Head of Aviation Safety and Quality

• Lead aviation safety and quality across one of Australia’s most unique aeromedical aviation operations.
• Provide strategic oversight of RFDS WA’s Safety Management System, Quality Management System and CASA regulatory compliance.
• Shape a newly established function during a significant period of regulatory and operational change.
• Competitive salary, NFP salary packaging, relocation assistance and free onsite parking.

About the team
The RFDS WA Aviation Division operates an advanced aeromedical fleet across Western Australia, including 17 Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, the new PC-12 PRO, three PC-24 jets and two EC145 helicopters. Our Aviation Safety & Quality function supports safe, compliant and reliable operations across Flight Operations and Engineering, with teams based at Jandakot and throughout regional Western Australia.

About the role

• Provide strategic leadership of the Aviation Safety and Quality function, including governance, assurance and regulatory oversight of the Safety Management System, Quality Management System and assurance frameworks across flight operations, maintenance, engineering and continuing airworthiness activities.
• Lead aviation safety, quality, assurance and regulatory governance across one of Australia’s most unique aeromedical aviation operations.
• Act as the nominated CASA Safety Manager and Quality Manager, subject to CASA approval, for the relevant CASR Part 119, Part 42 and Part 145 functions, and maintain effective relationships with CASA, executive leaders and operational teams.

This is a newly established senior leadership role combining aviation safety, quality, assurance and regulatory governance under one accountable leader. You will lead and develop a specialist team, strengthen safety culture and reporting, provide independent advice to the Accountable Manager and Executive Leadership Team, and support RFDS WA to meet current and emerging CASA obligations, including Part 145 requirements.

About you

• Extensive experience leading aviation safety, quality, assurance, audit, compliance and risk management functions within a CASA-regulated aviation environment, with demonstrated success developing governance frameworks, organisational assurance programs and safety culture initiatives across operational, engineering or continuing airworthiness environments.
• Comprehensive knowledge of CASA regulations, including CASR Parts 119, 42 and 145, applicable Manuals of Standards, organisational expositions, Safety Management Systems, Quality Management Systems and aviation risk frameworks.
• Previous CASA acceptance, appointment or demonstrated suitability for acceptance as a Safety Manager and/or Quality Manager under CASR Parts 119, 42 or 145
• Demonstrated experience leading audit, assurance, investigations, regulatory engagement and continuous improvement.
• Proven leadership capability, sound judgement and the ability to influence senior, operational and regulatory stakeholders.
• Hold formal training in aviation Safety Management Systems, aviation risk management, quality management and aviation auditing, together with lead auditor or equivalent quality management training. Training in incident investigation, corrective action management and human factors will be highly regarded.
• Experience in aeromedical, emergency services, regional aviation, maintenance or other highly regulated aviation operations will be highly regarded.

What we offer

• Competitive salary with generous NFP salary packaging benefits
• Relocation assistance, where applicable
• Free onsite parking at Jandakot
• A highly visible leadership role with organisation-wide influence
• The opportunity to shape a newly established aviation safety and quality function
• Meaningful work supporting aeromedical services across Western Australia

About us
The Royal Flying Doctor Service WA supports more than 20,000 patients each year across the largest health jurisdiction in Australia. From bases in Jandakot, Broome, Port Hedland, Kalgoorlie and Meekatharra, our teams deliver emergency care, primary health and industrial services through world-class aviation, clinical and support systems.

Apply now
Submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your aviation safety and quality leadership experience, regulatory expertise and suitability for the role.

Appointment is subject to RFDS WA’s pre-employment screening requirements and CASA approval where applicable.

Closing Date: is Sunday, 23 August 2026

This position is open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia. 

Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At RFDS WA, we are committed to ensuring inclusive workplaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to contribute. We welcome people from all backgrounds including people of diverse cultures, abilities, gender and sexual identities, beliefs, and those with family or caring responsibilities.