Civil Aviation Lead | Relocation to New Zealand

The NZ runway is there. Now it needs a leader.

AECOM ANZ is looking for an experienced  Civil Aviation Lead to grow and lead our Aviation Sector within the Transportation business across New Zealand, reporting directly to Senior Leadership.

This is a strategic leadership role combining technical direction, project delivery, client engagement and business development across AECOM’s civil aviation portfolio in New Zealand and the wider Australia–New Zealand region.

Job Description

The role will suit an emerging or established leader with demonstrable civil aviation engineering experience, particularly in one or more of the following areas:

• Airside and landside civil infrastructure
• Airfield pavements and/or airfield planning

Experience in complex infrastructure is valuable, but prior civil aviation experience is essential for this role.

You'll lead and contribute to projects across a diverse range of airport environments, including:

• International and regional airports
• Terminal precinct developments
• Airfield rehabilitation programmes
• Major aviation infrastructure investments

Working closely with AECOM's global aviation practice, you'll connect local expertise with international best practice to deliver innovative solutions for clients.

What You'll Own

• Business Growth : Drive aviation growth through strategic pursuits, client relationships and new market opportunities across New Zealand.
• Client & Industry Leadership: Build key industry relationships, provide strategic advice and represent AECOM at aviation forums.
• Project Delivery: Lead complex aviation projects, delivering safe, high-quality and commercially successful outcomes.
• National & Global Collaboration: Lead AECOM's New Zealand Airfield Team of engineers, collaborating across Australia and our global aviation network.
• Mentoring & Development: Build technical capability and develop the next generation of aviation leaders.

Why This Role Is Different

The foundations are in place, with the opportunity to build on AECOM's established aviation capability and shape its next phase of growth across New Zealand.

You'll have the backing of a global aviation network, the freedom to influence business direction and the opportunity to contribute to some of the region'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.

• Experience: 10+ years of relevant engineering experience, including demonstrable experience delivering civil aviation or airfield infrastructure projects. Experience may include airfield planning, airside and landside civil infrastructure, airfield pavements or aviation programme delivery.
• Client Focus: Established relationships within the civil aviation industry and a track record of providing trusted advice to airport clients and stakeholders.
• Commercial Acumen: Experience identifying opportunities, leading pursuits, developing proposals and supporting business growth.
• Leadership: A collaborative leadership style, with the ability to bring people together around a shared vision, lead teams and drive technical excellence.

• Qualifications

  : A relevant tertiary qualification in Civil Engineering, Aviation, Project Management or a related discipline. Chartered status or equivalent is preferred.

Ready to Shape the Future of Civil Aviation in New Zealand?

If you're ready to lead a team, grow a business and help deliver New Zealand's next generation of aviation infrastructure, we'd love to hear from you.

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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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.