Operations Manager

At the Civil Aviation Authority, we don’t just keep New Zealand’s skies safe and secure, we help shape the future of aviation.

• Lead frontline aviation security operations at New Zealand's busiest airport
• Develop high-performing teams and drive operational excellence
• Permanent leadership position based at Auckland Airport

About the role

As an Operations Manager, you will lead the delivery of effective and efficient aviation security services at Auckland Airport. You will lead a team of frontline Team Leaders, providing strategic and operational leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality aviation security services.

You will be responsible for operational performance, workforce planning, capability development, and quality outcomes across frontline teams.

This is a critical leadership role where you will ensure aviation security services are delivered safely, effectively, and in accordance with all statutory, legislative, regulatory, and operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support, motivate and develop Aviation Security frontline Team Leaders to deliver high-quality aviation security services

• Support the delivery of organisational priorities, whilst ensuring compliance with statutory, legislative, regulatory, and operational requirements
• Build and maintain effective relationships with airport partners, external agencies, and internal stakeholders agencies to support a safe and secure aviation system.
• Contribute to emergency preparedness, health and safety initiatives, and continuous improvement activities
• Foster an inclusive, high-performing culture that promotes accountability, wellbeing, engagement, and continuous learning

The salary band for this position is from $115,536 to $141,751. Starting salaries will be 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

We are seeking a credible, people-focused leader, who thrives in complex environments and has a proven ability to lead leaders, build capability, develop high-performing teams, and deliver results through others. You will bring sound judgement, excellent relationship management skills, and a commitment to achieving operational excellence through a progress over perfection mindset.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and experience: 

• Proven experience leading operational or frontline teams in complex, fast-paced environments
• Proven success leading leaders and developing high-performing teams through coaching, empowerment and accountability
• Strong operational management capability, including workforce planning, performance management, quality oversight, and continuous improvement
• Demonstrated ability to create inclusive, high-performing team cultures that drive engagement, accountability, wellbeing, and results
• Experience working within regulatory, compliance, security, law enforcement, corrections, immigration, transport, emergency services, or other public sector operational environments
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across a wide range of internal and external partners
• Sound judgement and decision-making skills, with the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure
• Well-developed communication and influencing skills, with the credibility to lead through change and drive organisational priorities
• A commitment to health, safety, wellbeing and creating inclusive, high-performing workplaces
• An understanding of aviation security operations or the ability to quickly develop knowledge of the aviation regulatory environment (desirable)

Key role requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance – use this online tool to self-check your eligibility: https://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/guidance/getting-a-national-security-clearance/eligibility-tool
• Hold a full, clean New Zealand Driver Licence
• Willingness to participate in emergency response, special operations and operational activities when required
• Availability to support airport operations in a dynamic 24/7 operational environment as needed

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 diversity, inclusion, and creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to lead a critical operation that directly contributes to the safety and security of New Zealand's aviation network.

We offer:

• Five weeks’ annual leave
• KiwiSaver contributions matched up to 4%
• Ongoing professional development and leadership support
• A values-driven culture focused on wellbeing, collaboration, and inclusion

Ready to Apply?

Apply directly by completing the online application form (please note emailed applications will not be considered). Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the skills required for this role.

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.

If you have any questions about the role or application process, please contact recruitment@caa.govt.nz.

Applications close: Sunday, 9 August 2026 at 11:59 pm.

Please be aware that we may begin shortlisting as applications are received. We encourage early applications as the advertisement may close sooner than stated.