Airport Fire Service Manager

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.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.

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