Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand Looking for Operations Manager – Lower South at Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand Full Time

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 Authority. 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 participantsto support economic growth in New Zealand’s aviation sector.

Tēnei Tūranga │ About The Role

Aviation Security Service (AvSec) is the Government provider of aviation security in Aotearoa New Zealand, operating at our seven major airports.

Based at Dunedin Airport, the Operations Manager plays a vital role in airport and passenger safety and security by ensuring that people and process are functioning at a high level to safely transit passengers. It can be a very busy environment, so agility and flexibility are essential. You will manage frontline operational teams of approximately 70 staff, led by Shift Leaders, ensuring that quality and code of conduct standards are adhered to. You will oversee the health, safety and wellbeing of staff, contribute to business and operational planning, and deliver consistently high levels of service. Part of your role will be to liaise with a range of stakeholders both within the airport environment, with other government agencies, and international organisations.

Ko tāu e kawe mai ai | What You’ll Bring

The Operations Manager position calls for experience working in busy operational environments and leading a team. You will thrive on providing high quality service in a complex operational environment and enjoy working with a range of stakeholders. You will have the maturity and confidence to interact with people from all walks of life and the ability to switch between tasks effortlessly.

You will have:

• Strong communication skills to engage with, inspire, and create synergy across a diverse range of groups including other agencies
• The ability to inspire and motivate others whilst fostering a culture which values its team members and their contributions
• Strong health & safety focus to enable a positive safety culture
• Strength in operating disciplines with the ability to identify further opportunities to ensure the station thrives
• A level of political astuteness is required, coupled with the ability to identify and manage risk in uncertain situations
• Previous experience working within an airport environment is desirable but not essential
• NZ citizen or hold a current NZ Residency Class Visa

The salary band for this position goes from $115,536 to $161,421 with a mid-range being $141,751. Starting salaries will be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role and relativities across the organisation.

National Security Clearance

To be eligible for this role you must be able to gain and maintain a national security clearance. This includes a residency requirement. You must be a NZ citizen, or hold a current NZ Residency Class Visa and ideally have been a citizen and resident of the UK, USA, Canada or Australia for at least 10 years.

You must be able to obtain and maintain a “Secret” security clearance. Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Secretsecurity clearance. Please note this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process:

For more information on the role please view the

Applications close on Sunday 11/05/2025.