CA
Regional Head of Aviation Security (Upper North)
full-time•Māngere-Ōtāhuhu•NZD 188k - NZD 261k
About this role
At the Civil Aviation Authority, we don’t just keep New Zealand’s skies safe and secure, we help shape the future of aviation.
As the industry evolves, so do we, through innovative technology, new ways of working, and a team of people who are passionate about what they do.
Now’s the time to get on board. We’re building a forward-thinking, modern CAA, and we need people who want their work to matter. People who thrive on challenges, value collaboration, and want to make a positive impact every day.
If you're ready to grow your career while helping keep one of New Zealand’s most vital sectors safe and secure, this is your opportunity.
About The Role
As the Regional 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.
You will work in close partnership with other Regional Heads to support national consistency of delivery and system-level leadership. As a key member of the Aviation Security Leadership Team and the CAA Senior Management Group, you will contribute to strategic decision-making and continuous improvement across the organisation.
Reporting to the General Manager, Aviation Security, you will be accountable for seamlessly balancing delivering security outcomes and alignment with relevant regulatory requirements, passenger facilitation, and value-for-money in a busy, dynamic 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.
What You Will Bring
You will be a confident and credible leader with:
- Proven experience leading large, frontline workforces in complex, high-pressure operational environments
- Strong operations management capability, including risk management, business process improvement, and customer-focused service delivery
- Demonstrated experience working within regulatory, legislative, or policy frameworks, with the ability to quickly develop a deep understanding of the aviation regulatory system
- High political and stakeholder acumen, with a track record of building trusted relationships at a system level
- A people-focused leadership style, with strengths in coaching, performance management, workforce planning, and employee engagement
- Sound financial management experience, including delivering outcomes within delegated authority and budgets
- An aviation, security, or airport-related background (desirable)
Key Role Requirements
- Ability 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.
- Full New Zealand driver licence
- Willingness and flexibility to travel domestically and internationally as required
Why Join Us?
At CAA, our people play a critical role in keeping New Zealand’s aviation system safe and secure. We are a flexible, inclusive employer and are committed to supporting our leaders to work in ways that enable them to perform at their best.
We offer:
- Five weeks’ annual leave
- KiwiSaver contributions matched up to 4%
- Ongoing professional development and leadership support
- A values-driven culture focused on wellbeing, collaboration, and inclusion
Apply now
Apply online by submitting your CV and cover letter, outlining your leadership experience and suitability for the role. Your cover letter will form a key part of the assessment process.
We are committed to a fair and accessible recruitment process. Please let us know if there is any support we can provide to ensure you can participate fully.
For more information, please refer to the position description. If you have any questions, please contact Patrice Wilkin on [email protected].
Applications close: 11:59pm on Sunday 08/02/2026.
What you'll do
- The Regional Head of Aviation Security will oversee the operational delivery of aviation security services at Auckland and Hamilton Airports, ensuring passenger safety. This role involves collaboration with other Regional Heads and contributing to strategic decision-making within the Aviation Security Leadership Team.
About Civil Aviation Authority Of NZ
The Aviation Security Service is an operational unit within the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, the government agency responsible for managing New Zealand’s civil aviation system.
You’ll know us from our security screening points at New Zealand airports, but we also run an awesome team of explosive detector dogs and provide a wide range of security services which help keep aviation and our large airports secure.
Our role is to deliver world-class aviation security, while enabling a high quality, responsive passenger experience.
Our core functions and activities include:
• Screening and searching passengers, crew, airport workers, baggage, aircraft, cargo.
• Undertaking security patrols and escorts.
• Managing the airport identity card system.
• Collaborating with other domestic and international security and border agencies.
To deliver safe and secure skies, we work closely with border and government agencies both domestically and internationally, such as Customs, MPI, and Police.
Ready to join Civil Aviation Authority Of NZ?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does Civil Aviation Authority Of NZ pay for a Regional Head of Aviation Security (Upper North)?
Civil Aviation Authority Of NZ offers a competitive compensation package for the Regional Head of Aviation Security (Upper North) role. The salary range is NZD 188k - 262k per year. Apply through Clera to learn more about the full compensation details.
What does a Regional Head of Aviation Security (Upper North) do at Civil Aviation Authority Of NZ?
As a Regional Head of Aviation Security (Upper North) at Civil Aviation Authority Of NZ, you will: the Regional Head of Aviation Security will oversee the operational delivery of aviation security services at Auckland and Hamilton Airports, ensuring passenger safety. This role involves collaboration with other Regional Heads and contributing to strategic decision-making within the Aviation Security Leadership Team..
Is the Regional Head of Aviation Security (Upper North) position at Civil Aviation Authority Of NZ remote?
The Regional Head of Aviation Security (Upper North) position at Civil Aviation Authority Of NZ is based in Māngere-Ōtāhuhu, Auckland, New Zealand. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the Regional Head of Aviation Security (Upper North) position at Civil Aviation Authority Of NZ?
You can apply for the Regional Head of Aviation Security (Upper North) position at Civil Aviation Authority Of NZdirectly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process.