Operations Manager

U-Fly Wanaka; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

U-Fly Wanaka is seeking an experienced aviation professional to join our management team as Operations Manager. This senior role oversees day-to-day flight operations, regulatory compliance, and staff supervision to ensure safe, compliant operation of Part 115 and Part 135 activities.

The successful candidate will be nominated as a suitable CAA Senior Person, subject to NZCAA acceptance, and will work closely with the Director and Safety/Training Managers to lead operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Current NZ Category A or Category B Flight Instructor Rating.
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand Civil Aviation Rules.
• At least three years aviation management or operational leadership experience.
• Experience supervising pilots, instructors or aviation operational staff.
• Sound decision-making and communication skills.
• Strong commitment to aviation safety, compliance and professional standards.
• Ability to work effectively within a busy and growing aviation organisation.
• Experience as Operations Manager, Chief Pilot, Training Manager or similar is highly regarded.
• Experience with the NZ Civil Aviation Authority is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Managing the day-to-day flight operations of U-Fly
• Maintaining operational compliance with CAA Rules, the company exposition and procedures
• Overseeing Part 115 and Part 135 operations
• Providing operational leadership and supervision to pilots and flight instructors
• Monitoring flight operations, crew standards, flight and duty requirements and operational risks
• Ensuring company procedures and operational documentation remain current and effective
• Working closely with the Director, Safety Manager, Training Manager and other senior staff
• Supporting internal audits, corrective actions and continuous improvement
• Liaising with the Civil Aviation Authority where required
• Supporting occurrence management and operational follow-up

Skills

Flight Instructor Rating

Aviation management

Regulatory knowledge

Safety leadership

Staff supervision

Tools

CAA Rules knowledge

Job description

U-Fly Wanaka is seeking an experienced aviation professional to join our management team as Operations Manager. This is a senior position responsible for the day-to-day management of U-Fly's flight operations and the continued safe and compliant operation of our Part 115 and Part 135 activities. The Operations Manager will report directly to the Director and will have a key role in operational oversight, regulatory compliance, staff supervision and the continued development of the organisation. The successful applicant is expected to be nominated as an appropriate CAA Senior Person, subject to acceptance by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority.

Key responsibilities

Managing the day-to-day flight operations of U-Fly

Maintaining operational compliance with applicable CAA Rules, the company exposition and operational procedures

Overseeing Part 115 and Part 135 operations

Providing operational leadership and supervision to pilots and flight instructors

Monitoring flight operations, crew standards, flight and duty requirements and operational risks

Ensuring company procedures and operational documentation remain current and effective

Working closely with the Director, Safety Manager, Training Manager and other senior staff

Supporting internal audits, corrective actions and continuous improvement

Liaising with the Civil Aviation Authority where required

Supporting occurrence management and operational follow-up

About you

A current New Zealand Category A or Category B Flight Instructor Rating

Strong knowledge of New Zealand Civil Aviation Rules and general aviation operations

At least three years of aviation management or operational leadership experience

Experience supervising pilots, instructors or aviation operational staff

Sound decision-making and communication skills

A strong commitment to aviation safety, compliance and professional standards

The ability to work effectively within a busy and growing aviation organisation

Previous experience as an Operations Manager, Chief Pilot, Training Manager, CAA Senior Person or similar aviation management position would be highly regarded

Previous experience working for, or closely with, the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority would be an advantage

About us

U-Fly is a well-established aviation operation based at Wanaka Airport in Central Otago. We currently operate a fleet of seven operational aircraft, with further fleet growth planned over the coming years. Our activities include Part 115 adventure aviation operations, Part 135 air operations, flight training, and training of domestic and international aviation students.

A senior management position within an established aviation business

Significant involvement in the future development of the operation

A varied role covering commercial operations, adventure aviation and flight training

Flying opportunities where appropriate

A Wanaka-based aviation career and lifestyle

Competitive remuneration based on qualifications and experience