General Manager

About the Vertical Aviation Group

The Vertical Aviation Group encompasses three long-standing and well-regarded aviation businesses, Heliwest, Heli-Muster NT (HM Air) and the recently acquired Energy Division of Meridian Helicopters, Vertical Aviation Energy. Together, we are the leading providers of helicopter and fixed wing flight services, engineering and training to the Mining, Pastoral, Government, Industrial and Tourism sectors across Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory. Our family business values of safety, great customer service, continuous improvement, integrity, accountability, teamwork and respect shape everything we do.

Overview 

Heliwest is seeking an experienced aviation leader to join our team as General Manager, Heliwest.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a well-established rotary aviation business supporting major mining and resources customers across Western Australia. Based at Jandakot, the General Manager will have full operational accountability for Heliwest’s performance, leading a capable operational team and driving safe, reliable and commercially successful outcomes.

Reporting to the Group Chief Operating Officer, this role is responsible for the day-to-day leadership of Heliwest, including operational delivery, customer outcomes, financial performance, safety and team development.

The Role 

The General Manager, Heliwest will be responsible for delivery of safe, reliable and commercially successful operations across the business. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Leading Heliwest’s operational performance, including delivery against revenue, profitability and service targets.

• Managing helicopter fleet utilisation, operational efficiency and contract performance.

• Building strong relationships with mining and resources customers and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.

• Leading and developing the operations team, including Operations Managers, Base Managers and operational personnel.

• Establishing clear operating rhythms, performance expectations and accountability across the business.

• Working closely with Heliwest Services leadership to maximise fleet availability and serviceability.

• Supporting tenders, contract renewals and business development activities through operational expertise.

• Holding the CASA Accountable Manager position for the Heliwest AOC and ensuring regulatory and safety obligations are effectively managed.

• Working closely with the Group Head of Safety and Quality to maintain a strong safety culture and continuous improvement mindset.

• Identifying operational risks and improvement opportunities and ensuring effective action is taken.
  

You are an experienced operational leader with a strong aviation background and the ability to combine safety leadership, commercial discipline and people management.

You will have:

• Previous experience leading operations in aviation or another safety-critical, asset-intensive industry.

• Demonstrated experience managing teams and delivering against operational and financial targets.

• Experience working with customers in mining, resources or similarly demanding industries.

• The capability and experience required to hold CASA Accountable Manager responsibilities.

• Strong understanding of aviation safety, compliance and operational risk management.

• Commercial awareness, including the ability to understand and influence P&L outcomes.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with customers, regulators and internal stakeholders.

• A practical and visible leadership style with a focus on accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement.

Desirable Attributes

A pilot or engineering background would be highly regarded, but we are primarily seeking a strong operational leader who can deliver results through people and systems.

Why join us? 

This is an opportunity to lead a respected Western Australian aviation business with a strong customer base and experienced operational team.

You will work closely with the Group leadership team and have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to operational performance, business growth and the future direction of Heliwest.

For the right person, this role provides a pathway to broader leadership opportunities across the Vertical Aviation Group.

To Apply

Please apply via Seek or via email to **@heliwest.com.au, with a resume and cover letter as to why you are interested in this role and how you would be a great fit for our business.

For further information, please email **@heliwest.com.au

Previous applicants need not apply