Senior Advisor, Planning and Support

•  Collaborate with internal teams and stakeholders to provide high-quality advice.
•  Lead planning and triage activities to align resources and support.
•  Permanent - Asteron, Wellington Location.

By joining us, you will be part of a team where meaningful work, collaboration and innovation come together to help keep New Zealand’s skies safe and secure.

At the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, we are constantly evolving to meet the demands of a changing environment and the aviation industry.

Recent legislative changes, along with an organisational realignment, have opened exciting new opportunities across the organisation. These changes are part of a broader effort to better position our teams for the future by enabling us to be more collaborative, efficient and effective in everything we do.

As we step confidently into our role as a modern regulator, we are embracing intelligence-led, risk-based approaches that help us make a real difference for our people and the communities we serve – with a strong value-for-money ethos. We’re also committed to enabling aviation participants to support economic growth in New Zealand's aviation sector.

About the role

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is seeking a skilled Senior Advisor, Planning and Support to join the Aviation Safety Oversight Group. This full-time, permanent position is based at our Asteron Wellington office.

In this role, you will work closely with your team and engage across cross-functional groups and key stakeholders within Civil Aviation, delivering high-quality, practical advice. Your work will enable the effective allocation of resources and priorities across the group.

As a key liaison, you will support the Manager in leading planning processes within a newly formed team, shaping strategic direction and engagement across internal groups. You will ensure alignment of priorities, particularly in areas requiring inspector input, while remaining responsive to evolving organisational needs.

You will lead triage and planning activities, support oversight of operational processes, and drive capacity and capability planning to ensure resources align with strategic priorities. The role also focuses on embedding quality and best-practice approaches, while contributing to the continuous improvement of policies, systems, and procedures.

You will provide senior-level advice on complex or high-risk participant and stakeholder correspondence, supporting inspectors and managers with this communication. Additionally, you’ll coach and mentor team members to build internal capability and foster a high-performing team culture.

The salary band for the Senior Advisor, Planning and Support starts at $115,536 to a maximum of $161,412.  Starting salaries are be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, as well as internal relativities

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for a proactive and experienced professional who can lead planning, triage, and coordination efforts within the Aviation Safety Oversight Group. You will have a strong understanding of strategic planning, quality assurance, and stakeholder management within a regulatory or operational environment.

You should also bring:

·       Experience in leading or advising on triage frameworks, workflow planning, and prioritisation strategies to support efficient and effective operational delivery.

·       Proven capability in capacity and capability planning, including implementing processes to support resource management and strategic planning across a team or business group.

·       A strong understanding of quality assurance and the ability to embed process best practice across diverse workstreams.

·       Experience developing and improving policies, systems, and procedures in a complex or regulated environment.

·       Proven ability to deliver sound, senior-level advice on complex or sensitive participant and stakeholder matters, supporting inspectors and managers in effectively navigating these communications.

·       Demonstrated ability to coach and mentor team members, contributing to their professional development and the overall uplift of team capability.

·       Excellent relationship management and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with a range of stakeholders.

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and Cover Letter. Please note that your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so highlight how your experience aligns with the key skills required for this role.

We are committed to ensuring accessibility throughout the recruitment process. If there is any support, we can provide to ensure the process is equitable and accessible for you, please let us know.

For more information on the role, please view the position description or contact the Recruitment Team at recruitment@caa.govt.nz
Applications close: Friday 6th June 2025.