Manager Engineering Commercial  - VARA
18-month Contract (Full Time ) – based at 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 Engineering Commercial, you will lead the development and implementation of efficient contract and supplier management for critical engineering and maintenance agreements. The role focuses on cost savings, business development, process systemization, and delivering commercial, budget, and forecast outcomes. This position works closely with Engineering & Maintenance Managers, Group Procurement, and Finance to manage multiple suppliers and service providers.

You will…

Partner with business leaders to implement improvement initiatives and mentor team members. Collaborate with Supply Chain and Group Procurement to establish agreements with P42 and P145-approved suppliers.

• Conduct cost-benefit analyses aligned with strategic objectives.
• Leverage relationships with key providers to maximize value.
• Develop systems for managing in-service contract obligations.
• Drive Supplier Performance Management (SPM) to ensure full value from agreements.
• Identify and foster opportunities to reduce and avoid costs.
• Manage service provider Key Result Areas (KRAs) and risk/issue registers.
• Establish commercial budgets for Engineering and Maintenance with Supply Chain and Finance.
• Lead business development and sourcing activities in collaboration with Engineering and Maintenance Managers.
• Develop business cases, procurement strategies, and decision templates.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for revenue generation and cost savings.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of engineering and maintenance.
• Model leadership behaviors and develop effective stakeholder relationships.
• Partner with VA/VARA Managers to drive business improvement initiatives

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.
• 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