Head of Aviation Safety and Quality

• Direct access to the CEO and Accountable Manager
• Build and lead a newly established safety and quality function
• CASA post holder across CASR Parts 119, 42 and 145
• NFP salary packaging, relocation assistance and free onsite parking

Few aviation operations ask more of their safety system than RFDS WA. We fly 17 Pilatus PC-12s, the new PC-12 PRO, three PC-24 jets and two EC145 helicopters around the clock, into remote airstrips across 2.5 million square kilometres. We're now bringing aviation safety, quality and assurance together under one leader, with direct access to the CEO and Accountable Manager.

About the role
This is the most senior safety and quality role in RFDS WA aviation. You’ll be the CASA-nominated Safety Manager under Part 119, Quality Manager under Part 42 and Safety and Quality Manager under Part 145, with the independence and authority those roles require.

You’ll lead the Aviation Safety Manager and Engineering Quality Manager, set the assurance strategy across flight operations, maintenance and continuing airworthiness, and act as our principal contact with CASA. Just as importantly, you’ll give the CEO and Executive Leadership Team clear, independent advice that shapes decisions at the highest level.

The opportunity
Part 145 and other CASA changes are reshaping how we operate. With a new function to design and the backing to grow it, you’ll move our safety and quality systems from reactive to proactive, and set the standard for how RFDS WA manages aviation risk for years to come.

Key responsibilities

• Act as CASA post holder for Part 119 Safety Manager, Part 42 Quality Manager and Part 145 Safety and Quality Manager
• Set the safety, quality and assurance strategy and audit program
• Lead the Aviation Safety Manager and Engineering Quality Manager and shape the team’s future structure
• Report to the CEO, ELT and Board on safety, quality and risk performance
• Oversee investigations and corrective actions through to closure
• Build a just culture across operations, engineering and continuing airworthiness

About you

• Senior experience leading aviation safety, quality, audit or assurance functions in a CASA-regulated or equivalent environment
• An operational, engineering or continuing airworthiness background that equips you to discharge Safety Manager and Quality Manager responsibilities
• Strong knowledge of CASR Parts 119, 42 and 145, the relevant Manuals of Standards and organisational expositions
• Previous CASA acceptance as a Safety Manager or Quality Manager, or the experience to be accepted
• Formal training in SMS, auditing and investigation, with a Lead Auditor qualification highly regarded
• The confidence to brief executives, Boards and regulators, and the independence to hold your position

Experience in aeromedical, charter, emergency services or remote operations, fatigue risk management, aviation security or supplier assurance is highly regarded.

Why RFDS WA

• Direct access to the CEO and Accountable Manager, with the independence and authority this role needs
• A mixed fleet of turboprops, jets and helicopters in one of the world’s most remote operating environments
• Purpose: every improvement you make protects the crews and patients who rely on us
• Competitive salary, NFP salary packaging, relocation assistance and free onsite parking at Jandakot

How to apply
Submit your CV and a cover letter (maximum one page) outlining your aviation safety and quality leadership experience.

Closing date: Wednesday, 2 December 2026

Appointment is subject to RFDS WA's pre-employment screening requirements and CASA approval. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

About us
The Royal Flying Doctor Service WA cares for more than 16,000 patients each year, including over 10,000 aeromedical retrievals across Western Australia, the nation's largest health jurisdiction. From five bases, our aircraft and dedicated teams deliver emergency retrievals, remote healthcare, 24/7 telehealth and industrial health services.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
RFDS WA is an inclusive workplace where people of all backgrounds are valued and respected. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and people of all genders and backgrounds. If you need adjustments during the application process, please let us know.