Airport Manager - Nelson

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Air New Zealand is hiring a Nelson Airport Manager to lead a high performing operational team, uphold safety and regulatory compliance, and drive on time performance while delivering a strong customer experience. The ideal candidate will combine excellent people leadership with strategic thinking, robust budget management, and a proven ability to build partnerships with airlines, regulators, contractors, and local authorities. If you can coach and develop staff, foster teamwork and accountability, and influence outcomes at all levels, you’ll fit right in and help us deliver Te Pae Hou Our Future. To apply, submit a tailored CV and cover note online by 2 August 2026, emphasizing leadership impact, safety outcomes, and stakeholder collaboration; highlight Nelson lifestyle appeal.

Job Description

Kia ora! 

At Air New Zealand, our purpose is to connect friends and whānau across Aotearoa and reconnect Kiwis with the world. Everything we do is guided by this purpose, underpinned by strong foundations, a clear focus on our priorities, and a commitment to how we show up for our customers, our people, and each other. Together, this supports our ambition to be the world's most respected airline.  

We're looking for an energetic and results driven leader to take on the role of Nelson Airport Manager. This dynamic leader will work proactively to deliver on key metrics, provide strong and supportive leadership and ensure we meet a high level of operational integrity and regulatory compliance. Importantly, the successful candidate will be confident in their ability to lead, coach and develop our people in this key port. They'll motivate their team in a sometimes challenging environment while maintaining a strong focus on the ongoing safety, stability and future success of the operation.

Thinking about your career steps? 

An Airport Manager role provides a fantastic "full business" view and will challenge you to keep learning and developing as you lead in a busy operational environment.

Across New Zealand, all Regional Airport Managers play key roles in delivering Te Pae Hou | Our Future, our strategy for building a stronger, more resilient Air New Zealand, while bringing our purpose to life by connecting New Zealanders to each other and New Zealand to the world. 

As the local face of Air New Zealand, you need to be up to the challenge. So, if you thrive on providing excellent experiences for our customers, are passionate about growing your team while ensuring we deliver safe, efficient and on-time performance, we'd love to hear from you.

To be successful in this role, you will have: 

• Excellent people leadership skills, with the ability to coach and develop individuals for success.
• The ability to foster a culture of teamwork, accountability and excellence.
• Strong relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders, including airlines, regulators, contractors and local authorities.
• Strategic thinking and a long-term outlook.
• The ability to influence positive outcomes at all levels.
• Strong commercial acumen and a drive to deliver results.
• Experience managing budgets and resources to ensure optimal allocation and utilisation.
• Ideally, experience in an operational environment with an understanding of airport regulatory requirements.

Why Nelson? 

Build your leadership career in one of New Zealand's most sought-after regions. Known as one of the country's sunniest destinations, Nelson offers an enviable lifestyle with the perfect balance of career opportunity and outdoor adventure. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, three national parks and a thriving arts and food scene, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 

People living in Nelson enjoy an abundance of outdoor activities, from hiking in Abel Tasman National Park and mountain biking through native forests to kayaking, sailing and exploring the region's stunning coastline. With a welcoming community, quality schools and a range of housing options, Nelson is an ideal place to build both your career and your lifestyle. 

To take the next step in your leadership career, please apply online via the Air New Zealand careers site. 

Applications close 2 August 2026.   

Additional Information

At Air New Zealand, we are proudly committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and believe in creating a truly inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves and thrive. Our people are our greatest asset – because while everything else we do in our operation can be replicated by our competitors, it is our people that truly set us apart. We are firm believers in celebrating the differences and diversity of thought our people bring to their roles.

Whāia te pae tawhiti kia tata. Ko te pae tata whakamaua, kia tina.

"Seek to bring distant horizons closer. Once near, seize them and make them your reality."