Chief Pilot in Whanganui, Manawatū-Whanganui at Ravensdown

About the Company:

Aerowork delivers precision aerial fertiliser application to support New Zealand’s hill-country farmers. With a nationwide fleet of 13 GPS-equipped aircraft, 35+ loader trucks, and a full in-house engineering team designing and maintaining specialised aircraft components, we operate one of the most capable aerial spreading networks in the country. As a 100% Ravensdown-owned subsidiary, Aerowork plays an essential role in helping rural communities grow stronger, safer, and more productive.

About the Role:

Aerowork is seeking an experienced Chief Pilot to lead our flight operations across New Zealand. This is a senior leadership role with genuine scope and influence — you will be responsible for the safety, performance, and development of a geographically dispersed pilot group, while supporting the continued growth of one of New Zealand's leading agricultural aviation businesses.

The Chief Pilot oversees all flight operations, ensuring compliance with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations, maintaining operational safety standards, and managing pilot training and performance.

You will lead and manage our pilot group, who are based in different parts of the country and operate from Aerowork-owned or leased airstrips and aerodromes. Due to the nature of agricultural aviation and the weather windows that dictate flying schedules, oversight of flight operations will at times extend into weekends, with higher workloads during the main spreading seasons in Autumn and Spring.

This is a role that suits a leader who is equally comfortable in the operational environment as they are developing people, driving safety culture, and engaging with regulators and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the national pilot group, including performance, development, engagement, and succession planning
• Conduct training, flight competency checks, and address audit findings to ensure safe and consistent operations
• Manage fatigue risk and duty time limitations in line with regulatory and company requirements
• Maintain and continuously improve Aerowork’s operational procedures and manual
• Promote and embed safety practices, SOP updates, and lessons learned across the pilot group
• Provide operational input into aircraft engineering planning to support fleet readiness
• Undertake flying duties during peak operational periods as required
• Maintain oversight of flight operations, including flight tracking and operational monitoring
• Support implementation and testing of aircraft modifications, equipment, and new technology
• Ensure ongoing compliance with aviation regulations and company standards
• Contribute to broader business initiatives, including industry engagement and marketing activities where relevant
• Promote health, safety, and wellbeing across the business

About You:

You are an experienced aviation professional with the credibility and people leadership skills to set the standard for those around you. Whether your background is in agricultural or commercial aviation, you will bring a genuine understanding of operational risk, regulatory compliance, and what it takes to lead a high-performing pilot group.

You will work closely with customers, pilots, and the wider Aerowork team to address challenges, maintain compliance, and uphold the highest safety standards. Your ability to manage risk effectively and foster a collaborative, safety-first culture will be central to your success in this role.

As a key liaison with the Civil Aviation Authority, you will actively participate in regulatory and industry programmes and maintain "Senior Person" status. Your leadership will be instrumental in aligning health, safety, and wellbeing strategies across the company.

Ideal Skills & Experience:

• A strong aviation background — either within Agricultural Aviation or Commercial Aviation
• Proven leadership and people management experience, with demonstrated ability to develop, support, and hold accountable a geographically dispersed team.
• Strong understanding of CAA regulations and the practical experience required for CAA Senior Person approval.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to travel regionally and work flexible hours during high-demand periods.
• Familiarity with GPS-guided application systems and New Zealand ag-aircraft (e.g. PAC Cresco, Fletcher FU-24) is desirable, though not essential for candidates with a strong commercial aviation background.
• Safety management qualifications or experience with Safety Management Systems (SMS) would be beneficial.

Benefits

In return for your skills and leadership, we offer a competitive remuneration package including an array of insurances, flexible working arrangements, and a relocation allowance for the right candidate.

You will be joining a passionate, supportive cooperative environment where safety and people are genuinely valued.

We welcome applications from New Zealand-based candidates as well as those looking to relocate to New Zealand.

How to Apply:

Click on the ‘Apply’ button to create a profile and submit your CV and cover letter

Applications close on Sunday 5th July 2026

Aerowork is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. The successful applicant will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.