Head Of Aviation Security (Upper North)

At the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, we’re constantly adapting to meet the demands of a changing environment and the aviation sector. Recent legislative changes, along with an organisational realignment, are driving our efforts to better position our teams for the future. These changes have created new opportunities across the organisation.

As we move to becoming a modern regulator, we’re embedding intelligence-led and risk-based principles into our approach, to make a tangible difference for our people and the communities we serve. By joining our team, you’ll contribute to meaningful work where innovation, collaboration, and impact thrive to keep our skies safe and secure.

About the role

A Head of Aviation Security (Upper North) role has become available as our long-serving incumbent heads into retirement. As the Head of Aviation Security (Upper North), you will be responsible for the overall operational delivery of high-quality and effective aviation security services at Auckland Airport and Hamilton Airport with a focus on ensuring passengers feel safe and secure.

As a key member of the Aviation Security Service (AvSec) regional management team, you will collaborate closely with your peers across the country to provide strategic oversight and leadership, ensuring the delivery of aviation security functions are effective and efficient. You will also be a member of the CAA’s Senior Management Group playing a key role in the strategic leadership of the organisation.

Reporting to the General Manager, Aviation Security, you will be accountable for seamlessly balancing delivering security outcomes and alignment with relevant policy settings, passenger facilitation, and value-for-money in a busy and ever evolving environment

The salary band for this position is from $188,168 to $261,778 with the top step being $230,231. Starting salaries will be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role and relativities across the organisation.

Domestic and International travel will be required, and flexibility to travel is essential.

What we’re looking for

• Experience leading a large, frontline workforce, balancing competing demands in a dynamic operating environment.
• Operations management experience including risk management, business process improvement and activities with a significant customer service element.
• Skilled in leading, empowering and coaching diverse teams, with an emphasis on performance management and employee engagement in an operational environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of the role and function of a regulatory agency, and the ability to quickly gain an in-depth understanding of the aviation regulatory system.
• High political acumen, including experience building relationships with and influencing various stakeholder groups at a system level.
• Proven track record of delivery within budgets and timelines, with the ability to apply sound financial principles.
• An aviation, security or airport-related background would be an advantage.

To be eligible for this role you must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance. Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool.

Why join us?

As a flexible friendly employer, we are happy to discuss solutions that may work for you and us. We value and care about enabling our people to work in a way that means they can work at their best.

We offer five weeks’ annual leave and match your Kiwi Saver contribution up to 4% while also supporting professional development.

To view our benefits, and learn more about us, our values and why we would love you to join us, visit our careers website here - CAA regulatory careers | aviation.govt.nz.

Apply Now

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and Cover Letter. Your Cover Letter will be a key part of our assessment process and is to highlight your suitability for this role.

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

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.

Applications close: 11:59pm on Monday, 3 March 2025