Airside Manager

PARTNER Executive; Darwin; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

PARTNER Executive, proudly supporting Airport Development Group (ADG), seeks an Airside Manager for Darwin International Airport. You will own end-to-end airside operations, ensure safety, compliance, and efficient performance across aerodrome activities, with authority to act during emergencies.

The role involves leading a small operations team, maintaining manuals and SOPs, coordinating with airlines, regulators and contractors, and achieving audit readiness under CASA and other regulatory

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in airport or airside operations.
• Proven ability to lead, train, and develop a small operational team.
• Deep knowledge of CASA and Australian aviation legislation.
• Experience in audit readiness and incident investigation.
• Current NT driver’s licence; ability to obtain ASIC and relevant certificates.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end airside operations at Darwin airport.
• Maintain Aerodrome Operations Manual, SOPs, and safety programs.
• Lead audits and regulatory reviews with CASA.
• Manage training and assessment of Airside Officers.
• Coordinate with airlines, regulators and contractors.

Skills

Emergency management

Safety management

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Incident investigation

Education

NT driver’s licence

ASIC

Cert III in Airport Airside Operations

NT Firearms Licence

First Aid

CASA Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency

CASA DAMP Supervisor certificate

Cert IV in Training and Assessment

Job description

PARTNER is delighted to be supporting Airport Development Group (ADG) with the appointment of an Airside Manager at Darwin International Airport.

About ADG

Airport Development Group owns and operates key infrastructure across the Northern Territory, including airports, commercial buildings, and hospitality assets. With a strong investment pipeline and a commitment to shaping a more sustainable and connected Northern Australia, ADG are entering a period of exciting growth and transformation. This is your chance to be part of something meaningful, taking ownership of the airside operation at the heart of an organisation that's making a real difference in the Territory.

The opportunity

This is the operational custodian role for the Darwin airside environment. Reporting to the Head of Airport Operations, you will hold end to end accountability for the safe, compliant and efficient running of the aerodrome at an airport that supports commercial passenger services, international operations, Defence activity, freight, charter and general aviation.

You will own the frameworks that keep the airfield running: the Aerodrome Operations Manual, Standard Operating Procedures, Wildlife Hazard Management Plan, Business Continuity Plans and the Airside Vehicle Control Program. You will lead audit readiness across CASA and internal reviews, investigate incidents and hazards, chair the Airside Safety Operations Committee, oversee the training and assessment of Terminal and Airside Operations Officers, and provide relief for the Head of Airport Operations. When the Airport Emergency Plan activates, you take control.

It is a visible role with genuine authority, working daily across airlines, contractors, regulators and airport stakeholders.

About you

You are an experienced airport or airside operations professional with hands on knowledge of aerodrome environments and the regulatory frameworks behind them. Specifically, you bring:

• Extensive experience applying CASA and Department of Home Affairs regulations and Australian aviation legislation
• Strong grounding in safety management principles and risk in live operational settings
• Proven ability to take control and accept responsibility during an emergency
• Experience leading, training and developing a small operational team
• A current NT driver's licence, and the ability to gain an ASIC, Cert III in Airport Airside Operations, an NT Firearms Licence, First Aid, a CASA Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency and a CASA DAMP Supervisor certificate
• Cert IV in Training and Assessment is well regarded