Senior Operational Safety Lead – Air Traffic Services

Airways New Zealand; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Airways New Zealand is seeking a Senior Operational Safety Specialist – Air Traffic Services based in Christchurch or Auckland. You will lead safety risk management, assurance, and investigations, guiding ATS safety strategy and improvement initiatives.

You will partner with ATS leaders and subject matter experts to identify hazards, assess risk, and provide practical, evidence-based recommendations to strengthen safety across the ATS business. Applications close 12 November 2026.

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification in aviation, safety management or risk management.
• At least five years’ experience in a business environment involving cross-functional safety management.
• Strong knowledge of safety legislation and safety management principles.
• Ability to analyse complex operational information, identify trends and systemic issues, and communicate clear insights to different audiences.
• Strong facilitation, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to provide trusted advice and constructively influence decision making.
• A collaborative and pragmatic approach, with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead risk assessments and safety improvement workstreams across ATS.
• Analyse safety trends, emerging risks, and perform investigations and occurrences.
• Provide evidence-based advice to ATS leaders and support safety performance initiatives.
• Coordinate safety workshops, learning reviews, and coaching for leaders and staff.
• Strengthen safety capability across ATS and manage the Safety Point of Contact network.

Skills

Safety management

Risk assessment

Stakeholder management

Facilitation

Analytical thinking

Written & verbal comms

Leadership

Education

A relevant tertiary qualification in aviation safety or risk management

Job description

Airways New Zealand is seeking a Senior Operational Safety Specialist – Air Traffic Services based in Christchurch or Auckland. You will lead safety risk management, assurance, and investigations, guiding ATS safety strategy and improvement initiatives.

You will partner with ATS leaders and subject matter experts to identify hazards, assess risk, and provide practical, evidence-based recommendations to strengthen safety across the ATS business. Applications close 12 November 2026.