Aerodrome Arffs Line Leader - Melbourne

Airservices; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Airservices is seeking a Line Leader to guide a high‑performing operational team within Australia’s skies. This full‑time role in Melbourne directly influences safety outcomes and service delivery for ARFF operations.

You will work with experienced leaders across safety, risk, finance and people functions, driving continuous improvement and building capability while shaping culture and performance in a complex environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership in operational, emergency services, aviation or safety-critical settings.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience leading teams through change and CI initiatives.
• Capable in safety, risk and operational performance management.
• Sound decision-making balancing people and priorities.
• Ability to perform in dynamic, complex environments.
• Experience in regulated or safety-critical industries is valued.
• Diploma of Public Safety or equivalent required (PUA50519/PUA50513).
• Must pass Civil Aviation Safety Authority Class 2 Medical.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational teams delivering safe, efficient ARFF services.
• Collaborate with safety, risk, finance and change colleagues.
• Support initiatives, organisational change and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to building team capability and culture.

Skills

People leadership

Communication

Change management

Safety management

Decision making

Education

Diploma of Public Safety

Job description

Line Leader

Lead where it matters.

Permanent Full Time – Melbourne

Summary

Lead a high-performing operational team in a safety-critical environment where your decisions influence people, performance and operational outcomes. Airservices is looking for a leader to contribute to keeping Australia's skies among the safest in the world by driving performance, shaping culture and uniting the workforce as one.

The Organisation

Airservices Australia is a government-owned organisation responsible for the safe and efficient management of 11% of the world's airspace and provision of aviation rescue fire fighting services at Australia's airports.

We are the eyes in the sky, and the boots on the ground for emergencies at airports. We are a critical service company, federally funded to ensure aircraft can fly around the world and land at Australian airports safety.

Our people are our greatest asset and are required to be alert, job-focussed, safe and engaged. Every day, they help connect people with their world safely, supporting families, communities, trade, tourism and economic growth.

At Airservices, we foster a culture of trust, care, accountability and inclusion. We offer a long-term meaningful career, a diverse workforce operating across Australia, and opportunities to make an impact to a niche industry.

The Role & The Team

As a Line Leader, you will lead operational teams responsible for delivering safe, efficient and resilient Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Services. This is a purpose-led leadership role where your decisions directly influence operational performance, safety outcomes and team culture within a critical operational environment.

You will work alongside experienced operational leaders and collaborate with specialists across safety, risk, finance, people and change functions. Beyond day-to-day operational leadership, you'll help deliver new initiatives, support organisational change, drive continuous improvement and build team capability.

This is an opportunity to join a collaborative leadership team that values knowledge sharing, professional growth and operational excellence. You'll have the scope to make a visible difference while being supported to continue developing as a leader.

The Location

Melbourne offers the opportunity to lead within one of Airservices' largest and most complex airport operations. This metropolitan area offers a high-performing team in a fast-paced environment, you'll gain exposure to diverse operational challenges, strategic initiatives and a broad stakeholder network. This role is ideal for those looking to expand their leadership capability while contributing to one of Australia's busiest aviation hubs.

Please see the link below to view the full Position Description: 2025_Line Leader PD

The Person

You are an experienced people leader or operational professional with the ability to influence, engage and motivate others. You bring sound judgement, resilience and a commitment to safety, service excellence and continuous improvement

The successful applicant will have:

• Demonstrated leadership experience within an operational, emergency services, aviation, defence, transport or other safety-critical environment
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Experience leading teams through change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated capability in safety, risk and operational performance management.
• Sound decision-making skills and the ability to balance people, operational and business priorities.
• The ability to perform effectively in dynamic and complex operational environments.
• Experience working within a regulated or safety-critical industry is highly regarded.
• Diploma of Public Safety, Firefighting Management (PUA50519 or PUA50513), or a comparable qualification with the ability to obtain the required diploma, is essential.
• Must be able to undertake and hold a medical based on the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Class 2 Medical Examination.

Why Join Airservices?

• Lead with purpose – make decisions that directly influence operational performance, safety outcomes and team culture
• Drive change and improvement – shape how teams operate and contribute to initiatives that strengthen service delivery
• Join a national leadership network – collaborate with experienced leaders across Australia.
• Grow your leadership career – access structured development, mentoring and progression opportunities.
• Influence beyond your station – contribute to decisions and outcomes that impact the broader ARFF network
• Build a meaningful career – play a critical role in protecting Australia's aviation network and the communities it serves