Manager - Aviation

Position Title: Manager 

Team and Group: Aviation – Policy  

Position Type:  Permanent, Full Time (38 hours per week)

Location:  Wellington CBD

Salary: $171,286 – $208,700 per annum (+ KiwiSaver)

• Excellent opportunity to lead high profile policy that is a priority for the Government, with opportunities to engage closely with industry stakeholders
• Fast paced and cross cutting work programme – spanning innovation and emerging technology, competition and market dynamics, working with international bodies, and modernising regulatory systems
• Wellington based only

About the opportunity | Ngā whakamārama mō te tūnga

Aviation is vital to New Zealand’s economic prosperity and way of life. It plays a key role in tourism, trade, conservation, agriculture, horticulture, and emergency response, connecting us both internationally and across the country. The Aviation team provides expert advice on domestic and international aviation policy.

We’re looking for an experienced and strategic leader to head the team, someone who can identify opportunities to enhance delivery and boost productivity across the Ministry. You’ll be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking environment, including working on innovative projects in advanced aviation (including drones and emerging technologies).

This is an exciting time for the sector, with the Government committed to growth and modernising the regulatory regime. If you're passionate about aviation and ready to lead in a dynamic policy space, we’d love to hear from you.

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensure effective leadership of direct reports including performance conversations, mentoring, ongoing development, and regular feedback loops
• Provide high-quality, practical advice to Ministers, the Chief Executive, and Senior Leadership Team
• Apply advanced judgement in shaping the direction and approach to advice and tasks, prioritising and integrating across projects and teams
• Manage a balanced work programme that delivers on the Government priorities of the day and ensures we meet or exceed the Ministry of Transport’s statutory responsibilities, including the handling of official information
  

Based on the work or support that may be required, this position is Wellington based only. 

What you’ll bring | Te wāhi ki a koe

You will be an experienced manager, with demonstrated experience of leading strategic policy work with the ability to connect priorities and portfolios across government, as well as:

• Experience in and a sound understanding of public policy; its development and how it is effectively implemented, including work on modernising regulation
• Experience in leading, developing and mentoring a diverse team of professional staff
• Experience in stakeholder relations and building effective working partnerships with other organisations, and the ability to manage a variety of internal and external relationships at various levels
• Experience of working in government, a sound understanding of the role of the public service and of working with Ministers and other government departments and agencies
• Lead and support collaboration and engagement with other agencies, and external stakeholders to develop the provision of well-rounded, well-informed advice to decision makers
• Extensive experience in influencing, negotiation, relationship development and organisational skills, and the ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to conceptualise and think creatively, analyse options, priorities and arguments, articulate clear concepts and influence thinking at strategic and operational levels
• Ability to gain a Top Secret clearance (click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool).
  

This is an excellent opportunity to draw on your previous relevant experiences and contribute to making positive improvements that will have a positive impact on the wider Ministry and our mahi across Aotearoa. Previous central government experience from within a similar environment, along with knowledge of the machinery of government, is highly desirable.

Salary range | Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau

Based on the level of experience required for this position, we're looking to appoint someone between $171,286 – $208,700 (mid-point of $189,779) per annum (+ KiwiSaver). The salary offered will reflect skills and experience.

What we offer | Te wāhi ki a mātou

This a great opportunity to contribute to open government and public trust, be part of a collaborative team and a ministry with strong values (Integrity, Excellence and Collaboration). You’ll also be working across the wider Ministerial and Executive Services team, the Ministry and Crown entities, gaining exposure across the whole transport sector.

We’re confident you’ll also get a lot from our high trust, high respect environment. This is a place where you can roll your sleeves up and really deliver at pace, working both independently and collaboratively. and you’ll also have the chance to utilise your skills and experience to be part of embedding a new way of working.

Our employees enjoy a range of employee benefits including Ministry leave, wellbeing and volunteer days as well as a welcoming range of employee networks.

Join us and be a part of our passionate Ministry, shaping the future of transportation in New Zealand. 

About the Ministry of Transport | He kupu mō mātou Te Manatū Waka

The Ministry of Transport is an impartial, expert and trusted adviser to government, shaping transport for New Zealand. We work to deliver a well-functioning transport system that helps grow New Zealand’s economy and productivity.

At the Ministry of Transport, we pride ourselves on being a small, agile, and high performing Ministry. The Ministry’s values are integrity, excellence, and collaboration.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tono mai

To view the job description, or apply online, click Apply. Please include a CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and experience.

To apply for this role, you must have right to live and work in New Zealand. You will need to be based in Wellington or ready to relocate. Other locations will not be considered.

Applications close midnight, Sunday 21 September 2025.

For further information or to speak confidentially, please contact Adviser, Kitty McCool at k.mccool@transport.govt.nz.

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. We aim to have a Ministry that represents the wider Aotearoa that we serve. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels relevant, valued, supported and a sense of belonging.

For any support or accessibility needs during our recruitment process, please contact us at applications@transport.govt.nz