Manager Fleet Operations
FT role – based at VARA- Perth HQ  (St Georges Terrace)

Hello. We’re Virgin Australia. We’re the airline that’s always done things a little different. Our way. The Virgin way. We’re on a mission to make flying better than ‘nice’. And to do that, it takes a team of talented people who are passionate about customer experience, doing the right thing always, with a focus on safety – in the air, on the ground and in our workplaces. A team who values real diversity and inclusion, in a big brand with big ambitions.

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) is one of the largest providers of Fly-In-Fly Out charter services in Western Australia and has considerable experience operating both Charter and Regular Public Transport (RPT) services to small and remote communities, allowing our guests to experience Virgin Australia’s award-winning product and services across the regional network.  As VARA continues to expand, we are investing in new aircraft to secure future growth!

What you’ll be doing…

As the Manager Fleet Operations, you will  ensure optimal operational performance and safety while delivering maintenance watch, planning, event management, and fleet performance outcomes. This role collaborates with various operational departments and external providers to achieve efficient service delivery and aircraft performance.

You will…

• Provide direction and guidance to operations managers, driving continuous improvement.
• Partner with business leaders to implement improvement initiatives and mentor team members.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support fleet performance.
• Oversee staff development, resource planning, and roster management.
• Ensure all maintenance and supply activities meet regulatory standards.
• Manage defect reporting, compliance controls, and the effective use of Maintenance Information Systems (MIS).
• Develop and maintain compliant internal procedures and processes.
• Optimize maintenance plans in accordance with AMP and improve programs through the Reliability Program.
• Manage long-term forecasting and collaborate on major maintenance event planning.
• Drive efficiency in maintenance operations to maximize aircraft availability and minimize costs.
• In collaboration with engineering commercial and finance functions, support development and negotiation of all Maintenance Interface Procedures Manual (MIPM), and Service Level Agreement (SLA) and/or contracts with approved AMOs
•  Be the point of escalation for all approved AMO performance issues fostering relationships with internal and external providers to be effectively in improvement opportunities and/or dispute resolution

• Oversight and management of (AOG) and recurrent defect management, implementing preventative actions.
• Manage defect resolution, Engineering Orders, and Special Flight Permits.
• Ensure visibility and resolution of open defects and corrective actions.

You’ll be great in this role if you have…..

• Hold or have held a B1, B2, or C aircraft engineer license or equivalent qualifications in Engineering or Business.
• 8+ years in relevant roles, including 2+ years in a similar leadership position.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal communication.
• Effective conflict resolution and negotiation.
• Proficiency in managing technical multidisciplinary teams.
• Deep understanding of CASR Part 42 regulations and Continuing Airworthiness Management.
• Familiarity with Safety Management Systems and predictive maintenance tools.

We’re committed to looking after you, with some of the best benefits and conditions in the industry – including (but not limited to):

• Flexible working arrangements
• Discounted flights for you and your loved ones (including $1000 worth of travel credits per year)
• Discounts on travel insurance, lounge membership, car hire, accommodation, and experiences worldwide
• Cheaper hospitality, retail, technology, beauty, and wellness services
• Free counselling and access to a wellbeing app to support your physical, mental, social and financial health
• Dress for Your Day’ – enjoy the freedom to wear whatever makes you feel great for the type of work you do and the day you have ahead of you.

When everyone is included, everyone wins

We’re all individuals. And we love that. That’s why we encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people with disability, those from diverse cultural backgrounds, our friends in the LGBTQI+ community, and anyone else who wants to join our family.

Ready to apply? We’re ready to hear from you. Apply now