Director of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is New Zealand’s civil aviation safety and security regulator. CAA exists to keep the aviation system safe for the public and for people who work in it and use it – as well as keeping it protected from people who may wish harm to those using and working in it. A safe and secure aviation system maintains New Zealand’s international reputation and supports positive economic and social outcomes.

To ensure delivery of these outcomes, CAA:

• Regulates people (those who work in, and are customers of, aviation – including pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers and passengers), organisations, aircraft, and aviation infrastructure.
• Carries out regulatory functions, including engagement, education, communication, certification, licensing, monitoring (including audit and inspection, screening of passengers and non-passengers), investigation and enforcement.

The Director of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive of CAA is responsible for the strategic and operational delivery of the CAA (including the Aviation Security Service); exercising the authority granted under the Civil Aviation Act 1990. The CEO is responsible for ensuring the organisation maintains the highest standards of performance to keep New Zealand skies and its people safe and secure. They will drive continuous improvement to ensure the Authority remains a modern, contemporary and proactive regulatory body, working collaboratively across the aviation ecosystem to foster strong partnerships. The role reports to the CAA Board through the Chair.

The incoming candidate will bring a depth of executive experience leading at scale, coupled with exceptional stakeholder management capabilities. Extensive aviation sector experience will be highly valued, while the ideal candidate will have exposure leading within a highly complex system, with a strong understanding of modern regulatory approaches.

The incoming CEO will bring seasoned people leadership skills – with a track record of cultivating high performance cultures and delivering successful enterprise-wide transformation initiatives. This is a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of New Zealand’s transport sector.

Please note that the CAA has engaged Hobson Leavy Executive Search to run this recruitment process. For more information or to apply, please contact Alex Nevil at Hobson Leavy Executive Search: nevil@hobsonleavy.com.

Applications close on the 25th March.