Air New Zealand plays a critical role in supporting our nation's success. Our purpose of connecting Kiwis with each other and the world is incredibly special, and we love what we do. However, we are very aware that our operations create harmful emissions that contribute to the climate emergency. As such decarbonising our operations so we can deliver a more sustainable service for both our customers and the planet is our greatest challenge.  

As a Sustainability Specialist, you will be working with stakeholders from across the airline and our supply chain to ensure the delivery of Air New Zealand’s ambitious and critical Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) purchasing and sales programme, and managing associated risks and opportunities. Together with the ambitious, hard-working and caring Sustainability team, this role will play a key part in supporting the achievement of the company's wider sustainability goals and objectives. 

Key responsibilities: 

• Lead the Sustainability team’s contributions to SAFc customer sales along with other experts in the team, including engaging current and prospective customers, supporting sales managers and teams, and providing technical and commercial advice on deal terms.  

• Collaborate with relevant internal teams to develop and deliver the SAFc sales infrastructure, including appropriate emissions accounting, SAF certification, SAFc registration, and systems and processes across legal, accounting and finance.

• Contribute to internal SAF research, analysis, and intelligence, including through industry, producers, and other external engagement, as well as keeping abreast of latest developments, directions, risks, and opportunities. 

• Manage, implement, and update the airline’s sustainability criteria for SAF based on best practice, global and environmental standards, including feedstock, technology pathways, and other sustainable supply chain considerations.  

• Create briefings, position papers, information packs, and policies and/or documentation for relevant internal and external stakeholders. 

• Work with colleagues in the Sustainability team to implement Air New Zealand’s sustainability priorities, manage related risks and opportunities, and report to key stakeholders, including the external Sustainability Advisory Panel. 

Key experience and skills: 

• 5+ years of experience in sustainability and/or technical, strategic, or commercial projects, including undertaking research, providing technical advice and oversight, and / or negotiating commercial terms. 

• Demonstrated experience providing commercial input into the management and planning of sustainability initiatives. 

• Experience in customer engagement, sales, and negotiating commercial terms is ideal but not essential. 

• Demonstrated current knowledge of SAF, biofuels and/or fuel or emissions accounting is ideal but not essential. 

• University graduate in a business or science discipline, or similar. 

• Excellent attention to detail and ability to communicate complex topics and insights.  

• Excellent collaboration, consultation and stakeholder management skills. 

• A passion for sustainability and climate action.  

This is a critical role for Air New Zealand and one that will make a meaningful difference. If you have a passion for a more sustainable future and are looking to join an innovative, hardworking team with an inclusive culture, please apply now. Applications close Tuesday 27th May.