Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Manager

At Dawn Aerospace, we're building the future of aerospace.

From satellite propulsion systems to reusable spaceplane technology, we're developing technologies that are transforming access to space. As we continue to grow across New Zealand, Europe and the United States, we operate in an increasingly complex environment of customer, regulatory, security and compliance requirements. This role is based in our Christchurch, New Zealand office.

We're looking for a Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Manager to help build and continuously improve the frameworks that enable Dawn Aerospace to operate securely, responsibly and compliantly as we scale. 

This is a broad, high-impact role spanning governance, risk, compliance, information security and export controls. You'll work closely with teams across the business to ensure compliance requirements are not simply documented, but embedded into the way we work. You'll help translate complex regulatory, customer and security requirements into practical processes that support both compliance and business growth.

Export controls and trade compliance will remain an important part of the role, alongside information security, risk management, customer assurance, internal audit and regulatory compliance activities.

This is an opportunity to shape how compliance and security support one of the world's fastest-growing aerospace companies.

What you'll do

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of Dawn Aerospace's governance, risk and compliance framework.
• Drive compliance across key areas including export controls, information security, privacy, AI governance and ethical business conduct.
• Develop, implement and maintain policies, procedures, controls and compliance programmes.
• Lead export control and trade compliance activities, including licensing, record keeping, customer requirements and ongoing compliance obligations.
• Coordinate compliance with customer, contractual and regulatory obligations across multiple jurisdictions.
• Develop and maintain risk registers, compliance monitoring activities and reporting frameworks.
• Plan and coordinate internal audits, compliance reviews and corrective actions.
• Support customer, supplier and regulatory audits, assessments and due diligence activities.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, IT, Finance and People teams to embed compliance and security into day-to-day business activities.
• Develop and deliver engaging training and awareness programmes.
• Monitor emerging regulatory and security requirements and advise the business on impacts and actions.
• Provide practical, commercially focused advice to managers and employees across the organisation.

What you'll bring

Essential

• Experience in governance, risk, compliance, information security, internal audit, export controls, regulatory affairs or a related field.
• Strong ability to interpret complex requirements and translate them into practical business processes.
• Experience developing policies, procedures, controls and compliance frameworks.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• High attention to detail, sound judgement and a pragmatic approach to managing risk.
• A tertiary qualification in Law, Engineering, Information Security, Business, International Relations or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.

Desirable

• Experience with export controls, sanctions compliance, ITAR, EAR or other international trade controls.
• Experience with information security or cybersecurity governance frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST SP 800-171, CMMC or NIS2.
• Experience in aerospace, defence, advanced manufacturing, government contracting or another highly regulated industry.
• Experience conducting audits, compliance reviews and risk assessments.
• Familiarity with government security requirements, supplier assurance or customer compliance programmes.
• Experience working across multiple international jurisdictions.
• Relevant certifications in governance, compliance, auditing, risk management, information security or export controls.

Why join Dawn Aerospace?

This is a rare opportunity to build and shape a critical capability within a rapidly growing aerospace company.

You'll work alongside engineers and business leaders developing technologies that are changing how the world accesses space. You'll have significant autonomy, exposure to senior leaders and the opportunity to influence how Dawn Aerospace manages risk, security and compliance as we continue to expand globally.

If you're someone who enjoys solving complex problems, building practical frameworks and working across technical and business teams, we'd love to hear from you.