Principal Business Architect

Overview

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of New Zealand seeks a Principal Business Architect to lead critical strategic efforts within its Business Transformation Programme. This role is focused on designing the future operating model and driving transformative initiatives to enhance New Zealand’s aviation sector safety and service delivery.

Role Responsibilities

• Steer the creation and ongoing refinement of CAA’s target operating model and overall business architecture.
• Convert organisational strategies into actionable enterprise design frameworks, transformation roadmaps, and decision support tools.
• Advise executive leadership, governance bodies, and senior stakeholders with authoritative insights on business architecture.
• Ensure transformation projects align cohesively with the enterprise transformation pathway, managing sequencing and dependencies.
• Lead prioritisation and investment decisions to align with strategic priorities and the target architecture.
• Develop enterprise-wide capability strategies spanning business processes, operating models, and digital initiatives.
• Establish and oversee governance, principles, standards, and design practices that support successful implementation of transformation.
• Navigate cross-programme design conflicts and competing priorities, resolving trade-offs effectively.
• Design operating models that strengthen organisational capabilities, regulatory impact, and aviation sector results.
• Foster trusted partnerships with key leaders and stakeholders to secure alignment and advocacy throughout the transformation programme.

Candidate Profile

• Seasoned experience in creating and applying operating models within large-scale transformations.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior executive decision-making related to investment, prioritisation, and architectural design.
• Proficient in shaping target operating models and enterprise architecture across business and technology domains.
• Strong grasp of enterprise transformation principles, business architecture frameworks, and organisational change practices.
• Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders including technical experts, senior leaders, and external partners.
• Comprehensive understanding of the interplay between business processes, workforce capabilities, data, technology, and service delivery.
• Expertise in implementing governance models, prioritisation methods, and transformation planning.
• Proven track record managing conflicting priorities while balancing strategic and operational demands.
• Familiarity with architectural frameworks such as TOGAF and skill to apply them pragmatically.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, influence, and relationship-building skills.

About CAA

The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand is the national regulator responsible for maintaining aviation safety and security. Committed to a vision of a safe and secure aviation system, CAA values professionalism, respect, integrity, transparency, and collaboration. It fosters an inclusive, supportive work environment where all employees are valued.

Benefits

• Up to 4% matching contributions to KiwiSaver retirement savings.
• Vision care benefits.
• Annual influenza vaccinations.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme.

Employment Details

This position is offered on a fixed-term contract basis initially for one year, with the potential to extend depending on business case approval. The role is onsite in Wellington, New Zealand.

Compensation

The salary band ranges from $230231 to $261778 annually, with starting pay based on the candidate’s knowledge, skills, experience, and internal pay equity.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply by submitting an online application form including a CV and cover letter. The cover letter should highlight relevant experience in business architecture, operating model design, or enterprise transformation and explain alignment with role requirements. Accessibility support is available upon request to ensure an equitable recruitment process.

Applications close on 9 August 2026. Early applications are encouraged as shortlisting may begin prior to this date.