Head of GSE Fleet and Asset Management

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.

What you'll be doing

As the
Head of GSE Fleet and Asset Management
, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring Virgin Australia has safe, efficient, and reliable ground operations.

This role leads the strategic planning, procurement, deployment, and lifecycle management of Virgin Australia's Ground Service Equipment (GSE) fleet across all operational bases. In this position, you will drive operational excellence through smart asset utilisation, strong contractor partnerships, and cost optimisation all while ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic direction of Virgin Australia's Ground Service Equipment (GSE) fleet, ensuring assets are aligned with operational, financial, and safety objectives across all bases.
• Develop and execute a long-term GSE fleet strategy, encompassing capacity planning, lifecycle management, and standardisation to optimise utilisation and reduce operational complexity.
• Oversee end-to-end asset management, including specification development, procurement, maintenance, and disposal to maximise reliability and residual value.
• Drive operational excellence and regulatory compliance by embedding CASA, airport authority, and Virgin Australia safety standards across all GSE operations.
• Manage strategic vendor and contractor relationships, negotiating commercial agreements, setting performance standards, and ensuring consistent service delivery.
• Lead financial management and cost optimisation of the GSE portfolio, including capital expenditure planning, business case development, and budget performance tracking.
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement, leveraging data, predictive maintenance, and performance analytics to enhance equipment reliability and reduce downtime.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, and Network Planning to ensure GSE availability and deployment support the airline's operational requirements.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and performance, ensuring team members actively participate in Virgin Australia's Safety Management System and resilience programs.
• Provide strategic leadership to a national team, building capability, driving engagement, and ensuring delivery of outcomes that enable safe, efficient, and cost-effective ground operations.

You'll be great in this role if you have…

• Tertiary qualification in Engineering, Aviation Management, Business, or a related field (postgraduate qualifications or MBA highly regarded).
• 8–10 years' experience leading fleet, asset, or operational management within aviation, logistics, or heavy industry.
• Proven success in strategic vendor management and contract negotiation, driving cost efficiency and service excellence.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, with experience in capital planning, budgeting, and business case development.
• Deep understanding of aviation safety, compliance, and ground operations, including GSE equipment or similar assets.
• Exceptional leadership and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence across technical, operational, and executive teams.

Essential Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of aircraft structure, airworthiness, classification, design, modification, and repair standards
• In-depth knowledge of regulations governing aircraft maintenance programs and reliability programs
• Familiarity with maintenance requirements outlined in instructions for continuing airworthiness
• Understanding of the specifications and standards used by the type certificate holder for developing maintenance requirements
• Comprehensive knowledge of the aircraft certification basis, as well as the structure and systems (including propulsion) for the aircraft/engine type operated by the airlines
• Technical comprehension of Boeing 7XX series aircraft and the "My Boeing Fleet" web portal

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

• Flexible Hybrid 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