Senior Manager

Posted: 15/07/2025

Closing Date: 17/08/2025

Job Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Head Office

Job Category: Administration,Head Office - Operations

Star Aviation is Australia's most dedicated Ground Handling service provider, partnering with a number of Airlines and Airports.We pride ourselves on being big enough to manage, yet small enough to care

AtStar Aviation, we're not just filling roles — we're building a team of people who embody the spirit of our brand and take pride in representing both our company and our customers.

We're proud to bebig enough to manage– with the capability, experience, and professionalism to keep operations running smoothly at some of Australia's busiest airports.

But we're alsosmall enough to care– which means you'll be recognised, supported, and genuinely valued every step of the way.

If that sounds like the kind of team you want to be part of — we'd love to hear from you.

As theSenior Manager - Commercial & Innovation, this role will befocused on driving Star's commercial growth through strategic business acquisition, high-impact project delivery, and positioning Star as a Tier 1 ground handling provider in Australia.

You will lead formal tenders and commercial modelling across the business while managing enterprise-wide strategic programs, including 'Project Sirius'—our flagship transformation initiative. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of aviation ground handling in Australia while delivering tangible, strategic value.

This role can be based in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Canberra, with regular interstate travel required to support Star Aviation's national operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Commercial & Growth

• Lead end-to-end responses to RFPs, RFIs, and tenders, acting as Bid Manager for all commercial proposals.
• Build and deliver robust financial and commercial models to support pricing, new business cases, and client negotiations.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities, while enhancing and expanding services with existing clients.
• Evaluate commercial contracts and ensure sustainable profitability and operational excellence.
• Drive and manage key strategic projects, including our national transformation agenda, 'Project Sirius'.
• Chair and coordinate governance forums including the Change Management Committee (CMC) and Steering Committee (STCOM).
• Champion continuous improvement and lead change initiatives that elevate Star to Tier 1 provider status.
• Use data and analytics to measure performance and track progress across strategic programs.

We're looking for a confident and experienced leader with:

• Ground Handling or Industry Experience (ideally 5+ years)
• Commercial acumen or previous experience (as it relates to ground handling or airline)
• Understanding of best practice ground handling (systems, technology and processes)
• Proven experience in commercial management and business development, including success in securing major contracts via tender processes.
• Strong financial and commercial modelling expertise.
• Demonstrated project and change management capability, ideally within aviation or transport.
• Industry knowledge of ground handling, aviation services, or a related operational environment.
• A data-driven, analytical mindset and passion for innovation.
• Ability to build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, airline clients, and industry partners.
• Advanced Microsoft Office and modelling capabilities.
• Exceptional proposal and report writing skills – clear, concise, and persuasive.
• A highly organised, proactive approach with the confidence to lead at both a strategic and operational level.
• A strong understanding of WHS, EEO, anti-discrimination legislation and workforce diversity.

What's on Offer:

• Opportunity to be part of a family-oriented business where you are truly valued.
• Ongoing career training and development with in-house programs
• Discounts and benefits across travel, retail, lifestyle and other areas, from a huge variety of companies, including SpecSavers, Contiki Holidays, Hello Fresh, Koala Furniture and many more

Due to the high volume of applications, only those that are progressed to the next stage of the recruitment process will be contacted.