General Manager

Wanaka Helicopters Group is a well-established family owned, commercial operator and flight training school in one of the most stunning places in the world. With a strong tourism focus they specialise in scenic and luxury flights to some of the most beautiful remote locations in New Zealand.

Also offering commercial, agricultural and charter helicopter services, Wanaka Helicopters is the most experienced world-class helicopter flight training school in Australasia, offering private training as well as a Diploma in Aviation and is an NZQA recognised provider.

Their second brand; Backcountry Helicopters in Makarora, has a strong tourism and charter focus, while their third, Learn to Fly NZ, is a training facility at Wānaka Airport offering fixed wing flight training for both private and commercial licences.

Known for its commitment to safety, top-notch service and quality, Wanaka Helicopters Group has established itself as a leader in the industry. The Group prides itself on its highly skilled and experienced team and delivering exceptional service to its clients across the three brands. With a focus on innovation and excellence, they are dedicated to achieving its strategic objectives and ensuring a sustainable future.

With the ongoing success and growth of Wanaka Helicopters Group, we are looking for a General Manager who is strategically minded and commercially astute to propel this organisation into the future! With a real understanding that people are your greatest asset, we are looking for a General Manager who is people centric, above all else. Are you ready to take your career to new heights?

The newly revised role of General Manager will report directly to the CEO and the Board of Directors. Providing operational and strategic leadership across all aspects of this broad business you will work collaboratively to develop and implement the company's business plan, growth objectives, and business improvement strategies.

Ensuring high levels of quality, the optimisation of resources, and delivery of service, your responsibilities will include maintaining an open culture of safety and compliance, developing business plans, fostering stakeholder relationships, and ensuring financial performance.

Positive brand management across the tourism, commercial and educational operations will be a paramount. In addition, the role will have overall responsibility for HR, IT, and systems improvement.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience in managing operations, and a strong history in fostering a culture of innovation, performance, and transparency. With strong commercial and financial acumen, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, you will have the ability to lead and inspire the team. With your experience in working across a multifaceted organisation you understand the significance and breadth of all business streams, Tourism, Commercial, Education and Training and the impact these have on the Group. The flight school is an important part of the Group offering NZQA qualifications, experience in working in or around a training industry would be advantageous!

You bring a real willingness to learn and have an aptitude in identifying business efficiencies and with a curious mind you know the right questions to ask. With growth aspirations across the Group, you are someone who aligns with organisational culture to understand opportunities and capitalise on these.

You will demonstrate high levels of professionalism and integrity, with the ability to positively influence others and proactively anticipate organisational needs. You will be down to earth; team focussed and have a collaborative and inclusive approach. Aviation industry experience would be highly regarded but is not essential.

Are you ready?

To discover more about Wanaka Helicopters, visit https://wanakahelicopters.co.nz/

For a confidential discussion about the role; contact Sarah Dixon, [email protected] or Lisa Edwards, [email protected]

Applications close: 12th August 2024