Senior Project Manager

• Join our Project Delivery and Portfolio Management Team.
• Great opportunity to lift your project management experience.
• Wellington based | Permanent role

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

This is a great opportunity to join our team as a key deployable member, leading key complex projects, with high visibility across our organisation.  You’ll really be stepping up your project management experience.

The initial deployment will focus on planning and the Holdstow Baggage Screening Upgrade project, which is a significant priority for CAA. Beyond the initial deployment, you’ll have opportunities to lead other significant projects across the organisation.

You will engage, influence and guide stakeholders through the project lifecycle ensuring on-time and within budget projects.

The salary band starts at $136,939 to $168,191.  Starting salary will be based on the successful candidate’s knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as internal relativities.

A few things you will get involved with:

• Assisting with shaping business cases.
• Driving procurement processes
• Leading planning and delivery of complex projects.  
• Monitoring and management of risks, issues and changes.
• Influencing project governance.
• Represent the PDPM at ELT, Board and Committee meetings.
• Coach & mentor Workstream Leads, Project Managers & Project Coordinators.
• Lead project closure activities.

What You’ll Bring

You’ll already have some wins in the successful delivery of complex projects backed by solid project management frameworks/approaches and be Prince2 or MSP certified.  You’ll be a connector – someone who is able to work seamlessly across the business, keeping the lines of communication open, being able to see things before they happen and meet key deadlines. 

To be considered you will need:

• Solid experience in the delivery of complex multi-site projects.
• Excellent networking skills and demonstrable ability to influence at all levels.
• Experience with steering groups/senior leaders and presenting at Board level.
• Experience in managing external relationships.
• A desire to continue coaching and mentoring others to lift capability.
• Strong planning skills including developing project plans & schedules with experience with progress reporting, risk mitigation and issue resolution.

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: 20 January 2026