Manager, Standards

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 161,000 - 197,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Sick leave from day 1

KiwiSaver employer contributions up to

Vision assistance

Flu vaccinations

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in Wellington leads the Standards team to set aviation licensing standards, examiner systems and regulatory guidance across New Zealand. This permanent role requires a seasoned aviation leader who can drive performance and ensure high-quality regulatory work.

You will oversee a diverse portfolio, shape priorities, and lead a team responsible for critical safety standards in a national context. ICAO CPL/ATPL preferred with examiner ratings would be advantageous.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams.
• Resilience and the ability to maintain momentum through complexity.
• Strong technical credibility in aviation licensing, aviation standards, personnel licensing frameworks or regulatory oversight.
• Excellent judgement, communication, influence and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The confidence to set direction, make timely decisions and ensure accountability for outcomes.
• A track record of delivering improvement through competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and energise the Standards team to deliver with focus and confidence.
• Set clear priorities across licensing standards, guidance, examiner systems and standards-related projects.
• Drive continuous improvement, modernisation and delivery.
• Turn complex technical and regulatory issues into clear decisions and practical action.
• Build strong relationships with industry, training organisations, examiner networks and regulatory partners.
• Strengthen safety outcomes, consistency and sector confidence through effective leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory oversight

Strategic thinking

People management

Change management

Education

ICAO CPL/ATPL 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 the Standards team in a high-profile aviation role with national reach Bring drive, pace and strong leadership to complex regulatory work Permanent, Wellington-based role

About the Role

Ready to lead with purpose, pace and impact? This is a standout opportunity for a driven aviation leader who wants to take ownership of a critical team and make a visible contribution to aviation safety in Aotearoa New Zealand. As Manager, Standards, you'll lead the Standards team responsible for aviation personnel licensing standards, delegated flight examiners, technical guidance and regulatory stewardship. You'll set direction, lift performance, prioritise the work programme and create the conditions for specialists to do high-quality work in a complex, visible and nationally important environment.

The salary band for this role is $160,911 - $197,441. Starting salaries are based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, as well as internal relativities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and energise the Standards team to deliver with focus and confidence
• Set clear priorities across licensing standards, guidance, examiner systems and standards-related projects
• Drive continuous improvement, modernisation and delivery
• Turn complex technical and regulatory issues into clear decisions and practical action
• Build strong relationships with industry, training organisations, examiner networks and regulatory partners
• Strengthen safety outcomes, consistency and sector confidence through effective leadership

What You’ll Bring

You’re a motivated, resilient and credible aviation leader with the drive to lift performance, lead through complexity and deliver results. You bring sound judgement, clarity, emotional intelligence and the ability to get the best from people.

To succeed in this role you’ll demonstrate:

• Proven experience leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams
• Resilience and the ability to maintain momentum through complexity
• Strong technical credibility in aviation licensing, aviation standards, personnel licensing frameworks or regulatory oversight
• Excellent judgement, communication, influence and stakeholder engagement skills
• The confidence to set direction, make timely decisions and ensure accountability for outcomes
• A track record of delivering improvement through competing priorities

You’ll hold or have held an ICAO CPL or ATPL licence, preferably with examiner ratings (a relevant aviation qualification, licence or equivalent experience in an aviation discipline is essential).

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 fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment where everyone feels respected, safe, and valued. Our people are central to our success.

Why Join Us?

At the CAA, your leadership has purpose and reach. You'll lead the Standards team, grow your leadership profile and help ensure aviation standards are effective, proportionate, risk-based and aligned with good regulatory practice.

• 5 weeks annual leave, with an additional 2 days after five years of continuous service
• Sick leave entitlements from day 1 and ten days domestic leave annually
• Matching KiwiSaver contributions up to 4%
• Vision assistance
• Flu vaccinations
• Employee Assistance Programme

Applications close: Friday 9 October 2026