Manager, Standards

Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand; 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 matching 4%

Vision assistance

Flu vaccinations

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand seeks a proactive Manager, Standards in Wellington to lead a high-profile team responsible for aviation personnel licensing standards and examiner systems. You’ll drive strategy, prioritise work and foster high-quality regulatory work in a national context.

You will set direction, coach teams, and ensure strong collaboration with industry and partners while maintaining safety and compliance across licensing frameworks.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong regulatory and aviation standards 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, 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

Coaching

Regulatory oversight

Stakeholder engagement

Decision making

Education

ICAO CPL or ATPL licence

Job description

Job description

• 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.

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

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.

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

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