Australia Operations Manager

This position is open to candidates located anywhere in Australia.

Job Summary

The core purpose of the Australian Operations Manager is to lead a large team including airport managers, supervisors, trainers and administrative support staff across multiple locations. This involves maximising performance and culture across the areas of safety, efficiency and reliability and continuously exceeding the service delivery expectations of Aus Flight Handling’s clients (airlines) and their customers. With a focus on continuous development and improvement initiatives in business and operational performance, you will also build and maintain strong teams with a ‘Can Do, Will Do’ attitude ensuring our employees feel valued, recognised and engaged.

The Operations Manager must have hands-on experience in airport operations as they will regularly be responsible for the daily operations of airports in their portfolio as well as providing strategic direction to employees and airport managers. You will plan and supervise the activities of a diverse workforce to ensure the smooth and profitable running of the business. 

You will report directly into the COO and will liaise with the management team on a regular and consistent basis.  There will also be opportunities to assist other port locations with training, advice, port start-up and contract negotiations if and when the need arises.  You will be responsible for highlighting and building future growth opportunities in your location and advising your direct report about potential growth areas within the industry.

Main Responsibilities 

Leadership & Culture

• Ensure that the airport teams have the tools and equipment to effectively carry out their roles; 
• Ensure the Airport Managers team achieves defined key performance criteria;
• Reporting on area metrics to Aus Flight Handling and our clients;
• Evaluating staff, team and out port performance
• Coach and develop direct reports and actively manage their performance;
• Uphold staff disciplines and adherence to Aus Flight Handling, client and regulatory procedures and policies;
• Lead a culture that values equality, fairness, and transparency, and zero tolerance for bullying, discrimination and harassment;
• Handle escalated staff grievances, complaints, discipline etc where required;
• Foster and develop the Aus Flight Handling 'Can Do, Will Do' culture;
• Recognise and reward the team for good performance including facilitating team events;
• Actively support carry out succession planning activities within the airport teams;
• Ensuring contractual compliance;
• Review and actively participate in updating company policies and documents;
• Lead change management when implementing new products or processes.

Operational

• Responsible for the day-to-day management of operations at your airport base;
• Effective understanding of all roles within the airport operations;
• Lead optimal operational efficiency through effective planning and management of manpower;
• Liaise with client management and Airport Managers leadership staff, including flight crew, cabin crew and operational crew to provide seamless product delivery as per the Ground Handling Agreement contract;
• Attending to client requests and needs in a timely and professional manner and attending client meetings where required;
• Manage budgets, interpret financial information and monitor port performance;
• Monitor expenses associated for the repair and maintenance of all Aus Flight Handling equipment;
• Ensure that there is consistent, proactive planning to ensure the right number of people are trained in the various disciplines – liaise with airline rep to ensure training requirements are kept up to date;
• Maximise ancillary revenue collection (such as excess baggage) for client airlines;
• Ensure that KPIs / timesheets are accurate / complete final check and sign-off ahead of client invoicing;
• Ensure the safe and secure operation of all equipment and associated costs for repair and maintenance. Approve and facilitate the purchase for consumables and other key expense items;
• Approve and facilitate the purchase for consumables and other key expense items;
• Manage flight disruption rosters and staff hour extensions due to off schedule operations;
• Liaise with Airport Outport Managers regarding flight delays, baggage deliveries, ad-hoc charters and weather/engineering disruptions to ensure operational efficiency;
• Role can include operational coverage due to of some rosters in times of flight disruption, staff shortages and working as part of the operational roster where required.

Applicants must have a valid Australian driver’s licence, pass pre-employment DAMP and Medical checks, ASIO, Federal and State Police checks.

Aus Flight Handling is a leading provider of ground and air cargo services, with a workforce of approximately 380 people, handling over 900 flights per week at eighteen airports across Australia. 

We strive to operate with the core values of People, Professionalism, and Partnership in all that we undertake. Our management philosophy is simple – “To have a work environment that enables staff to succeed in their position and to be a company that encourages all staff to take responsibility and ownership for their role, therefore helping them to achieve more satisfaction from their job, which will lead to a better working environment for all”. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: 

Aus Flight Handling as an equal opportunity employer, bases its hiring decisions on the business need and the best qualified candidates available and does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of any protected category. Candidates who are offered employment will be subject to a criminal record and other background checks as permitted or required by company policy or applicable law. 

Please note: Only permanent residents of Australia or New Zealand, or persons who have the right to work in Australia may apply. All Applicants must pass a pre-employment medical and drug and alcohol test. For aviation certification, all applicants must undergo a State and Federal Police and ASIO background check. 

Location and salary by negotiation

Applications close 12 April 2024 at 5.00pm