Job role insights

  • Date posted

    September 21, 2026

  • Closing date

    November 5, 2026

  • Location

    Melbourne

  • Salary

    $115,000 - $140,000 /year

  • Career level

    Lead / Management

  • Qualification

    Degree in Aviation Management or Equivalent Experience

  • Experience

    5+ Years

Description

Job Overview & Organization Mission

Virgin Australia is hiring an Airport Operations Manager at Melbourne Airport to lead ramp handling, customer check-in, and baggage logistics.

Virgin Australia is recruiting an Airport Operations Manager at Tullamarine to drive operational excellence, on-time performance (OTP), and guest satisfaction.

As a key member of the team at Virgin Australia in Melbourne, VIC, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Position Quick Summary

  • Role Title: Airport Operations Manager – Ground Services
  • Hiring Employer: Virgin Australia
  • Primary Location: Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  • Employment Type: Full Time
  • Career Level: Lead / Management
  • Target Remuneration: AU$115,000 – AU$140,000 per year + 11.5% Superannuation

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

  • Manage airport: Manage airport operations across guest services, ticketing, boarding gates, and ramp baggage operations.
  • Coordinate with: Coordinate with Melbourne Airport Corporation, air traffic control, and CASA regulators.
  • Lead operational: Lead operational crisis management during adverse weather delays or schedule disruptions.
  • Drive continuous: Drive continuous improvements in baggage handling speed and on-time departures.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at Virgin Australia, candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

  • Mandatory Qualification: Degree in Aviation Management or Equivalent Experience.
  • Relevant Experience: Minimum 5+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
  • 5+ years airport or airline ground operations management experience.
  • In-depth knowledge of aviation security (AVSEC) regulations and CASA standards.
  • Demonstrated leadership under fast-paced, high-pressure operational environments.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Airport Operations Ramp Safety On-Time Performance (OTP) Crisis Management CASA Regulations

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At Virgin Australia, we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

  • Competitive Remuneration: AU$115,000 – AU$140,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
  • Package $115,000 – $140,000 + 11.5% super + performance bonus.
  • Discounted staff air travel across Virgin Australia and partner airlines worldwide.
  • Dedicated leadership coaching and career development.
  • Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
  • Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia is a major Australian airline operating domestic and short-haul international flights focused on genuine hospitality.

Virgin Australia is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official Virgin Australia careers gateway.

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