About the Vertical Aviation Group

The Vertical Aviation Group encompasses a group of long-standing and well-regarded aviation businesses including Heliwest, Heli-Muster NT (HM Air), Vertical Aviation Energy, Heliwest Services and other specialist aviation operations.

Together, we provide helicopter and fixed wing flight services, engineering and training to customers across the Mining, Pastoral, Government, Industrial and Tourism sectors throughout Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Our family business values of safety, great customer service, continuous improvement, integrity, accountability, teamwork and respect shape everything we do.

Overview

Vertical Aviation Group is seeking an experienced aviation and operations leader to join our executive team as Group Chief Operating Officer.

This is a key leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence across the group’s aviation businesses. Based at Jandakot, the Group COO will lead and support a team of experienced General Managers, ensuring each business delivers secure, reliable and commercially successful outcomes while working together as one group.

Reporting to the Group Managing Director / CEO, the Group COO will own operating performance across the group, including operational delivery, financial performance, customer outcomes, workforce capability and continuous improvement.

This role is suited to a hands-on operational leader who understands how to improve performance through people, systems, accountability and disciplined execution.

The Role

The Group Chief Operating Officer will be responsible for delivery of safe, reliable and commercially successful operations across the Vertical Aviation Group. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- Leading and developing the operating General Managers across Heliwest, HM Air, Vertical Aviation Energy, Heliwest Services and future businesses.





- Setting explicit performance expectations, operating rhythms and accountability frameworks across the group.

- Owning group operational performance, including revenue delivery, EBITDA performance, utilisation, fleet availability and key operating metrics.

- Driving consistent operational standards, reporting and performance management while allowing each business to maintain its strengths and market focus.

- Supporting General Managers in delivering strong customer outcomes and resolving significant operational or customer issues.

- Maintaining a clear view of operational risk, business continuity and critical issues that may impact the group’s ability to deliver.

- Working closely with Heliwest Services leadership to maximise fleet availability, maintenance planning and engineering support across the operating businesses.

- Partnering with the CCO, CFO and executive team on commercial delivery, budgets, fleet strategy and major operational decisions.

- Leading the adoption and embedding of new systems, processes and operational improvements across the group.

- Building leadership capability, succession depth and operational resilience across the organisation.

- Supporting a strong safety culture by working closely with the Head of Safety and Quality and ensuring operational leaders have the capability and resources required to meet their responsibilities.

About You

You are an experienced operational executive with a strong background leading complex, multi-site or multi-entity businesses.

You will have:





- Demonstrated experience leading operational performance across aviation, transport, resources, industrial or another safety-critical environment.

- A strong track record managing P&L; performance and improving operational outcomes.

- Experience leading senior operational leaders and developing high-performing teams.

- Strong commercial understanding, including the ability to interpret financial performance and translate strategy into operational results.

- The ability to build accountability, alignment and engagement across diverse teams and locations.

- Experience managing operational risk, customer expectations and service delivery in a demanding environment.

- A practical and visible leadership style with the ability to engage effectively from frontline teams through to executive stakeholders.

- A strong understanding of aviation safety and regulatory requirements, with CASA Accountable Manager experience highly regarded.

Aviation experience is preferred; however, exceptional operational leaders from comparable safety-critical industries will be considered.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to join a growing Australia wide aviation group and play a key role in shaping the next stage of its development.

Working closely with the Group Managing Director / CEO and executive team, the Group COO will have a significant impact on operational performance, leadership capability and the future direction of the organisation.

For the right person, this role provides the opportunity to lead a respected group of aviation businesses and make a meaningful difference across the organisation.

To Apply

Please apply via Seek or via email to ••••@heliwest.com.au, with a resume and cover letter as to why you are interested in this role and how you would be a great fit for our business.

For further information, please email ••••@heliwest.com.au

📌 Chief Operations Officer (Perth)
🏢 Heliwest Group
📍 Perth