Job Description
Kia ora!
Are you ready to lead the heart of airline operations in our busy and challenging Integrated Operations Centre? We’re on the lookout for a strategic, forward-thinking leader to step into the pivotal role of Senior Manager Operations, guiding our high-performing operations teams to deliver safe, seamless, and exceptional experiences for our customers.
How you’ll make an impact
Reporting to the Head of Airline Operations, you’ll be responsible for leading and directing our Operations Control and Crew Control teams within the Auckland-based Integrated Operations Centre, ensuring that the day-to-day performance in delivering Air New Zealand’s schedule aligns with our business strategy, safety standards, and customer expectations.
You will:
- Lead and develop the Operations Control and Crew Control functions, ensuring we have the right culture, capability and processes in place to safeguard their success in delivering the airline schedule safely and reliably for our customers
- Develop and deliver strategic plans for the Integrated Operations Centre, aligned to Air New Zealand’s objectives and key results, ensuring outcomes meet internal and external expectations for operational excellence
- Lead response efforts during significant non-routine operations, disruptions and emergency events
- Support and represent Head of Airline Operations during emergency response activities
- Build and maintain strong, customer-focused relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
- Attract, develop and retain top talent, fostering a high-performing and inclusive team culture
- Liaise and coordinate with our union partners to ensure the ongoing success of the partnership
- Ensure operational budgets, resourcing needs and regulatory compliance are on track
- Liaise with our digital partners to optimise tools and systems to reduce cost and complexity
- Work closely with our process specialists to ensure continuous improvement of our standard operating procedures across our operations centre team
- Investigate and resolve root causes of operational issues, driving continuous improvement and contributing expert insights into future network planning
What we’re looking for
We’re seeking an experienced operations and people leader with:
- Experienced and resilient people leader with proven success leading complex operational functions in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment
- A strong understanding of airline network operations, risk and regulatory requirements
- Strategic thinking paired with a hands-on, solutions-focused leadership style
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills and confidence liaising with senior leaders
- A passion for continuous improvement and growth and relentless energy and drive to foster a positive workplace culture under challenging conditions
- A track record of building high-performing teams and nurturing capability and culture to ensure optimal business results whilst role-modelling our values of Manaaki, with people at the heart of everything we do.
How we look after our whānau
We want our people to live their best lives and access great benefits that support their lives outside work. In this role, you’ll enjoy:
- Staff travel benefits for you and your whānau to explore the world
- A workplace savings scheme with up to 4% matching contributions
- Access to Southern Cross health insurance at group discount rates
- Life and terminal illness insurance cover (for NZ-based permanent employees under 65)
- A wellbeing hub and support services including EAP and peer networks
- Numerous development opportunities
Your journey starts here
If you're ready to take on a leadership role that sits at the core of Air New Zealand’s operational success, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now with a CV and cover letter outlining your experience and vision for success.
Applications close: 10th September 2025
Additional Information
At Air New Zealand, we are proudly committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and believe in creating a truly inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves and thrive. Our people are our greatest asset – because while everything else we do in our operation can be replicated by our competitors, it is our people that truly set us apart. We are firm believers in celebrating the differences and diversity of thought our people bring to their roles.
Whāia te pae tawhiti kia tata. Ko te pae tata whakamaua, kia tina.
"Seek to bring distant horizons closer. Once near, seize them and make them your reality."