Airport Operations Manager

TheAirport Operations Manager (AOM)is responsible for leading safe, efficient, and customer-focused aviation fuel operations across three airports in New Zealand. It requires a dynamic leader who can drive operational excellence, foster a culture of safety and inclusion, and ensure alignment with broader commercial strategies.

Oversee all aspects of airport operations for multiple airport sites in a region. This includes:

• Managing airside operations
• Overseeing a fleet of refueling vehicles
• Supporting frontline teams to deliver high performance and exceptional service to airline customers

• Leadership & Team Support: Provide strong leadership to frontline teams, foster a positive culture of safety, performance and continuous improvement and act as a role model for the Safety Leadership Principles.
• Operational Excellence & Compliance: Ensure safe, efficient and complaint operations across three airports (Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch) and adhere to all local regulatory requirements and global aviation industry and bp standards.
• Customer Service Delivery: Maintain a high level of service to airline customers and ensure operational reliability and responsiveness.
• Fleet Management: Oversee maintenance and operational readiness of approximately 50 refueling vehicles and ensure all assets are fit for purpose and meet safety and performance standards.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Champion diverse and inclusive teams across airport operations and promote collaboration and mutual respect across all roles and backgrounds.
• Cross- functional Collaboration: Work closely with the Sales and Commercial teams and align airport operations with broader business strategies and objectives.
• Incident Response: Coordinate responses to operational incidents, including emergency situations like aircraft accidents or natural disasters affecting airport infrastructure.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build relationships with stakeholders, including airlines, airports, ground handlers and government agencies, to ensure smooth collaboration and communication. Regulatory Roles: perform the roles of 'Senior Person' as required in the CAA Supply Organization Certificate and TSL (Transport Service License).

• At least 10 years experience in airport operations or related field, preferably in leadership roles.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering or Aviation, preferred but not required.
• Proven experience in leading frontline operational teams, with a focus on building a positive workplace culture and enhancing team morale.
• Ability to create inclusive, high performing environments, fostering trust, engagement and accountability across diverse and remote teams.
• Track record of implementing employee engagement initiatives that drive motivation and retention.
• Demonstrated leadership in HSSE within high-risk operational environments, including proven ability to embed a safety-first culture.
• Experience with leading Union negotiations, Collective agreements and IR matters.