Project Manager - Fixed Term, Rules Update Programme

Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand; 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 is seeking a Project Manager within the Rules Update Programme (RUP) to deliver complex policy and rulemaking projects that modernise New Zealand's aviation regulatory framework.

You will coordinate multidisciplinary teams, develop schedules, manage risks and issues, and engage with senior stakeholders to ensure programmes meet objectives. This is a Wellington-based, 18-month fixed-term contract with a salary range and benefits.

Qualifications

• At least three years' experience in project management within a complex environment.
• Strong planning and organisational skills with experience in schedules and plans.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, coordination, delivery and close-out of Rules Update Programme projects.
• Develop and maintain schedules, plans, risks and reporting; facilitate workshops.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Planning

Analytical thinking

Communication

Tools

Planner

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

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 escalated 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

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.