Workforce Strategy Manager - Cargo Operations

Job Description

Kia ora!

Shape how Air New Zealand Cargo delivers for Aotearoa and the world by leading the workforce strategy behind every successful operation. This is your opportunity to influence performance at scale, optimise how we deploy our people, and unlock smarter, more sustainable ways of working.

At Air New Zealand, we connect friends and whānau across Aotearoa and beyond. Within Cargo, that means delivering critical goods, driving economic growth, and keeping supply chains moving. As Workforce Strategy Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring our operations are set up for success, balancing today’s operational demands with tomorrow’s ambitions. 

How you’ll make an impact

• Lead workforce strategy across Cargo operations to improve labour utilisation, productivity and flexibility
• Deliver accurate forecasting and rostering that aligns operational demand with cost and compliance targets
• Analyse workforce performance to identify trends, reduce inefficiencies and lift day-of-operations outcomes
• Champion modern planning tools and data-led methodologies to strengthen capability and decision making
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance workforce sustainability and long-term performance
• Partner with operational leaders and unions to deliver aligned, practical workforce solutions
• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing team, creating a culture of accountability and growth.

What you’ll bring

• Proven experience in workforce planning, operations, or resource optimisation within a complex environment
• Strong analytical capability, with the ability to translate data into clear, actionable strategy
• Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing teams
• Confidence engaging with stakeholders at all levels, including union environments
• A continuous improvement mindset, with a focus on efficiency, innovation and measurable outcomes
• Familiarity with workforce planning tools and systems, or the ability to quickly build capability.

If you meet the majority of the criteria and are excited by the opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.

Ready for take-off?

This is a rare opportunity to lead meaningful change in a business that never stands still. If you are ready to shape workforce strategy, influence outcomes at scale and be part of something bigger, apply now and help define the future of Air New Zealand Cargo.

Applications close Monday 27th April

Additional Information

At Air New Zealand, we are proudly committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and believe in creating a truly inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves and thrive. Our people are our greatest asset – because while everything else we do in our operation can be replicated by our competitors, it is our people that truly set us apart. We are firm believers in celebrating the differences and diversity of thought our people bring to their roles.

Whāia te pae tawhiti kia tata. Ko te pae tata whakamaua, kia tina.

"Seek to bring distant horizons closer. Once near, seize them and make them your reality."