Communications Manager – Fixed-Term

Shape the stories that connect New Zealand to the world 

We're looking for an experienced Communications Manager to join our Corporate Affairs team on a 3-year fixed-term contract until December 2029 and play a pivotal role in protecting and enhancing Auckland Airport's reputation, brand and stakeholder relationships. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic communications professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can confidently navigate everything from major infrastructure projects and sustainability initiatives to customer experience stories and crisis communications. 

What you’ll be doing 

As Communications Manager, you will provide trusted communications advice across a broad portfolio, supporting Auckland Airport's operational, customer, retail, property and sustainability objectives. You'll work closely with senior leaders, including the Executive Leadership Team, to deliver compelling communications that strengthen our reputation, engage key stakeholders and support strategic business outcomes. 

You'll have the opportunity to influence the narrative around some of Auckland's most significant infrastructure and development projects, including our growing retail and property businesses such as Mānawa Bay, while ensuring the voice of our customers remains at the heart of our communications. 

In this role, you will: 

• Develop and deliver high-quality communications that support Auckland Airport's business objectives and reputation. 

• Provide strategic communications advice to senior leaders and internal stakeholders across a diverse portfolio. 

• Identify and proactively manage reputational risks and emerging issues. 

• Create and curate engaging content across digital platforms, media channels, stakeholder communications and community engagement activities. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with media, community groups, industry partners, airport stakeholders and corporate affairs networks. 

• Act as a spokesperson for Auckland Airport when required and support the development of other company spokespeople. 

• Play a key role in emergency, crisis and issues management communications. 

• Contribute to the development and implementation of corporate communications, internal communications, sponsorship and community relations strategies. 

• Provide support for media enquiries, including participation in an after-hours media response roster.

What you will bring to the role 

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 be successful in the role, you’ll need: 

• Significant experience in corporate communications, public relations or media relations within a complex organisation. 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for a wide range of audiences. 

• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building capability. 

• Demonstrated experience managing reputational issues and providing strategic communications advice to senior leaders. 

• Experience working within crisis communications and issues management environments. 

• Strong media engagement experience, including spokesperson responsibilities. 

• Sound judgement, resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure. 

• A collaborative approach and the confidence to influence across all levels of an organisation. 
   

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.We have ambitions to be a global hub and a comprehensive development programme to deliver this vision. 

With so many moving parts to keep the airport precinct running, it’s our collaboration and passion that keeps 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. 

E mahianamātoumōAotearoa. We are working for New Zealand. 

Auckland Airport is more than just a business. It’sa 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.