Head of Aviation Safety and Quality

Posted Wednesday 5 August 2026 at 6:00 pm | Expires Sunday 23 August 2026 at 5:59 pm The RFDS WO provides aeromedical retrieval services and primary health care across the largest health jurisdiction in the world, assisting more than 20,000 patients each year. From our bases in Perth, Broome, Port Hedland, Kalgoorlie and Meekatharra, our crews deliver exceptional health care to every corner of the state and are committed to the highest standards of clinical care, aviation safety and technology. In 2024 the RFDS launched its new five-year strategy – Above & Beyond – which will lead the service into its centenary year in 2028. With a focus on expanding primary health care, growing profit-for-purpose services, strengthening our workforce, harnessing new technology and addressing our environmental sustainability; the RFDS in WA is striving to make a tangible and positive difference to the health of people in regional WA. 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. RFDS Western Operations is proud to be an inclusive workplace where people of all backgrounds are valued and respected. We believe diversity makes us stronger and helps us better serve our patients and communities. Whoever you are, and whatever your story, you are welcome here.