Overview
Programme Manager – Airfield and Terminal Precinct Jobs in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand at Christchurch International Airport Limited
Title: Programme Manager – Airfield and Terminal Precinct
Company: Christchurch International Airport Limited
Location: Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
Christchurch Airport is seeking an exceptional Programme Manager – Airfield and Terminal Precinct for a 2 year fixed term contract to lead one of the South Island’s most significant long-term infrastructure programmes.
This pivotal role will shape and deliver a critical part of our 15-year rolling terminal precinct development programme, spanning airfield, terminal, and landside infrastructure. It’s a unique opportunity to influence how our airport evolves to meet future demand, supporting our region’s growth while maintaining the safe, seamless operations we’re known for.
You’ll sit at the intersection of strategy and delivery, bringing together complex operational, commercial, and infrastructure priorities into a clear, executable programme. Alongside this, you’ll play a key role in leading a high-performing programme team, bringing together internal capability and specialist partners to deliver at scale. The impact of this role will be long-lasting, contributing to infrastructure that will serve generations to come.
What You’ll Do
You’ll lead the development and delivery of a complex, multi-stage programme, working across the full lifecycle from early planning through to delivery and operations.
- Shape the long-term development programme, setting direction, priorities, and success measures
- Develop integrated roadmaps across airfield, terminal, and landside infrastructure
- Lead programme governance, including investment papers, business cases, and Board reporting
- Work closely with airlines, regulators, government agencies, and commercial partners to align priorities and build momentum
- Guide projects through planning, feasibility, concept design, and into delivery
- Provide strong client-side leadership across design, procurement, construction, and commissioning
- Manage programme-level risks and dependencies, carefully sequencing work to minimise disruption to live operations
Who You Are
You’re someone who thrives in complexity and brings clarity, structure, and momentum to large-scale programmes.
- Strategic and forward-looking – you can see the bigger picture while making practical decisions along the way
- A strong relationship builder – you bring people together, navigate competing priorities, and build trust across diverse stakeholders
- Operationally aware – you understand the realities of working in live environments and can plan accordingly
- A confident programme leader – you’re comfortable coordinating multiple workstreams and guiding programmes from concept through to delivery
What you’ll bring
- 10–15 years’ experience leading large infrastructure or capital development programmes
- Proven experience developing business cases, investment proposals, and long-term infrastructure plans
- Strong programme management capability across governance, risk, cost, and delivery
- Experience working with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior leaders, regulators, and commercial partners
- A relevant qualification in engineering, construction, infrastructure, or programme management
- Programme management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, MSP or similar)
- Experience in airport infrastructure or large-scale programmes would be advantageous.
Why join us
At Christchurch Airport, you’ll join a team that values innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. We offer a unique and dynamic environment where your work makes a real impact on the future of aviation in New Zealand. Enjoy benefits such as free medical insurance, wellbeing programmes, professional development opportunities, and staff discounts.
If this role has piqued your interest, apply now! Applications close Tuesday 12th May
This is a chance to be part of something meaningful where your work has a visible and lasting impact on our region.
