Operational Readiness and Transition Specialist

This is a fixed term role until December 2029.

We are open to a range of backgrounds. You might bring direct ORAT or airport experience, or come from process improvement, operations, consulting, or large-scale transformation programmes—particularly where you have helped organisations prepare for and embed change in complex environments.

We are seeking an Operational Readiness And Transition (ORAT) Specialist to join us at Auckland Airport. In this role you will be helping to operationalise the large and complex infrastructure programme currently underway. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to leave your footprint on AKL by supporting the successful opening and expansion of airport infrastructure and facilities

In this role, you will lead the planning and delivery of operational readiness activities across a range of projects. You will work closely with stakeholders to help translate infrastructure delivery into safe, efficient, and customer-ready operations.

Your key responsibilities are:

• Collaborate with airport stakeholders, project managers, and operational departments to ensure alignment with readiness objectives.
• Define, develop and track operational readiness plans and activities by applying Auckland Airport ORAT framework and methodology.
• Work with both internal and external stakeholders on developing operational requirements for new assets or infrastructure.
• Organise and conduct operational trials, simulations, and drills to assess the readiness of airport systems, facilities, and personnel.
• Foster strong relationships with various stakeholders, both internal and external, including airlines, ground handlers, government agencies, aviation security and other service providers.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to understand their needs and to ensure smooth  transition and minimal disruption during the transition phase.
• Participate in a culture of continuous improvement within the ORAT team and collaborate with other departments to implement best practices.
  
  

At Auckland Airport, we are a busy hive of activity, and a lot of what we look for is how you would align with our AKL values All In | Tātou tatou – How we feel, Know How | Kōkiri Tahi – How we think and Let’s Go | Karawhiua – How we act.

To ensure your success in this role, you will need:

• Experience supporting operational change, transformation, or the delivery of complex programmes. This could come from aviation, infrastructure, consulting, or other operationally intensive industries.

• Experience in operational readiness, transition, and/or implementing change in live environments
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple complex tasks, deadlines and competing priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and teams.
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to think critically and make data-driven decisions.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing project requirements and operational environments.
• An in-depth knowledge of airport processes, regulations, and best practices related to operational readiness and transfer will be highly valued.
• Bachelor’s degree in Airport Management, Business Administration, or related field is a plus
• Certification or training in airport operations or ORAT methodologies is a plus.
  
  

About us

From the arrival of the Tainui Waka into the Manukau Harbour, Auckland Airport has always been a place of journeys. We stand proudly as the gateway to Aotearoa, welcoming travellers beginning their journeys, farewelling Kiwis to new destinations, connecting businesses and workers to new opportunities, and celebrating partners and investors who back us along the way.

E mahi ana mātou mō Aotearoa. We are working for New Zealand.

Auckland Airport is more than just a business. It’s a truly unique place with an important role to play in New Zealand’s recovery. Together we’re its custodians, knowing that the work we do has the power to create positive change for our customers, the community, the environment and for the prosperity of Aotearoa. We’re all about creating a sense of place where everyone can thrive, and one where others aspire to work. We’re a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome people from all walks of life.

Whiria te tangata. Our values weave us together. They’re what we stand for, who we are and how we act.

Apply today

It’s our collaboration and passion that keep everything together. This is what our culture and heritage have been built on. When you work with us, you’ll share our ambition to be a great New Zealand business, and one that’s making a strong contribution to the wellbeing of our communities and economy.

If this role sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Apply online now. 

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