Regional Head of Aviation Security (Upper North)

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

As the industry evolves, so do we, through innovative technology, new ways of working, and a team of people who are passionate about what they do. 

Now’s the time to get on board. We’re building a forward-thinking, modern CAA, and we need people who want their work to matter. People who thrive on challenges, value collaboration, and want to make a positive impact every day. 

If you're ready to grow your career while helping keep one of New Zealand’s most vital sectors safe and secure, this is your opportunity. 

About The Role

As the Regional Head of Aviation Security (Upper North), you will be responsible for the overall operational delivery of high-quality and effective aviation security services at Auckland Airport and Hamilton Airport with a focus on ensuring passengers feel safe and secure.

You will work in close partnership with other Regional Heads to support national consistency of delivery and system-level leadership. As a key member of the Aviation Security Leadership Team and the CAA Senior Management Group, you will contribute to strategic decision-making and continuous improvement across the organisation.

Reporting to the General Manager, Aviation Security, you will be accountable for seamlessly balancing delivering security outcomes and alignment with relevant regulatory requirements, passenger facilitation, and value-for-money in a busy, dynamic environment.

The salary band for this position is from $188,168 to $261,778 with the top step being $230,231. Starting salaries will be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role and relativities across the organisation.

What You Will Bring

You will be a confident and credible leader with:

• Proven experience leading large, frontline workforces in complex, high-pressure operational environments
• Strong operations management capability, including risk management, business process improvement, and customer-focused service delivery
• Demonstrated experience working within regulatory, legislative, or policy frameworks, with the ability to quickly develop a deep understanding of the aviation regulatory system
• High political and stakeholder acumen, with a track record of building trusted relationships at a system level
• A people-focused leadership style, with strengths in coaching, performance management, workforce planning, and employee engagement
• Sound financial management experience, including delivering outcomes within delegated authority and budgets
• An aviation, security, or airport-related background (desirable)

Key Role Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance - use this online tool to self-check your eligibility http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool. 
• Full New Zealand driver licence
• Willingness and flexibility to travel domestically and internationally as required

Why Join Us?

At CAA, our people play a critical role in keeping New Zealand’s aviation system safe and secure. We are a flexible, inclusive employer and are committed to supporting our leaders to work in ways that enable them to perform at their best.

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

Apply now

Apply online by submitting your CV and cover letter, outlining your leadership experience and suitability for the role. Your cover letter will form a key part of the assessment process.

We are committed to a fair and accessible recruitment process. Please let us know if there is any support we can provide to ensure you can participate fully.

For more information, please refer to the position description. If you have any questions, please contact Patrice Wilkin on recruitment@caa.govt.nz.

Applications close: 11:59pm on Sunday 08/02/2026.