Airport Fire Service Manager, Christchurch

Christchurch Airport is seeking a strong, strategic, and people-focused leader to oversee our Airport Fire Service (AFS), aiming to make it a high-performing, industry-leading function. This demanding yet rewarding role is ideal for an experienced emergency services professional capable of inspiring teams, driving performance, and embedding best practices within a highly regulated environment.This role is based in our Christchurch office. Leading a team of up to 50 professionals in a 24/7 operational setting, the successful candidate will engage hearts and minds, build capability and culture, and develop a clear strategic direction to ensure our emergency response meets compliance and industry-leading standards. The role requires comfort in frontline engagement with firefighters and influencing stakeholders alike.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, optimizing 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 ForProven 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.Ability to balance big-picture thinking with day-to-day operational management. What’s on Offer? At Christchurch Airport, we understand that great leadership delivers great outcomes. We invest in our people and offer a workplace where challenge meets opportunity. Competitive salary plus fully subsidized medical insurance.Free on-site parking and professional development opportunities. A workplace prioritizing safety, performance, and leadership excellence. A genuine commitment to employee wellbeing, health, and fitness. This is a career-defining opportunity for a leader who thrives on challenge and aims to make a lasting impact on a vital emergency service.We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives and experiences are valued. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know—we want you to bring your best self to this opportunity. Apply now and lead the change. The application deadline is 25th March.#J-18808-Ljbffr