Project Manager - Fixed Term, Rules Update Programme

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 116,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

10 days sick leave

KiwiSaver matching up to 4%

Flu vaccinations

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand in Wellington is seeking a Project Manager for the Rules Update Programme to lead planning, delivery and governance across multi-disciplinary teams.

You will coordinate complex policy and rulemaking projects that modernise New Zealand's aviation regulatory framework, align with international standards, and deliver clear outcomes for the aviation sector. This 18‑month fixed‑term role offers the chance to shape safe skies and drive regulatory reform.

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience in project management within complex operating environments.
• Experience coordinating project workstreams or teams to deliver results.
• Strong planning and organisational skills with ability to develop schedules and plans.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Experience monitoring progress, risks and issues; strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with project management methodologies, tools and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination, delivery and close‑out of allocated Rules Update Programme projects.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, plans, risks, issues and reporting.
• Facilitate planning workshops and support project teams to deliver key milestones.
• Engage with managers and stakeholders to secure project resources and SME input.
• Provide guidance on project processes and delivery requirements to project leads and teams.
• Monitor progress, manage risks and escalation matters as required.
• Support stakeholder engagement and communication activities across projects.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and lessons learned across the programme.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Planning & scheduling

Risk & issue management

Communication

MS Office tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Planner

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

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.

Project manager - Rules Update Programme

18-month Fixed-Term Contract Role Wellington-based role Play a key role in keeping New Zealand's aviation system safe, efficient, and fit for the future. At the Civil Aviation Authority, we don't just keep New Zealand's skies safe and secure, we help shape the future of aviation.

About the Role

As a Project Manager within the Rules Update Programme (RUP), you'll play a critical role in delivering projects that support the modernisation of New Zealand's aviation regulatory framework. Working across multidisciplinary teams, you'll coordinate, plan and deliver complex policy and rulemaking projects that contribute to regulatory modernisation, international alignment, and positive outcomes for the aviation sector. Reporting to the Manager, Project Delivery and Portfolio Management, you'll work closely with project leads, subject matter experts, senior stakeholders and programme governance groups to ensure projects are delivered successfully and achieve programme objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination, delivery and close-out of allocated Rules Update Programme projects.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, plans, risks, issues and reporting.
• Facilitate planning workshops and support project teams to deliver key milestones.
• Engage with managers and stakeholders to secure project resources and subject matter expertise.
• Provide guidance and support to project leads and project teams on project processes and delivery requirements.
• Monitor project progress, manage risks and issues, and escalation matters where required.
• Support stakeholder engagement and communication activities across allocated projects.
• Contribute to continuous improvement activities and lessons learned processes across the programme.

The salary range for this role is $115,536 to $141,751. 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’ll be an organised and proactive project professional who enjoys working in complex environments and coordinating diverse groups toward a common outcome. You’ll be confident managing priorities, building relationships and keeping projects on track while adapting to changing requirements.

To succeed in this role you’ll demonstrate:

• At least three years’ experience in project management within a complex and changing operating environments.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, including experience developing project schedules and plans.
• Experience leading project workstreams or coordinating project teams to deliver results.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Experience monitoring project progress, managing risks and resolving issues.Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence using project management methodologies, tools and techniques.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Planner, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience in the aviation sector is preferred, but not 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?

• 5 weeks annual leave.
• 10 days sick leave, available after 6-months of continuous employment.
• Matching KiwiSaver contributions up to 4%.
• Flu vaccinations.
• Employee Assistance Programme.

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.

For more information, please view the position description. If you have any questions about the role or application process, contact the Recruitment team at [e-mail].

Applications close: Tuesday, 15 September 2026

Please be aware that we may start shortlisting as applications come in. We encourage early applications, as the advertisement may close sooner than stated.