Manager, Standards

New Zealand Government Joba; Wellington; On-site; NZD 161,000 - 224,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks annual leave

Sick leave from day 1

Domestic leave annually

KiwiSaver up to 4%

Vision assistance

Flu vaccinations

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in Wellington seeks a driven leader to manage the Standards team responsible for aviation personnel licensing standards, examiner systems and regulatory guidance.

You will set direction, priorities and nurture a high-performance team in a nationally important role.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading high-performing teams in a regulatory environment.
• Strong aviation licensing, standards and personnel licensing frameworks knowledge.
• Excellent judgement, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and energise the Standards team to deliver with focus and confidence.
• Set clear priorities across licensing standards, examiner systems and related projects.
• Drive continuous improvement, modernisation and timely delivery of regulatory work.
• Build relationships with industry, training organisations and regulatory partners.
• Strengthen safety outcomes through effective leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory affairs

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

ICAO CPL or 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 reachBring drive, pace and strong leadership to complex regulatory workPermanent, Wellington-based roleAbout the RoleReady 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.Key ResponsibilitiesLead, coach and energise the Standards team to deliver with focus and confidenceSet clear priorities across licensing standards, guidance, examiner systems and standards-related projectsDrive continuous improvement, modernisation and deliveryTurn complex technical and regulatory issues into clear decisions and practical actionBuild strong relationships with industry, training organisations, examiner networks and regulatory partnersStrengthen safety outcomes, consistency and sector confidence through effective leadershipThe salary band for this role is $160,911 - $224,304, with the mid-range being $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 BringYou'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 teamsResilience and the ability to maintain momentum through complexityStrong technical credibility in aviation licensing, aviation standards, personnel licensing frameworks or regulatory oversightExcellent judgement, communication, influence and stakeholder engagement skillsThe confidence to set direction, make timely decisions and ensure accountability for outcomesA track record of delivering improvement through competing prioritiesYou'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 UsThe 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 serviceSick leave entitlements from day 1 and ten days domestic leave annuallyMatching KiwiSaver contributions up to 4%Vision assistanceFlu vaccinationsEmployee Assistance ProgrammeReady to Apply?Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience aligns with the requirements of this role.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, 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 the Recruitment team at [e-mail] close: Friday 9 October 2026