The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) is one of the world’s largest and most trusted aeromedical organisations. Using the latest in aviation, medical and communications technology, we deliver extensive primary health care and 24/7 emergency aeromedical retrievals to people living, working and travelling across remote, rural and regional Australia.

We are seeking an engaging, proactive, and people‑centred leader to join our team as Fixed‑Wing Operations Manager (FWOM) at our Launceston Base. This is a rare opportunity to lead a high‑impact operational function and contribute directly in this vital role to support life‑saving aeromedical services for communities across Tasmania.

The Opportunity:
As Fixed‑Wing Operations Manager, you will lead the day‑to‑day operational delivery of the RFDS fixed‑wing aeromedical service in Launceston. You will be the primary point of contact for Tasmanian Emergency Air Services (TEAS), ensuring seamless, customer‑focused, and contract‑compliant service delivery.
This leadership role oversees all aspects of base operations—including people, assets, facilities, service delivery, and stakeholder relationships. You will foster a culture of safety, service excellence, collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring our teams have the support, clarity and confidence they need to deliver exceptional outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Customer Service

• Lead and support base personnel, fostering a positive, inclusive and service‑oriented team culture.
• Champion exceptional customer service for TEAS and key stakeholders through proactive communication, responsiveness and professional relationship management.
• Promote accountability, high performance, and continuous learning across the base team.

Operational Delivery

• Oversee daily fixed‑wing service delivery, including rostering, ground operations, base support, and operational readiness.
• Coordinate with engineering, flight operations and RFDS leadership to ensure smooth end‑to‑end service delivery.
• Manage base facilities, utilities, and property to maintain a safe, compliant, and fit‑for‑purpose environment.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with contractual KPIs, safety standards and service delivery requirements.
• Lead operational meetings, identify risks, and drive improvements in time, cost, scope, safety and quality.
• Represent RFDS in performance reviews, escalating issues where appropriate.

Commercial, Contract & Administration

• Oversee base procurement, contractor engagement and vendor relationships.
• Prepare monthly reporting, variation proposals, and service performance updates.
• Lead budgeting, cost optimisation, purchasing, and administrative oversight for base operations.

Essential Criteria:

• Demonstrated experience in aviation or operations management (or related field).
• Proven ability to lead teams, influence culture, and drive positive service outcomes.
• Strong contract administration, operational planning and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Experience working both autonomously and within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong administrative skills and computer literacy.
• Understanding of flight, engineering, quality and auditing practices.
• Budget oversight and strategic/operational planning experience.

Employee Benefits:

• Competitive remuneration package
• Generous salary packaging options
• Fitness Passport membership
• Relocation assistance (where applicable)

What are you waiting for? For more information: Please contact Head of Aviation Operations and Service Delivery, Brett McCartney via email Brett.McCartney@rfdsse.org.au

Our Values: Our Values of Reliability, Care, Trust and Safety, shape the way we work as individuals, as team members and with the communities we serve.
The RFDSSE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.
The RFDSSE aim to fill vacancies as quickly as possible. This means that we will close the advert as soon as we have found the right candidate and this may be before the published closing date. We would therefore advise interested applicants to submit an application as early as possible.