About The Company

Join BAE Systems and you'll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you'll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most, delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow. As Australia's largest defence and security company in a rapidly growing sector, every day BAE Systems works to protect those who protect us.

About The Role

This role will be on-site at RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW, with opportunity to work a 9-day fortnight. This is a unique opportunity to lead a large-scale aviation maintenance operation supporting a critical Defence capability — the Hawk Lead-In Fighter Australia program, which provides state-of-the-art rapid jet training capability for a fifth-generation air force. As the Maintenance Operations Manager, you'll oversee maintenance delivery, fleet planning and sustainment activities that keep aircraft available, mission-ready and positioned for long-term success, leading a team of experienced managers and an extended workforce of around 150 personnel.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead maintenance operations across multiple Defence aviation sites, ensuring aircraft availability, fleet readiness and safe delivery outcomes.
- Provide leadership to maintenance and fleet planning teams, driving performance across a workforce of more than 150 personnel.
- Balance operational priorities with long-term fleet sustainment objectives and maintenance planning.
- Partner with Defence customers and internal stakeholders to deliver maintenance programs on schedule and within contractual commitments.




- Drive workforce, resource and capacity planning to support current and future operational requirements.
- Oversee maintenance performance, reporting, risk management and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Champion a culture of safety, quality, accountability and operational excellence.

Essential Requirements

- Significant leadership experience within aviation, aerospace, Defence sustainment, maintenance, production or another highly regulated environment.
- Strong understanding of aviation maintenance operations, regulatory compliance and DASR 145 maintenance environments.
- Proven ability to lead large teams, manage competing priorities and influence stakeholders across a complex matrix organisation.
- Experience in maintenance planning, resource management and delivering operational outcomes against customer commitments.
- A degree in Engineering or an aviation-related qualification, supported by relevant aviation maintenance leadership experience.
- Minimum five years' experience in an aviation setting, with knowledge of DASR, CASA, EASA, EMAR or equivalent regulatory frameworks.

- Eligibility to obtain a defence security clearance (Australian citizenship required).

Desirable
- Defence aviation, maintenance or sustainment experience will be highly regarded.

How to Apply As a defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and either possess or be eligible to obtain and maintain one.

International

Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are applicable, and your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role.

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📍 Port Stephens Council