Operations Manager - SPARAS

at; South Australia; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation service provider in South Australia is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the SPARAS project. The ideal candidate has at least 5 years in operational leadership and extensive aviation operations experience. Responsibilities include managing a multidisciplinary team, ensuring compliance with regulations, and driving operational performance. This is an opportunity to work on a mission-critical project with competitive compensation and benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Passionate and professional team environment

Qualifications

• 5 years’ experience in senior operational leadership roles.
• Extensive experience in aviation operations, ideally in RW and FW environments.
• Strong knowledge of CASA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to the SPARAS Operations team.
• Oversee team rostering and real‑time flight following.
• Champion a proactive safety culture across the operation.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Operational performance

Customer service orientation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Logistics, Aviation Management or relevant industry experience

Tools

Operational tracking systems

Job description

About Toll Aviation

Toll Aviation, a division of Toll Government and Defence, is an experienced and trusted provider of crewed and uncrewed specialised operations and training, delivering both standalone and integrated solutions for Government, Defence and the civil sector. With a commitment to safety, efficiency, and excellence, Toll Aviation strives to deliver comprehensive solutions using helicopters, uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and fixed‑wing aircraft, in support of communities in need.

About the Role

Toll Group Aviation is seeking an experienced and driven Operations Manager to lead and oversee the day‑to‑day delivery of the SPARAS (State Police, Ambulance and Rescue Services) project. Based in Adelaide and reporting to the National Operations Manager, you will lead a multidisciplinary operational team, manage rostering and flight following, ensure compliance with CASA regulations, and maintain high standards of crew performance and stakeholder satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide effective leadership and direction to the SPARAS Operations team, ensuring compliance with Toll policies and regulatory requirements
• Oversee and optimise team rostering for pilots, aircrew officers (ACO), and engineering personnel across RW and FW operations
• Manage real‑time flight following, including tracking and monitoring of aircraft
• Plan and coordinate training programs, including induction, recurrent training, HUET, and simulator sessions
• Monitor operational KPIs, identify trends, and implement early intervention measures as required
• Oversee emergency response protocols, including notification and initial coordination during critical incidents
• Champion a proactive safety culture and lead preventative HSE practices across the operation

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Logistics, Aviation Management or relevant industry experience would be an advantage
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in senior operational leadership roles
• Extensive experience in aviation operations, ideally with exposure to both RW and FW environments
• Proficiency in using operational tracking systems and reporting tools
• Strong knowledge of CASA rules and aviation regulatory requirements
• Demonstrated ability to drive operational performance, identify inefficiencies, and implement sustainable solutions
• Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience managing operations in time‑critical and high‑pressure environments
• Superior customer service orientation and a proactive, solutions‑driven mindset

Why Join Us?

• Work on a high‑profile, mission‑critical aviation project
• Be part of a passionate and professional aviation team
• Lead a dynamic operational environment with scope to innovate and improve performance
• Competitive salary and benefits package

What moves you?

At Toll, you can help play a vital role in delivering what matters. From food, fuel, medicine and rescue services, we keep businesses and communities thriving. Every day brings change. We see that as an opportunity. To be curious. To ask the right questions. And build meaningful connections. Because finding new ways to solve problems is what we do.

We value a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. If you are interested in this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, talk to us – you may be just the right candidate for this or other roles we have coming up.

At Toll everyone is welcome including those of all ages, ethnicities, genders and abilities.

To find out more about us visit www.careers.tollgroup.com