Operations Manager

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS AERIAL SERVICES; Emerald; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Highlands Aerial Services in Emerald, QLD, is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee aerial application operations, safety, and compliance. The role spans office duties, product deliveries, stock control, and supporting flight crew planning and preparation.

The successful candidate will have practical leadership experience in aerial applications or related industries, with strong planning, communication and problem-solving skills to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment and

Qualifications

• Experience in aerial application or related industry.
• Strong planning and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to workplace safety and operational excellence.
• Hands-on leadership with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Managing daily operational activities, schedules and aircraft utilisation
• Coordinating pilots, ground crew, contractors and operational resources
• Working closely with clients to plan and deliver application services
• Stock control of grower and consignment products stored on site
• Ensuring operations are conducted safely and in accordance with CASA requirements and company procedures
• Monitoring operational performance and resource requirements
• Managing operational documentation, audit preparation, records and reporting
• Identifying and implementing improvements to operational efficiency
• Supporting recruitment, training and performance management of operational staff
• Maintaining strong relationships with customers, suppliers and industry stakeholders

Skills

Organisational skills

Leadership

Safety compliance

Communication

Problem solving

Job description

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS AERIAL SERVICES – Emerald QLD

Reporting to senior management, the Operations Manager will oversee the efficient, safe and compliant delivery of aerial application services. This is a hands‑on role suited to someone who enjoys a varied day from being in the office, to handling product deliveries, keeping consignment and grower chemical stock controlled and ensuring support equipment is kept compliant right through to assisting flight crew with job planning and preparation.

Key responsibilities

• Managing daily operational activities, schedules and aircraft utilisation
• Coordinating pilots, ground crew, contractors and operational resources
• Working closely with clients to plan and deliver application services
• Stock control of grower and consignment products stored on site
• Ensuring operations are conducted safely and in accordance with CASA requirements and company procedures
• Monitoring operational performance and resource requirements
• Managing operational documentation, audit preparation, records and reporting
• Identifying and implementing improvements to operational efficiency
• Supporting recruitment, training and performance management of operational staff
• Maintaining strong relationships with customers, suppliers and industry stakeholders

About you

• We are looking for someone who is organised, practical and confident. This is a dynamic office‑based role suited to someone who enjoys a varied day from being in the office, to handling product deliveries, keeping consignment and grower chemical stock controlled and ensuring support equipment compliance is up to date, through to assisting flight crew with job planning/preparation. This is a multi‑faced fast paced environment in peak seasonal times.
• Previous experience in aerial application, agriculture, management or a related industry
• Excellent planning, communication and problem‑solving skills
• The ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong leadership and people‑management capability
• A practical, hands‑on approach to getting the job done
• High attention to detail and strong administrative skills
• A commitment to workplace safety and operational excellence

Previous aerial agricultural operations experience will be highly regarded, however applications from enthusiastic agricultural professionals with a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

About us

Central Highlands Aerial Services is an established aerial application business with over 25 years experience, conducting agricultural operations year-round and firebombing services on a call when needed basis, supporting clients across Central Queensland.