Airways, GM Safety
About Airways
Airways is New Zealand’s air navigation service provider, responsible for managing one of the largest airspaces in the world. From 17 control towers, two operating centres and technical bases across the country, Airways delivers modern, reliable air traffic management services and maintains the infrastructure that supports the safe and efficient movement of aircraft across our skies. Airways is a State-Owned Enterprise and a key player in the aviation industry.
Airways is currently in year three of its ten year ‘safe skies today and tomorrow’ strategy. This strategy has been divided into three phases; connect, build, and adapt. With the connect stage largely complete, efforts are now focused on the build phase - shaping the capabilities and foundations that will enable the next stage of growth. While the strategy spans the whole of Airways, the commercial business will be a critical focus within this work.
About the role
The Airways GM Safety ensures that Airways operates in full compliance with relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, and the Safety Management System, while maintaining a robust safety culture grounded in continuous improvement.
As a member of the executive leadership team, the GM Safety integrates safety priorities with business strategy, embedding safety considerations into all major plans, decisions, and operations. The role drives a high-performing safety environment, overseeing the design, implementation and management of both proactive and reactive Health, Safety, and Wellbeing programmes. Airways adopts a three lines of defence model – this role provide second line assurance across all operational risks, health & safety and wellbeing.
The GM Safety leverages analytical insights, automated systems, and reporting dashboards to monitor performance, measure effectiveness, and lift the maturity of safety management systems across the organisation. This position ensures that safety remains a central, strategic focus while fostering operational excellence and resilience.
Key Competencies include:
Proven expertise in the design and implementation of comprehensive safety management systems;
Demonstrated success in leading and managing high-performing teams to drive exceptional engagement and results;
Experience in leading organisational crisis management and response efforts;
Skilled in enhancing improvement functions and processes, including effective policy development and management;
Adept at leveraging automated systems, dashboards and reporting to effectively measure, monitor, and advance the maturity of safety management systems.
This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in New Zealand’s aviation sector; helping to ensure the ongoing safety of air travel across New Zealand’s skies while contributing to Airways’ strategic direction.
How to apply
Airways is working alongside executive search firm Kerridge & Partners on the appointment of the GM Safety. If you are interested in a confidential discussion about the opportunity, please contact Ben Keall on ben.keall@kerridgepartners.com or +64 9 969 9900 by 19/1/2026.