About the Royal Flying Doctor Service South Australia / Northern Territory (RFDS SA/NT)

We are trusted leaders in providing aeromedical and primary health care services to people in remote, rural and regional locations across South Australia and the Northern Territory. Our five-year Strategic Plan is focused on growing as an innovative, responsive and better-connected health service provider for all Australians.

Watch stories about our people, patients and the communities we serve at finestcare.com.au

About this Opportunity

Working in a dynamic, fulfilling and rewarding environment, our Operations Manager will lead and manage the strategic and day-to-day operations of the RFDS Port Augusta Base, including the Operations Coordination Centre (OCC). This role is critical to RFDS’s operational service delivery across South Australia and Northern Territory.

The successful incumbent will be required to:

-Ensure resources and operational requirements are appropriately managed to meet service delivery agreements and key performance indicators.
-Oversee resource coordination including aeromedical and patient transport services in line with organisational requirements and community expectations.
-Lead, motivate and guide operational staff to meet operational and organisational objectives, whilst championing the values of the RFDS.
-Collaborate with inter-disciplinary management teams in relation to significant regulatory matters, operational performance and tender/contract management requirements.
-Identify, assess and mitigate potential risks (business/operational) through the development, delivery and continual review of the operational risk and incident management plan.
-Prepare regular performance reports and utilise data to identify risks and opportunities across RFDS’ OCC functions.
-In conjunction with the base/OCC leadership team, manage service budgets and provide financial stewardship for required services, projects and programs.


About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

-Extensive experience in managing complex operational requirements within a healthcare, emergency services or defence setting.
-Experience in leading and managing call receipt, dispatch and coordination/communication centres.
-Demonstrated experience in successfully influencing, building and managing internal and external relationships and coordinating teams with diverse interests to achieve agreed objectives.
-Astute leadership, management and communication capabilities coupled with a passion to serve regional and remote communities.
-Advanced knowledge and proficiency in contemporary computer software.
-Knowledge of patient safety standards, governance requirements and risk mitigation strategies in a healthcare and/or aviation setting.


Our Benefits

As part of our team, you can expect to be provided with challenging, interesting work and be supported to achieve your best. The RFDS offers a supportive environment where our people are valued, and professional development is encouraged. In addition, we also offer:


-Generous annual salary packaging options to reduce your taxable income including:
  -packaging up to $15, 899 of your salary towards loans, rent and bills
  -packaging of an additional $2,650 of your salary via a meal and entertainment card.
-Free onsite parking
-Attractive remuneration
-Employee Assistance Program
-Reward and Recognition Program
-Employee Value Awards
-Learning Management System
-Comprehensive orientation program for new starters

Further Information

To access the position description, please click here.

For a confidential discussion in relation to the position, please contact Nikki Johnston, Operations Director, South Australia via 0475 225 993.
For a confidential discussion in relation to the recruitment process, please contact Georgia Clarke, People and Culture Coordinator via 0419 386 975.


Applications close at 11:59pm on December 2nd, 2025.


Please note that we are unable to accept late applications, or applications submitted via email.

Please note, we reserve the right to appoint to the position before the published closing date. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit an application as early as possible!

The Royal Flying Doctor Service is an equal opportunity employer that fosters a positive culture and offers a diverse, safe and supportive work environment. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants are encouraged to apply.