Airfield Operations Manager
Archerfield Airport, Brisbane
Permanent, full‑time | 9‑day fortnight
Archerfield Airport is seeking an experienced aviation operations leader to step into a hands‑on role with real influence over the operations of one of Queensland’s busiest airports.
This is a practical leadership role, working with and leading a small team delivering critical maintenance and safety outcomes while maintaining standards, coaching people, and ensuring the safe, compliant, reliable day‑to‑day operation of the airport.
About Archerfield Airport
Located just 11 km south of the Brisbane CBD, Archerfield Airport is Queensland’s largest general aviation hub and Brisbane’s metropolitan airport. Recently celebrating 95 years of operation, the airport supports a wide range of critical aviation activity including emergency services, helicopters, passenger and freight charter, private jets, aviation maintenance and training, and air work.
The airport is privately owned and operated by a family company with a history of caring for its people. Pride in the airport and its history, and excitement for the challenges and opportunities of the future run deep in a stable long-term team. Significant investment is underway as the business continues to modernise infrastructure and operations to support emerging aviation opportunities.
This role is available due to the retirement of the incumbent after a long and highly respected period with the organisation.
The role
Reporting to the General Manager – Aviation Operations, the Airfield Operations Manager is responsible for the safety, presentation and operational readiness of the aerodrome.
You will lead a small Ground Services team and spend most of your time in the field — airside and landside — supporting operations, maintaining standards and working alongside your people. The role has clear leadership accountability and genuine influence across operations, safety, infrastructure and continuous improvement.
Key responsibilities include:
Leading and developing the Ground Services team across daily operations and safety
Ensuring the aerodrome is safe and compliant
Managing airfield inspections, NOTAMs, CASA audits and emergency exercises
Overseeing airfield and equipment maintenance and environmental management
Maintaining accurate SMS and compliance records
Participating in emergency exercises and leading incident response
Maintaining relationships with key stakeholders like Air Services Australia, CASA, customers and tenants.
About you
You are a hands‑on airside operations and maintenance leader with strong operational credibility. You enjoy being in the field, working alongside your team and leading by example in a safety‑critical environment.
You likely have several years of leadership experience and are seeking broader responsibility and development. With a high level of personal integrity, you care about ethics, supporting your people, and maintaining high standards. You will likely hold relevant aviation qualifications like AROC, ARO and WSO qualifications and other Certificates related to airport operations and maintenance and machinery operation.
What we offer
A genuine leadership opportunity in a hands-on operational role
A long weekend every second weekend with a 9‑day fortnight
A supportive, values‑driven workplace with long staff tenure
A leadership growth opportunity with experienced mentoring and support
Onsite café and employee parking
The opportunity to work in the best industry in the world, making a difference every day
Interested?
If you enjoy aviation, value practical leadership, and want to make a real contribution to an airport that matters, we’d like to hear from you.
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience. We will be reviewing applications as they come in, if you are interested, please apply today.
Pre‑employment checks apply, including medical assessment and drug and alcohol screening in accordance with CASA requirements.
Employer questions
Your application will include the following questions:
Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
How many years' experience do you have as an operations manager?
How many years' experience do you have in the aviation industry?
Have you completed a qualification in Work Health & Safety?
Do you have a current Australian driver's licence?
What's your expected annual base salary?