Chapter Lead Corporate and Internal Communications

Kia ora!

Air New Zealand is seeking an experienced and strategic communications professional to lead our Corporate and Internal Communications Chapter. The role’s two focus areas are to enhance and protect the airline’s reputation and revitalize the airline’s internal communications approach with the aim of enhancing pride and engagement across our diverse and incredibly passionate workforce. The successful candidate will bring demonstrated experience in highly regulated industries and a strong track record in leading complex government relations and public affairs communications programmes. 

About the role 

As Chapter Lead, Corporate and Internal Communications, you will report directly to the Head of Communications and work collaboratively across the business to deliver high-impact communications strategies. You will partner closely with the Communications team’s PR Lead to ensure our messaging is aligned across all external and internal touchpoints.  

This role requires an individual who is both visionary and hands-on, able to shape strategy and execute with excellence. 

Key responsibilities 

Corporate and Regulatory Communications 

• Develop and implement strategic corporate communication plans covering regulatory, government, and reputational domains. 

• Provide executive-level communications counsel and support to senior leadership. 

• Manage proactive and reactive media engagement on corporate issues to foster stakeholder trust. 

Internal Communications 

• Design and execute a compelling internal communications strategy that deepens employee connection to our purpose and strategic direction. 

• Champion transparent and timely communications across all teams and locations. 

• Utilise modern tools and channels to elevate internal engagement. 

Leadership and People Development 

• Lead, coach, and inspire a team of three to deliver high-performing, impactful communications. 

• Contribute to a culture of excellence, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the Communications team. 

Issues and Crisis Management 

• Ensure readiness and maintain best practice standards for corporate and internal communications during crises or high-risk events. 

What you’ll bring 

• Proven senior-level experience in corporate and internal communications within large, complex organisations. 

• Demonstrated ability to navigate and communicate within regulated, fast-paced, and customer-focused environments. 

• Strong strategic acumen and the ability to distil complex information

• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. 

• Composure under pressure and experience in managing crisis communications. 

• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, and sound commercial judgement. 

• Experience in leading and developing high-performing teams. 

• A proactive, positive, and can-do mindset. 

• A university degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience. 

If you’re ready to lead with purpose and help shape the voice of Air New Zealand, please apply now.

Applications close 17/07/2025.

Please note while we will deliver an outcome to all applicants, due to the high volume of applications we will only organise conversations with shortlisted candidates.

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."