Airport Operations Manager

The Airport 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 operationsOverseeing a fleet of refueling vehiclesSupporting frontline teams to deliver high performance and exceptional service to airline customersKey ResponsibilitiesLeadership & 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).QualificationsAt 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.