Head of Group Aviation Safety

Job Description

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Group Aviation Safety department, ensuring compliance with CASA regulations and effective implementation of safety programs across the Qantas Group
• Lead engagement with key external aviation stakeholders, including regulators, service providers, and industry bodies, to support Qantas Group's safety objectives
• Permanent position based at our Mascot Campus

Today, we're busy planning for tomorrow. We look to the future to guide the way we innovate, helping us stay relevant and responsive in an unpredictable industry. We've always been pioneers, and we're proud to see that spirit in our people. Our resilience has helped us through good and tough times, and it still drives us to keep pushing the challenging expectations today.

The Head of Group Aviation Safety reports to the Executive Manager, Group Operational Safety and is responsible for the leadership and management of the Group Aviation Safety department. This includes the provision of strategic and advisory functions, as well as service delivery relating to flight safety matters across the Qantas Group. The role also involves liaison with key external stakeholders in aviation safety.

The scope of the role encompasses all operational safety aspects as they relate to the safe operation of Qantas Group aircraft under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations. Specifically, it includes the management and oversight of Group services related to investigations, regulatory compliance, and air traffic management.

The Head of Group Aviation Safety serves as the primary contact for managing and influencing relationships with external aviation safety stakeholders, including service providers (e.g. Airservices Australia), partners (e.g. codeshare partners), regulators (e.g. CASA and ICAO), the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). A key measure of success is ensuring a coordinated and consistent Group-wide approach to aviation safety, meeting all legal obligations and ensuring the effective implementation of both proactive and reactive safety programs.

The role provides executive level subject matter expertise, thought leadership, and advisory support across multiple forums and will work closely with Business Unit Safety Managers and Heads of Flight Operations across all Group entities to ensure strategies and activities are aligned and that flight safety insights are shared effectively across the business.

The Head of Group Aviation Safety also provides high-level technical advice to senior management in response to global or industry events.

You'll have –

• Minimum 10 years' senior leadership experience within airline operational management.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications required, with a focus on technical undergraduate studies and postgraduate business or management qualifications
• Extensive knowledge and experience in aviation compliance, legislation, and industry regulations affecting all aspects of airline operational areas.
• Demonstrated flight experience and understanding of flying operations relevant to the Qantas operation, ensuring credibility among technical crews.
• Strong background in the development and implementation of safety, quality, risk, and compliance systems.
• Proven ability to engage effectively with aviation officials and regulators, both domestically (e.g. CASA) and internationally, in jurisdictions where Qantas operates.
• In-depth knowledge of the Qantas Group's structure, operations, and safety frameworks.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain constructive, respected relationships across formal and informal networks.
• Proven leadership capability with a strong focus on collaboration and decision-making.
• Highly developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Comprehensive understanding of aviation safety legislation, regulations, and best practices, including Safety Management Systems (SMS).
• Ability to consistently meet corporate, divisional, and departmental service standards.
• Commitment to, and ability to comply with workplace safety regulations and practices.
• Demonstrated collaborative approach to leadership, including willingness to involve others in decision-making.

Why Qantas?

You'll join a team where creativity and passion are encouraged. Our people come together to allow us to dream big and deliver successfully.

There are many different opportunities across our team, which means you'll be able to grow both personally and professionally at Qantas. Your development is a priority for us – so that you can maintain the high standards our customers have come to expect and can continue to develop over time. You'll be supported from day 1 with on the job training and coaching as well as our formal training opportunities. While you may start in this role, we've got a great track record of supporting our people to take their career in so many different directions, the destinations are endless.

The Qantas employee benefits program offers amazing benefits that extend well beyond travel.

• We love to travel: Enjoy heavily discounted air travel within Australia and across the globe, both for you and your family and friends, as well as exclusive deals on accommodation and holidays.
• We have flexible leave options: Make use of leave and flexible working opportunities including 18 weeks paid parental leave (plus superannuation payments on all paid and unpaid parental leave until your child turns 1) and additional purchased leave options for eligible employees.
• We'll give you access to thousands of rewards: Through our partnerships we can offer you discounts across shopping, food and wine, insurance, health and wellbeing, leisure and entertainment.
• You can also take advantage of our salary packaging program including motor vehicles, eligible portable electronic devices and professional memberships.
• We'll support your wellbeing: Whether it's learning to better support your own and others' mental health, our interactive wellbeing app or your very own tailored nutrition plan.

Qantas is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application. Your personal information will be kept confidential in compliance with relevant privacy legislation.

Be a part of something special and play your part in the Qantas story – get in touch today.

Applications close: Tuesday 2nd September 2025

Please note: applications will only be considered for candidates who have the right to work in Australia / New Zealand without restriction or sponsorship.

About us

Founded in the Queensland outback in 1920, Qantas has grown to be Australia's largest regional, domestic and international airline. Qantas has a range of subsidiary businesses that support the overall operations of the Group. The Qantas Group's main business is the transportation of customers and freight using two complementary airline brands — Qantas and Jetstar — operating regional, domestic and international services.