Aviation Lead New Zealand

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AECOM is hiring an Aviation Lead to grow and steer its aviation business across New Zealand, a role that blends market development, client relationship cultivation, and people leadership with the backing of a global aviation network. You’ll work with airport operators, government agencies and defence stakeholders in NZ and Australia, shaping significant projects while driving strategy, growth and delivery. Own the growth, lead major bids, mentor a nationally integrated team, and champion technical excellence. Bring substantial aviation or complex infrastructure experience, a track record of winning work, leadership and commercial acumen, and credibility with senior clients and stakeholders; Chartered status or equivalent preferred. To apply, tailor your CV to highlight leadership in growth, major bids, and client relationships, show readiness for hybrid work, and apply promptly as the role may close early.

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

The Opportunity

AECOM is looking for an exceptional leader to grow and lead our Aviation business across New Zealand.

This isn't a role focused solely on technical delivery. It's about building a market, strengthening client relationships, developing people, and creating a nationally connected Aviation team positioned for long-term success.

You'll work with airport operators, government agencies, defence stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams across New Zealand and Australia, helping shape some of the country's most significant aviation infrastructure projects. Backed by AECOM's global aviation network and technical specialists, you'll have the platform to drive growth, influence strategy and make a lasting impact on the industry.

We're looking for someone who can bring people together, create momentum and build something bigger than themselves.

What You'll Own

• Own the growth and leadership of AECOM's Aviation business across New Zealand.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with airport operators, aviation stakeholders, government agencies and industry partners.
• Lead strategic pursuits, major bids and business development activities, helping convert opportunities into long-term client partnerships.
• Provide leadership across project delivery, resourcing, commercial performance and team development.
• Create a clear vision for the future of Aviation within AECOM and align people around it.
• Develop and mentor a nationally integrated team, building capability, succession and future leaders.
• Champion technical excellence and connect clients with the best expertise from across New Zealand, Australia and AECOM's global aviation network.
• Identify emerging trends, market opportunities and service offerings that strengthen our position in the aviation sector.
• Represent AECOM within the industry, enhancing our reputation and profile across the New Zealand aviation market.
• Foster a culture where people feel supported, challenged and empowered to succeed.

Why This Role Is Different

The foundations are already in place. What we're looking for is a leader who can bring people together, create momentum and help realise the full potential of AECOM's Aviation business in New Zealand.

This is an opportunity to shape the future of Aviation at AECOM by strengthening key client relationships, growing our market presence, developing future leaders and building a nationally connected team that clients seek out for trusted advice and outstanding delivery.

Supported by one of the strongest aviation networks in the industry, you'll have the freedom to influence the direction of the business, connect clients with world-class expertise, and help shape some of New Zealand's most significant aviation infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

What You'll Bring

We're interested in leaders as much as technical specialists. If you don't tick every box below but can see yourself succeeding in the role, we'd still love to hear from you.

• Significant experience in aviation, airport, airfield or other complex infrastructure projects within a consulting or project delivery environment.
• A track record of developing trusted client relationships, winning work and growing a business.
• Strong leadership capability, with a genuine passion for coaching, mentoring and developing people.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering successful project outcomes.
• Commercial acumen and the ability to balance growth, delivery and technical excellence.
• The credibility to engage confidently with clients, industry leaders and senior stakeholders.
• A collaborative leadership style that brings people together around a shared vision.
• Experience working across airport operators, government agencies, defence clients or related infrastructure sectors will be highly regarded.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Engineering, Aviation, Project Management or a related discipline, with Chartered status or equivalent preferred.

Ready to Shape the Future of Aviation in New Zealand?

If the opportunity to grow a national business, develop future leaders and influence the direction of New Zealand's aviation sector excites you, we'd love to hear from you.

This is your chance to build something that lasts.

Additional Information

Why you’ll love working with us

• Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times and hybrid work options
• Purchase up to 6 weeks additional annual leave per year         
• Volunteer and representation leave
• Flex public holidays – swap Easter or other holidays for ones that suit you better

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and/or neurodiverse conditions. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.

Applications are reviewed as they come in, and the role may close earlier than expected, so if this opportunity sounds like you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

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employee stories, latest projects, and much more!

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity 

You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.

You will help us foster a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.

AECOM provides a wide array of compensation, benefits and well-being programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We’re the world’s trusted global infrastructure firm, and we’re in this together – your growth and success are ours too.

Join us, and you’ll get all the benefits of being a part of a global, publicly traded firm – access to industry-leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.