Health, Safety and Risk Manager

Invercargill Airport Limited (IAL) is a regional airport which provides a vital gateway and connection to the far South. With jets flying non-stop from Auckland and frequent flights to Christchurch, it is easy for all New Zealanders to access the beautiful landmarks that Southland has to offer including Fiordland, Stewart Island and the Catlins – together with the rapidly growing city of Invercargill. Closely located to the city, IAL is more than just an airport operator and is undertaking significant developments of its aero and non-aero assets to maximise its value to the region.

To take the airport to new heights, IAL has a newly created opportunity for a Health, Safety and Risk Manager! Are you an aviation enthusiast, with strong health and safety, and risk management skills ready to take off?  This could be for you!  

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and part of the Senior Leadership Team, the Health, Safety and Risk Manager will have overarching accountability for leading the development and implementation of a HSR framework across IAL operations. In this key leadership role, you will:

• Lead the development and implementation of a robust Health & Safety framework aligned with IAL’s strategic direction.
• Oversee aviation safety systems, ensuring compliance with CAA regulations.
• Drive enterprise risk management across the airport, identifying key risks and embedding effective mitigation strategies.
• Monitor compliance and performance through regular reporting to the CEO and Board and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships across internal teams and external stakeholders to enhance safety outcomes.
• Promote a proactive safety culture that empowers staff, supports operational goals, and aligns with regulatory and industry best practices.

You’re a strategic thinker and hands-on leader with a passion for creating safer, smarter workplaces. With a solid background in health and safety, and risk management—ideally from a high-risk or regulated environment—you bring practical experience in building frameworks, influencing culture, and driving continuous improvement.

You thrive on collaboration, build strong relationships across all levels of an organisation, and communicate with clarity and confidence. Whether it’s advising on compliance, managing enterprise risk, or championing safety initiatives, you bring a calm, solutions-focused approach.

You don’t need to come from the aviation sector—we’re more interested in your ability to lead, your commitment to best practice, and your desire to make a meaningful impact in a unique and dynamic environment.

If you are looking for an opportunity that will have an influence across an organisation, get in touch!

To discover more about Invercargill Airport Limited visit https://invercargillairport.co.nz/

For a confidential discussion about the role; contact Sarah Dixon on 022 1934 170 or email sarah@deciphergroup.co.nz or Elise Elliot on 021 243 7018 or email elise@deciphergroup.co.nz