We currently have an exciting recent opportunity for an experienced and high performing Airfield Operations Lead to join our Aviation team.

The Airport Operations Lead supports the Airfield Operations Manager and wider team in the safe and effective delivery of airfield operations, promoting a strong airfield safety culture and accountability across all airfield users.

The role provides technical expertise in Ground Handling operations, applying a high level of practical knowledge and a deep understanding of the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) to support operational decision-making, airfield works and continuous improvement. A key focus of the role is the identification and management of current and emerging airfield risks, ensuring appropriate risk controls are applied to maintain safe, compliant and effective airfield operations.

Explore how we are thinking big with exciting projects like the Third Runway, state-of-the-art terminals, and thriving business park developments. You can also learn more about life at Melbourne Airport – our culture, values, and what makes us unique at https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/corporate/our-culture-and-values. Join us in shaping the future of aviation as we propel Melbourne Airport towards becoming Australia's favourite Airport destination.

Key responsibilities:

- Providing operational safety oversight of the airfield, monitoring airfield activities, identifying hazards and ensuring appropriate risk controls are in place to maintain a safe and compliant operating environment.
- Monitoring and promoting compliance by airfield users with airfield safety, operational and GSE requirements, including identifying and addressing unsafe or non-compliant practices.




- Driving effective safety interventions and follow-through, engaging with airfield users to resolve issues, influence behaviours and ensure identified actions achieve the required outcome.
- Monitoring ASO team performance and reporting, using Airside Tracker data and operational intelligence to assess performance, identify emerging risks and align ASO activities with current airfield priorities.
- Building strong relationships and promote a positive airfield safety culture, working collaboratively with Ground Handling, tenants and other airfield users and supporting safety culture initiatives.
- Providing ASO subject matter expertise to airfield projects and operational changes, including design reviews, assessment of impacts to ramp users and advice on project staging and implementation.
- Translating operational and project changes into effective ASO procedures, developing and implementing SOPs, briefings and other guidance to ensure ASO and Car 2 teams are prepared for changes to the operating environment.
- Continuously identifying opportunities to improve airfield safety, operability and the user experience, using operational insights, stakeholder feedback and data to drive continuous improvement.
- Providing timely operational intelligence and recommendations to Airfield Operations leadership,



including contributing to tactical planning and supporting informed decision-making on emerging risks and operational priorities.
- Exercising sound judgement in managing operational issues and escalations, resolving matters where appropriate, escalating effectively when required and communicating complex safety and operational information clearly to different audiences.

The successful candidate will have:

- A background in Airfield Operations, with a sound understanding of airfield safety, compliance and operational requirements.
- Strong understanding of Ground Handler activities and processes and the operational needs of ramp users.
- Sound knowledge of CASA Manual of Standards (MOS) 139 and the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM).
- Demonstrated leadership capability, with evidence of successfully leading people, influencing behaviours and driving positive outcomes.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and confidently manage challenging situations.
- Strong safety judgement and decision-making capability, with the ability to assess risk, apply appropriate controls and make evidence-based decisions.
- Ability to interpret data and operational intelligence and translate insights into improved safety, performance and operational effectiveness.
- A continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities to improve processes, systems and the airfield operating environment.
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills, including the ability to clearly explain complex safety and operational matters to different audiences.
- Demonstrated competence as an ASO or SASO will be highly regarded.
- Current Driver’s Licence and Ai

📌 Airfield Operations Lead (Melbourne)
🏢 Melbourne Airport
📍 Melbourne