Operations Manager

AAAA; Emerald; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Highlands Aerial Services in Emerald, Central Queensland, is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day coordination and operational management of a busy aerial application business serving Central Queensland clients.

The role focuses on safe, compliant delivery of aerial services, coordinating pilots and staff, stock control, client planning, and driving continuous improvements in efficiency and growth.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in aerial application/agriculture, management or a related industry is required.
• Strong planning, communication and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

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/agronomists and industry stakeholders.
• Responding effectively to operational issues and changing priorities.
• Contributing to the ongoing growth and development of the business.

Skills

Aerial application experience

Management experience

Planning and organization

Leadership

People-management

Safety awareness

Job description

Central Highlands Aerial Services is seeking an experienced and motivated Operations Manager to join our team based in Emerald, Central Queensland.

This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on agricultural/aviation professional to take responsibility for the day-to-day coordination and operational management of a busy aerial application business supporting clients across Central Queensland. We conduct agricultural operations year-round and firebombing services on a call when needed basis.

About the Role

Reporting to senior management, the Operations Manager will oversee the efficient, safe and compliant delivery of our aerial application services.

Key responsibilities will include:

• 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 reportingIdentifying and implementing improvements to operational efficiency
• Supporting recruitment, training and performance management of operational staff
• Maintaining strong relationships with customers, suppliers/agronomists and industry stakeholders
• Responding effectively to operational issues and changing priorities
• Contributing to the ongoing growth and development of the business

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 is kept compliant right through to assisting flight crew with job planning/preparation. This is a multi-faceted fast paced environment in peak seasonal times.

You will ideally have:

• 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

Why Join Central Highlands Aerial Services?

• Join an established aerial application business with over 25 years experience
• Work in the heart of Central Queensland – 3-hour drive to Rockhampton
• Varied and interesting operational environment
• Opportunity to make a genuine contribution to the growth of the business
• Leadership role with responsibility and autonomy
• Work alongside an experienced team of pilots, ground crew and maintenance personnel