Project Manager - Fixed Term, Rules Update Programme

Project manager - Rules Update Programme

• 18-month Fixed-Term Contract Role

• Wellington-based role

• Play a key role in keeping New Zealand’s aviation system safe, efficient, and fit for the future.

At the Civil Aviation Authority, we don’t just keep New Zealand’s skies safe and secure, we help shape the future of aviation.

About the Role

As a Project Manager within the Rules Update Programme (RUP), you'll play a critical role in delivering projects that support the modernisation of New Zealand's aviation regulatory framework. Working across multidisciplinary teams, you'll coordinate, plan and deliver complex policy and rulemaking projects that contribute to regulatory modernisation, international alignment, and positive outcomes for the aviation sector.

Reporting to the Manager, Project Delivery and Portfolio Management, you'll work closely with project leads, subject matter experts, senior stakeholders and programme governance groups to ensure projects are delivered successfully and achieve programme objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination, delivery and close-out of allocated Rules Update Programme projects.

• Develop and maintain project schedules, plans, risks, issues and reporting.

• Facilitate planning workshops and support project teams to deliver key milestones.

• Engage with managers and stakeholders to secure project resources and subject matter expertise.

• Provide guidance and support to project leads and project teams on project processes and delivery requirements.

• Monitor project progress, manage risks and issues, and escalate matters where required.

• Support stakeholder engagement and communication activities across allocated projects.

• Contribute to continuous improvement activities and lessons learned processes across the programme.

The salary range for this role is $115,536 to $141,751. Starting salaries are based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, as well as internal relativities.

For more information on the role please view the position description.

What You'll Bring

You'll be an organised and proactive project professional who enjoys working in complex environments and coordinating diverse groups toward a common outcome. You'll be confident managing priorities, building relationships and keeping projects on track while adapting to changing requirements.

To succeed in this role you'll demonstrate:

• At least three years' experience in project management within a complex and changing operating environments.

• Strong planning and organisational skills, including experience developing project schedules and plans.

• Experience leading project workstreams or coordinating project teams to deliver results.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.

• Experience monitoring project progress, managing risks and resolving issues.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Confidence using project management methodologies, tools and techniques.

• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Planner, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

• Experience in the aviation sector is preferred, but not essential.

About Us

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is New Zealand’s aviation safety and security regulator. We play a critical role in protecting the travelling public, supporting the aviation sector, and strengthening New Zealand’s international reputation.

Our vision is simple and powerful: A safe and secure aviation system – so people are safe, and feel safe when they fly.

Our values - Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration - guide everything we do. We’re committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment where everyone feels respected, safe, and valued. Our people are central to our success.

Why Join Us?

• 5 weeks annual leave.

• 10 days sick leave, available after 6-months of continuous employment.

• Matching KiwiSaver contributions up to 4%

• Flu vaccinations

• Employee Assistance Programme

Ready to Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to contribute to one of the CAA’s most significant regulatory programmes of work. If you're passionate about policy, regulation, and helping create a safer, future-ready aviation system for New Zealand, we'd love to hear from you. This role is offered as an 18-month fixed term contract.

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience aligns with the requirements of this role.

We want to ensure accessibility needs are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Please let us know if there is any support we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible to you.

For more information, please view the position description. If you have any questions about the role or application process, contact the Recruitment team at recruitment@caa.govt.nz.

Applications close: Tuesday, 15 September 2026

Please be aware that we may start shortlisting as applications come in. We encourage early applications, as the advertisement may close sooner than stated.