckland Airport

At the Civil Aviation Authority, we don’t just keep New Zealand’s skies safe and secure, we help shape the future of aviation.

• Lead aviation security operations at New Zealand's busiest airport and help deliver a safe, secure, and positive passenger experience.
• The opportunity to work with a highly experienced leadership team focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• A senior leadership role with significant influence over Auckland Airport operations and national aviation security outcomes.

About the role

As Manager, Aviation Security (Upper North), you will provide strategic and operational leadership for Aviation Security operations at Auckland Airport. Reporting to the Regional Head of Aviation Security (Upper North), you'll be responsible for ensuring the delivery of world-class aviation security services while supporting a responsive and high-quality passenger experience.

Leading through a team of experienced operational leaders, you'll oversee operational performance, resource planning, business continuity, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement initiatives across a complex and dynamic environment.

As a member of the Aviation Security Leadership Team, you'll contribute to organisational strategy, operational planning, and the ongoing development of a high-performing workforce.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of aviation security operations, ensuring compliance with legislative, regulatory, and operational requirements.
• Drive operational performance, continuous improvement, and service excellence across Auckland Airport operations.
• Contribute to strategic planning, business continuity planning, workforce planning, and budgeting activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with airports, government agencies, industry partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Lead, coach, and develop leaders to build an engaged, capable, and high-performing operational workforce.

Key requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance. Please use this online tool to self-check your eligibility: https://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/guidance/getting-a-national-security-clearance/eligibility-tool
• Hold a full, clean New Zealand Driver Licence
• Willingness to participate in emergency response, special operations and operational activities when required
• Availability to support airport operations in a dynamic 24/7 operational environment as needed

The salary band for this role is $136,939 to $168,191.

Starting salaries are based on the knowledge, skills, and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, as well as internal relativities.

For more information on the role, please view the position description.

What You’ll Bring

If you're a seasoned operational leader who thrives in complex, fast-paced environments and can confidently balance strategic priorities with operational delivery, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to New Zealand's aviation security system. To succeed in this role, you'll demonstrate:

• Significant experience leading large operational teams through leaders.
• A proven track record of delivering operational performance, continuous improvement, and customer-focused outcomes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence across a diverse range of internal and external partners.
• Experience leading organisational change and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including experience managing operational budgets and resources.
• Sound judgement, resilience, and the ability to make decisions in complex operational environments.

About us

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is New Zealand's aviation safety and security regulator. We play a critical role in protecting the travelling public, supporting the aviation sector, and strengthening New Zealand's international reputation.

Our vision is simple and powerful: A safe and secure aviation system, so people are safe, and feel safe when they fly.

Our values: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration guide everything we do.

We're committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute.

Why Join us?

• 5 weeks annual leave, with an additional 2 days after five years of continuous service
• Sick leave entitlements from day one
• Ten days domestic leave annually
• Matching KiwiSaver contributions up to 4%
• Vision assistance
• Flu vaccinations
• Employee Assistance Programme

Applications close: Sunday, 8 November 2026 (11:59 pm).

If you have any questions about the role or application process, contact Matt Parker on [e-mail].

Please be aware that we may start shortlisting as applications come in. We encourage early applications, as the advertisement may close sooner than stated.