Airside Operations Supervisor

An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced aviation operations professional to join the team at Townsville Airport as Aerodrome Reporting Officer Supervisor. In this hands-on leadership role, you will help maintain safe, efficient and compliant airside operations while providing technical guidance and day-to-day leadership to the Aerodrome Reporting Officer team.

You will oversee key operational activities, support regulatory compliance, contribute to airport projects and build strong relationships with airport stakeholders, contractors and regulatory bodies.

How will you make an impact? You’ll play a key role in ensuring Townsville Airport operates safely, efficiently and in line with regulatory requirements. By leading the Aerodrome Reporting Officer team, supporting critical airside operations, and fostering strong stakeholder relationships, you’ll help create a safe and seamless experience for airport users while supporting the ongoing success and growth of the airport.

You will work closely with internal teams, contractors, defence partners, airlines, regulators and airport stakeholders to ensure operational activities and projects are delivered to a high standard and in accordance with aviation regulations. Through proactive problem solving, sound decision making and a commitment to excellence, you will help create a safe and welcoming environment for airport users while supporting the ongoing growth and success of Townsville Airport.

Key deliverables/responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Leading the safe and secure day-to-day operation of the airport's airside environment, ensuring compliance with Civil Aviation Safety regulations, airport procedures and operational requirements.
• Supervise and develop the Aerodrome Reporting Officers (ARO), fostering a high-performing team culture focused on safety, professionalism and operational excellence.
• Manage Townsville Airport’s airside safety, security, wildlife hazard management, and emergency preparedness programs and activities.
• Drive the airport's wildlife hazard management program, overseeing contractors, monitoring wildlife risk, investigating strikes and delivering strategies that protect aircraft operations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with airlines, regulators, tenants, contractors and other key stakeholders to support safe and efficient airport operations.
• Lead the development and implementation of operational procedures, briefings and guidance materials, ensuring AROs are equipped to adapt to evolving operational and project requirements.
• Coordinate airside maintenance programs and projects, ensuring works are delivered safely, compliantly and with minimal disruption to airport activities.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance airfield safety, operational efficiency and service outcomes.

The successful applicant must:

• Be eligible to obtain and maintain an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC).
• Hold, or be eligible to obtain and maintain, a Queensland Firearms Licence and act as the nominated Group Firearms Licence Holder for Townsville Airport Pty Ltd.
• Hold a current Queensland Class C Driver Licence.
• Be willing and able to undertake Aerodrome Reporting Officer (ARO) operational shifts as required to maintain operational coverage during periods of leave, training, emergencies or staff shortages.
• Demonstrated experience in aerodrome inspections, NOTAM management, works safety oversight and wildlife hazard management.
• Previous experience as an Aerodrome Reporting Officer (ARO) with a sound working knowledge of CASA regulatory requirements, including CASR Part 139 and the Part 139 (Aerodromes) Manual of Standards (MOS).

How we support you

At Queensland Airports Limited (QAL), we believe work should support life, not compete with it. Through our Living Well approach, we offer flexible working options for all roles, wellbeing initiatives and a supportive culture so our people can thrive both professionally and personally.

As we continue to grow and transform, we encourage flexible ways of working and open conversations about how work fits alongside life. We also invest in our people through learning, mentoring and career pathways across our four airports.

What we’ve built together

At QAL, our people connect communities. We own and operate Gold Coast, Townsville, Mount Isa and Longreach airports, linking regional Queensland and northern New South Wales with the rest of Australia and the world. More than 8 million passengers travel through our airports each year, supported by teams working together to create safe, welcoming and efficient experiences. Our vision is to be the first-choice gateway for our regions, creating valuable connections and inspiring a sustainable future.

We’re committed to an inclusive and psychologically safe workplace where people feel valued, supported and encouraged to be themselves. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement.

QAL is a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, independently recognised for supporting long‑term careers, flexibility, wellbeing and equal opportunity.

The successful candidate will be required to adhere to QAL’s Drug and Alcohol Management Plan (DAMP), which includes pre‑employment Drug and Alcohol Testing and have the ability to obtain an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC), which requires the completion of a Police Check.