Christchurch Airport is looking for a strong, strategic, and people-focused leader to enable our Airport Fire Service (AFS) to be a high-performing, industry leading function. This is a demanding yet rewarding opportunity for an experienced emergency services professional who can inspire people, drive performance, and embed best practice in a critical, highly regulated environment.
This role is based in our Christchurch office.
Leading a team of up to 50 professionals in a 24/7 operational setting, this role requires someone who can engage hearts and minds, build capability and culture, and develop a clear strategic direction that ensures our emergency response meets both compliance and industry-leading standards. You must be as comfortable on the frontline engaging with firefighters as you are with influencing stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and develop the Airport Fire Service, fostering a culture of accountability, resilience, and excellence.
- Set and execute strategy, ensuring best-practice emergency response and operational readiness.
- Drive transformational change, lifting standards, morale, and team performance.
- Provide strong financial and operational oversight, optimising resources, budgets, and processes for maximum impact.
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators.
- Champion safety, sustainability, and innovation to enhance service delivery.
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven leadership in emergency services or a high-risk operational environment.
- Demonstrable track record of driving strategic and operational outcomes at a senior leadership level.
- Experience leading large teams through change, improving culture and capability.
- Strong strategic and commercial acumen, with experience delivering measurable improvements.
- Proven ability to balance big-picture thinking with day-to-day operational management.
What’s on Offer?
At Christchurch Airport, we know that great leadership delivers great outcomes. That’s why we invest in our people and provide a workplace where challenge meets opportunity.
- Competitive salary + fully subsidised medical insurance.
- Free on-site parking & professional development.
- A workplace where safety, performance, and leadership excellence come first.
- A genuine commitment to employee wellbeing and a focus on health and fitness.
This is a career-defining opportunity for a leader who thrives on challenge and wants to leave a lasting impact on a critical emergency service.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives and experiences are valued. If you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, let us know – we want you to bring your best self to this opportunity.
Apply now and lead the change. Application close on 25th March.