Helicopter Base Manager – Australia

Base Manager – OSA Karratha in Karratha, Western Australia

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to all Work, Health, Safety and Environmental policies.
• Maintain base facilities and ensure availability of all resources required to meet client needs.
• Coordinate local activities to ensure aircraft readiness and compliance with contractual obligations.
• Oversee all offshore operations conducted from the Karratha base.
• Lead and manage ramp and operations personnel, including roster oversight.
• Support the welfare, conduct, and discipline of flight crew and support staff.
• Delegate tasks to base staff while retaining overall accountability.
• Ensure all documentation relating to base operations is completed accurately and on time.
• Conduct regular safety meetings and report safety matters to Head Office.
• Maintain awareness of team morale and share company updates with staff.
• Liaise closely with the client’s management team to monitor performance and operational needs.
• Build strong relationships with local authorities and third-party providers.
• Perform other duties as required by the Operations Manager or Head of Contract Operations.

Qualifications, Skills & Attributes

About You

• Required Qualifications: Diploma in Management, Leadership, Aviation, or a related discipline.
• Skills/Experience: 3–5 years of operational or logistics management experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership role (or equivalent experience). Aviation industry experience preferred but not essential. Experience managing people and processes in a highly regulated environment.
• Attributes/Behaviours: Strong financial and accounting skills. Conflict management and negotiation capability. Excellent organisational and communication skills. Strong problem-solving skills and ability to prioritise in a dynamic environment. Customer-focused mindset with commitment to delivering service excellence. Understanding of operations, logistics, and resourcing requirements. Ability to obtain a CASA-approved Radio Operators Certificate (AROC).
• Other Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances. Willingness to travel interstate as required. Applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia and meet any clearance requirements relevant to the role. The successful applicant may be required to complete pre-employment checks, including criminal history and employment verification.

Diversity & Inclusion

At OSA, we celebrate diversity and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all genders, the LGBTI+ community, mature-aged workers, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Recruitment Agencies

We are managing this vacancy directly and are not engaging the services of recruitment agencies for this role. We kindly request that agencies do not contact us regarding this position or submit unsolicited candidate CVs. Any CVs sent without prior written agreement will be treated as direct applications and no agency fees will be payable.

Role Summary

We are seeking a suitably qualified and experienced Base Manager to oversee and lead operations at our Karratha base. We welcome applications from candidates either residentially based in Karratha or open to Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO)/touring arrangements from their nearest Australian capital city. Reporting to the Contract Manager, the Base Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of all business and operational base activities in Karratha to meet OSA and client contractual requirements creating the safest possible environment. You will ensure compliance, safety, and service excellence while leading a diverse, high-performing team. This is a key leadership role that directly influences operational readiness, client satisfaction, and base culture.