Network and Competitive Strategy Analyst (Network Planning Specialist)

Air New Zealand; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff travel benefits

FlexiLeave program

Learning culture

Employee perks programme

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Air New Zealand is seeking a Networks and Competitive Strategy Analyst to shape our future network and lead competitive strategy initiatives. You will blend strategic thinking with analytical expertise to decide where we fly, how we grow, and how we stay ahead in a competitive aviation market.

As a core member of our Network Planning Chapter, you will work across Route Performance, Operations, Finance, Strategy and Scheduling, turning complex analysis into actionable recommendations for

Qualifications

• Strategic, commercial or analytical environment experience.
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management to present insights to leaders.
• Experience developing financial models, forecasts or business cases.
• Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Experience in airline network planning or aviation is an advantage.
• Familiarity with analytics tools and large datasets is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Shape short and long-term network plans by recommending where aircraft capacity is best deployed.
• Build strategic business cases for network growth, new routes and fleet planning opportunities.
• Monitor competitor activity and market developments, translating data into clear recommendations.
• Lead the development and coordination of competitor reporting for senior leadership and Board decisions.
• Develop forecasting, scenario modelling and analytical tools for network planning and budgeting.
• Partner with teams across the business to ensure network plans are viable and aligned to priorities.
• Provide expert analysis and commentary to support informed decisions with safety and growth in focus.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical expertise

Stakeholder management

Financial modelling

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline

Job description

Help shape the future of Air New Zealand's network and competitive strategy.

This is an opportunity to influence how millions of customers connect across Aotearoa and the world. As a Networks and Competitive Strategy Analyst (Network Planning Specialist), you'll combine strategic thinking with analytical expertise to help determine where we fly, how we grow, and how we stay ahead in an increasingly competitive aviation market. Whether you're bringing experience from consulting, corporate strategy, commercial analysis, or aviation, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact while continuing to grow your career.

Air New Zealand is on an exciting journey as we continue to evolve our network and strengthen our position in key markets. As a core member of our Network Planning Chapter, you'll split your time between shaping our future network and leading competitive strategy initiatives. Working alongside talented colleagues across Route Performance, Operations, Finance, Strategy, and Scheduling, you'll turn complex analysis into recommendations that influence decisions from day-to-day planning through to Board-level strategy.

How you'll make an impact

• Shape short and long-term network plans by recommending where aircraft capacity is best deployed to balance commercial performance, operational excellence and customer outcomes.
• Build strategic business cases for network growth, new routes and fleet planning opportunities, using robust analysis to support investment decisions.
• Monitor competitor activity and market developments, translating data and insights into clear recommendations that strengthen our competitive position.
• Lead the development and coordination of competitor reporting, delivering strategic insights that inform senior leadership and Board decision making.
• Develop forecasting, scenario modelling and analytical tools that support network planning, budgeting and long-term decision making.
• Partner with teams across the business and external stakeholders to ensure network plans are commercially viable, operationally achievable and aligned to strategic priorities.
• Provide expert analysis and commentary that supports informed decision making while maintaining a strong focus on safety, operational performance and sustainable growth.

What we're looking for

• Demonstrated experience in a strategic, commercial or analytical environment, such as management consulting, corporate strategy, commercial planning or business analysis.
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to turn complex information into practical recommendations.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with confidence presenting insights to senior leaders.
• Experience developing financial models, forecasts or business cases to support strategic decisions.
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Experience within airline network planning or aviation is an advantage, but not essential.
• Familiarity with analytics tools, large datasets, databases, coding or natural language analytics is advantageous, but not essential.
• The ability to think strategically while remaining comfortable working with detailed analysis and data.

We want our people to live their best lives and access great benefits that support their lives outside work.

What we can offer you

• Generous staff travel benefits for you, your friends and whānau.
• FlexiLeave, giving you the option to purchase up to four additional weeks of leave each year.
• A learning culture that supports your growth through meaningful experiences and on-the-job development opportunities.
• Access to discounts on hotels, retail, banking, insurance, gyms and more through our employee perks programme.
• Wellbeing support, including our Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Hub, and access to discounted healthcare options.

Additional Information

At Air New Zealand, we are proudly committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and believe in creating a truly inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves and thrive. Our people are our greatest asset – because while everything else we do in our operation can be replicated by our competitors, it is our people that truly set us apart. We are firm believers in celebrating the differences and diversity of thought our people bring to their roles. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those with a disability, additional health and mental health needs, and/or are neurodiverse to apply for our roles.

If you have encountered any accessibility barriers and require further information or reasonable accommodations to our recruitment process, please reach out to the recruiter listed on this job advert so they are able to support you to freely participate equitably in our recruitment and selection process.

"Seek to bring distant horizons closer. Once near, seize them and make them your reality."