Communications Lead Head of Communications

Kia ora!

At Air New Zealand, we are seeking our next Communications Lead (Head of Communications) to shape and influence our reputation and inspire our people.

Reporting to the Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, this is a senior leadership role with responsibility for external and internal communications and events at Air New Zealand.
The communications and events team play a pivotal role in shaping and protecting the company's reputation, managing issues, and showcasing the stories that make Air New Zealand and its people unique and special.

As the Communications Lead (Head of Communications), you will lead a very talented and hard-working team committed to excellence in internal and external communications, events, risk management and caring for our wider airline whānau.
From managing the media, to celebrating the achievements of our people and sharing the magic of Air New Zealand with New Zealand and world, this role is both demanding and deeply rewarding.

1.
Strategic leadership

• Oversee and deliver a communications strategy and approach aligned with Air New Zealand's strategic goals.
• Provide advice to the executive team and Board on reputational, media, and communication matters.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with media and key internal and external stakeholders.

2.
Reputation Management

• Lead proactive and reactive media management to protect and enhance the company's reputation.
• Identify, monitor, and mitigate potential risks and issues that could impact the airline's brand or operations.
• Stay ahead of evolving industry and/or societal issues, providing insights and guidance on how these may impact Air New Zealand.

3.
Internal Communications

• Lead an enhanced focus on the airline's internal communications focus, fostering a strong sense of connection, pride, and engagement among the Air New Zealand whānau.

4.
Advocacy

• Celebrate and amplify the stories of Air New Zealand's team, our customers, and our achievements.
• Showcase what makes Air New Zealand, New Zealanders, and Aotearoa special on a global stage.

5.
Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing communications and events team, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and innovation.
• Ensure the team is equipped to respond to media inquiries, emerging issues, and strategic opportunities in a fast-paced environment.

• Extensive experience in communications and corporate affairs at a senior level
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong understanding and experience of risk, reputation, and issues management
• Experience with internal communications, and success in using good internal communications to lift engagement and drive culture.
• Demonstrable success in delivering communication campaigns both internally and externally
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with media, stakeholders, government, and senior leaders.
• Leadership experience, with a focus on team development and cross-functional collaboration.

We are seeking an experienced communications professional with a proven track record of success in high-profile, large and complex environments.
If you thrive under pressure, deliver to a high standard and are ambitious for the future of Air New Zealand, apply now.
Applications close 6th February 2025.

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.
We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those with a disability, additional health and mental health needs, and/or are neurodiverse to apply for our roles.

If you have encountered any accessibility barriers and require further information or reasonable accommodations to our recruitment process, please reach out to the recruiter listed on this job advert so they are able to support you to freely participate equitably in our recruitment and selection process.

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."