Manager, Aviation Security (Upper North)

Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand; Auckland; On-site; NZD 137,000 - 168,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Sick leave from day one

Ten days domestic leave annually

KiwiSaver matching up to 4%

Vision assistance

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand seeks a dynamic Manager, Aviation Security (Upper North) to lead security operations at Auckland Airport with a strategic and operational focus. You will report to the Regional Head and drive world-class security services while ensuring a positive passenger experience.

You’ll oversee performance, resource planning, business continuity, stakeholder engagement and a high-performing workforce, shaping national aviation security outcomes.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret Security Clearance.
• Hold a full, clean New Zealand Driver Licence.
• Willingness to participate in emergency response and special operations.
• Availability for 24/7 airport operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead aviation security operations at Auckland Airport.
• Oversee performance, planning, business continuity and budgeting.
• Drive continuous improvement and service excellence.
• Build relationships with airports, government agencies and partners.
• Lead, coach and develop operational leaders.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Operational budgeting

People development

Job description

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
• Employee Assistance Programme

We want to ensure accessibility needs are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Please let us know if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible to you.

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