About RFDS Since 1928, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) has been delivering essential medical care to Australia's remote and rural communities. Today, the Queensland operation encompasses nine bases across the state, employing over 600 professionals dedicated to bringing world-class healthcare to those who need it most. The multi-disciplinary teams perform daily miracles – from emergency retrievals and primary healthcare to mental health services and dental care – creating healthier and stronger regional communities across Queensland. The Opportunity The RFDS (Queensland Section) seeks an exceptional aviation executive to take command of their critical air operations. As the designated Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) holder under s28 of the Civil Aviation Act, you will shoulder the ultimate responsibility for one of Australia's most trusted aviation operations. This role demands a leader who can maintain unwavering regulatory compliance while driving operational transformation and efficiency across the diverse fleet. You will be accountable for Flight Operations, Airworthiness, Engineering, Aviation Safety, Logistics and Operations Control across the nine bases throughout Queensland. Your Impact You will provide authoritative leadership, ensuring full regulatory compliance with CASA and the Civil Aviation Act. You will drive transformational change in the aviation operating model, enhance efficiency while maintaining safety, and oversee workforce strategy, stakeholder engagement, and have oversight of a $70M operational budget. You will oversee the aviation workforce strategy in a competitive market, including Enterprise Agreement negotiations, while leading the Safety Action Group and Aviation Safety Review Committee to uphold rigorous safety management systems. Collaborating with the CEO and Board, you will shape strategic aviation direction and ensure aircraft availability consistently exceeds 95% to support 24/7 aeromedical operations. About You You are a distinguished aviation leader who brings: Experience as an AOC holder with comprehensive knowledge of the regulatory environment; Demonstrated success in leading transformational change in aviation operations; Track record in managing complex aviation budgets and driving cost efficiencies; Strong experience in workforce strategy development and implementation in challenging markets; Established relationships with CASA and other regulatory authorities; Commercial acumen with the ability to balance operational excellence with financial discipline; Superior leadership capabilities managing cross-functional teams; and Passion for the mission-critical nature of aeromedical operations. How to Apply For more information or a confidential discussion please contact Cassandra Lee at u&u on (07) 3232 9170 quoting reference number 40708 . Please submit your resume in Word format only.