Manager, Organisations

Civil Aviation Authority of NZ; Wellington; On-site; NZD 161,000 - 197,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Sick leave entitlement from Day 1

Matching KiwiSaver up to 4%

Vision assistance

Flu Vaccinations

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

The Civil Aviation Authority of NZ is seeking a seasoned leader to head the Organisations team in Wellington (with options for Auckland/Christchurch). You will oversee certification, regulatory oversight and monitoring activities across key aviation sectors, requiring Part 121 flight operations experience and ICAO ATPL licence.

Travel NZ-wide will be expected. Demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking and collaboration with stakeholders are essential to deliver safe, effective regulatory

Qualifications

• ICAO ATPL pilots' licence with Part 121 flight operations experience.
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary teams.
• Extensive aviation regulatory oversight experience.
• Strong analytical and decisional abilities.
• Excellent stakeholder relationship management.
• In-depth knowledge of Civil Aviation Act and Parts 121/129/119.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop a high performing team of aviation inspectors.
• Drive the delivery of certification, renewal and regulatory monitoring oversight activities.
• Strengthen regulatory performance through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with industry, training organisations and regulatory partners.
• Travel regularly to engage with aviation organisations across New Zealand.

Skills

Part 121 Flight Ops Leadership

People leadership

Regulatory oversight

Stakeholder management

Analytical decision-making

Education

ICAO ATPL pilots' licence

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. Lead regulatory oversight across high-impact aviation sectors Drive safety outcomes through people leadership and sound judgement Permanent position based in Wellington. Other locations may be considered.

As the Manager, Organisations, you'll lead a multi-disciplinary team responsible for certification, regulatory oversight and monitoring activities across key sectors of New Zealand's aviation system. We are looking for an experienced leader, with Part 121 Flight Operations experience to lead the team of technical experts. You will collaborate and influence across the whole organisation to develop and implement effective regulatory decisions at an operational level.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop a high performing team of aviation inspectors
• Drive the delivery of certification, renewal and regulatory monitoring oversight activities
• Strengthen regulatory performance through continuous improvement initiatives
• Build strong relationships with industry, training organisations, examiner networks and regulatory partners
• Strengthen safety outcomes, consistency and sector confidence through effective leadership

Travel is a regular part of the role and provides the opportunity to engage directly with aviation organisations throughout New Zealand.

This position can be based in Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch however applications from outside these regions will still be considered.

The salary band for this role is $160,911 to $197,441 Starting salaries are based on 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

You're a credible and experienced lead who thrives in complex regulatory environments. You combine strong people leadership with sound judgement, strategic thinking and the ability to deliver results through others. You'll be comfortable balancing operational demands, while building confidence with stakeholders across the aviation sector.

• You hold an ICAO ATPL pilots' licence, have extensive experience with Part 121 airline flight operations, preferably Airline Flight Examiner ratings
• Proven experience leading, developing and motivating high-performing teams
• Extensive experience in aviation regulatory oversight or a comparable regulatory environment
• The ability to analyse complex information and make balanced, well-reasoned decisions
• Excellent relationship management skills and the ability to build trust with a diverse range of stakeholders
• The confidence to set direction, make timely decisions and ensure accountability for outcomes
• Resilience, adaptability and a commitment to continuous improvement and safety outcomes
• Strong understanding and experience of the Civil Aviation Act and Civil Aviation Rule Parts 121/129/119.

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
• Sick leave entitlements from Day 1
• Matching KiwiSaver contributions up to 4%
• Vision assistance
• Flu Vaccinations
• Employee Assistance Programme

If you have any questions about the role or application process, contact the Recruitment team at [e-mail]

Applications close: Thursday 22 October 2026