Airport Manager, Aus Flight Handling - Merimbula

Airport Manager – Merimbula Airport

We pride ourselves on our regional airports, where you're more than just a number and it's not uncommon to know our passengers by their first name. As a family-owned Australian company, we are passionate about employing locally and supporting the communities in which we operate.

Full-Time Management Opportunity | Commencing December 2026

An exciting opportunity to lead our new Merimbula operation!

Aus Flight Handling is excited to expand to Merimbula Airport, commencing our Rex contract in December 2026.

We are looking for a motivated, hands-on Airport Manager to lead our new operation, build a strong local team and take ownership of the day-to-day airport operations.

About Aus Flight Handling

We provide aviation ground handling services across 19 Australian airports, working with major airline partners including Rex (13 airports), QantasLink, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, NJE, Skytrans and Aerlink.

Our Merimbula operation will service up to 32 flights per week, connecting passengers with Sydney and Melbourne.

About the role – What we're looking for

This is a hands-on management position with three key expectations:

1. Hands-on Leadership

• Lead, motivate and develop a small local team.
• Work alongside your staff across customer service, ramp and baggage operations.
• Drive team performance, accountability and a positive workplace culture.
• Support training, development and operational coverage.

2. Operational Ownership

• Take responsibility for the day-to-day airport operation.
• Plan ahead, manage staffing and ensure operational readiness.
• Maintain strong safety, security and compliance standards.
• Confidently manage operational disruptions and changing requirements.
• Maintain strong relationships and engagement with our client airlines.
• Identify risks, address unsafe behaviours and continually improve operational standards.

3. Leadership Ability Over Aviation Experience

You don't necessarily need aviation experience! We are more interested in finding someone with the right attitude, leadership ability and willingness to learn.

You may come from logistics, transport, retail, hospitality or another operational environment. What matters is your ability to lead people, make decisions, take ownership and deliver results.

Getting involved in the operation

As Airport Manager, you will also be expected to understand and assist with the day-to-day operational duties, including:

• Customer service and passenger handling.
• Operating ground equipment, including tugs and belt loaders.
• Aircraft marshalling and ramp safety checks.
• Loading and unloading passenger baggage.
• Communicating with flight crews and other Stakeholders.
• Following airline, aviation security and safety procedures.

What you'll need

• Previous leadership, management or supervisory experience.
• A positive, performance-driven attitude.
• Strong communication and people management skills.
• A genuine commitment to safety and compliance.
• Confidence addressing performance and unsafe behaviours.
• Good planning, organisation and computer skills.
• Current driver's licence (essential).
• Ability to obtain an ASIC, including passing a Federal Police background check.
• Ability to pass Drug & Alcohol, Physical and Audio testing.
• Flexibility to work operational hours, including weekends and public holidays.
• Willingness to work alongside your team and get hands-on when required.

Previous aviation experience will be highly regarded but is not essential.

Why join Aus Flight Handling?

• Lead and establish a new regional airport operation.
• Join a family-owned Australian aviation company.
• Work with an experienced management team.
• Build and develop your own local team.
• Take genuine ownership of an airport operation.
• Develop your career within a growing Australian aviation business.

How to Apply

If you're a natural leader who enjoys being hands-on, takes pride in operational standards and isn't afraid to take ownership, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications close: 18 November 2026.

Interviews may commence earlier, with recruitment finalising as soon as the right applicant is found.

Come and join Aus Flight Handling today!

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.