Principal Advisor, Practice Design

• Unique opportunity to help strengthen our regulatory work force.
• Join a result focussed team that is passionate about enabling others.
• Wellington location preferred.

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 

Help us facilitate the safe and secure operation of the aviation system.  We have a strong focus on driving efficiencies within our certification function, enable innovation, reduce regulatory burden, and help strengthen the safety and security performance of the system.

The focus of this role is to provide the link between theory and practice design to make it real!  To enable and build capability across all regulatory functions – helping to build and deliver regulatory learning and support staff through coaching and on the job training.

You will bring your mana from working within the Aviation Regulatory space and enable others to leverage off that knowledge and experience to enable them to grow as regulators.

This role has the potential to make a real and sustained difference.

The starting salary for the Principal Advisor, Practice Design within System, Strategy & Policy group is between $136,939 and maximum of $168,191.  Starting salaries are to be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, as well as internal relativities.

What You’ll Bring 

• Extensive experience working in the aviation sector.
• Expert in regulatory practice in an aviation setting.
• Strong regulatory practice thought leadership.
• Experience in delivering learning experiences.
• Expert coach, that helps bring the best out of people.
• It is desirable to have experience in aviation certification processes.

Why Join Us?

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.

Ready to Apply?

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and Cover Letter. Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

We want to ensure accessibility needs are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Therefore, please let us know if there is any support we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible to you.

For more information on the role please view the position description or contact the Recruitment team at recruitment@caa.govt.nz

Applications close: Thursday 20 November 2025