Airport Operations Manager

Airport Operations Manager

Port Lincoln Airport Management Authority is looking for an experienced and motivated aviation professional to join our team as Airport Operations Manager. This full-time, three-year fixed-term opportunity offers the chance to make a real impact on the future of aviation across the Lower Eyre Peninsula.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you'll lead our Airport Operations Team and play a key role in ensuring the safe, compliant and efficient operation of Port Lincoln Airport, as well as the Cummins and Coffin Bay Aircraft Landing Areas. You'll be responsible for a broad range of operational activities, including aviation safety, security, compliance, emergency preparedness and day-to-day airport operations.

It's an exciting time to come on board. As a subsidiary of the Lower Eyre Council, PLAMA was created in 2025 to provide focused management and strategic direction for the Council’s aviation assets. An immediate focus of the role will be strengthening our compliance systems, ensuring manuals and procedures remain current, and embedding practical processes to manage regulatory obligations and key compliance activities.

Looking ahead, the development of a new Airport Master Plan in 2026 presents a unique opportunity to help shape the future of Port Lincoln Airport and contribute to the long-term growth and development of aviation services across the Lower Eyre Peninsula.

This is a varied and rewarding role where you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact. If you're a hands-on leader who enjoys solving problems, building strong teams and delivering safe and effective operational outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing

• Leading and coordinating day-to-day airport operations, safety, security and compliance
• Managing and supporting the airport operations team
• Maintaining and reviewing the Aerodrome Manual, Transport Security Plan, Airport Emergency Plan and Safety Management System
• Ensuring compliance with relevant CASA, Department of Home Affairs and other aviation regulatory requirements
• Establishing effective systems for monitoring regulatory obligations and compliance milestones
• Coordinating airport risk management, audits, emergency preparedness and compliance reporting
• Liaising with regulators, airlines, airport tenants, contractors, emergency services and other stakeholders
• Supporting airport projects, contracts, procurement and capital works
• Contributing to airport master planning, aviation strategy, asset planning and operational improvement
• Participating in the airport's on-call arrangements when required.

About you

You are an experienced airport operations professional who combines strong airside knowledge with sound judgement, organisation and people skills.

You may already be operating at a similar level within a regional airport, or you could be an experienced Airport Reporting Officer or senior airport operations professional ready to take the next step into a broader leadership position.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Strong experience within airport operations, preferably with well-rounded airside exposure
• Knowledge of aviation safety, security and regulatory compliance
• An understanding of CASA requirements and the ability to interpret legislation, standards and regulatory instruments
• Experience with airport operational manuals, procedures, safety systems or compliance documentation
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple regulatory requirements and deadlines
• Leadership experience or demonstrated capability to step into a team leadership position
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• A practical, hands-on approach and willingness to work closely with the operational team
• Airport Reporting Officer qualifications, or the ability to obtain these shortly after appointment
• Air Radio Licence, or the ability to obtain one
• Current driver's licence and ability to obtain an ASIC.

Salary and Conditions

Remuneration for this role is between $115,000 and $125,000 per annum, dependent on skills, qualifications, and experience, plus superannuation.

The role also includes:

• Phone allowance
• laptop

How to Apply
Applications must include a cover letter and resume, with at least two referees, and can be forwarded to:

• Email: applications@lec.sa.gov.au
• Post: PO Box 41, Cummins SA 5631

Applications close: 5.00pm, Monday 02 November 2026.