Maintenance Operations Manager

Job Location: Williamstown, NSW

This role will be on-site at the NSW-RAAF Base Williamtown with opportunity to work a 9-day fortnight.

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow – shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space – there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Role Description:

This is a unique opportunity to lead a large-scale aviation maintenance operation supporting a critical Defence capability.

As the Maintenance Operations Manager, you’ll oversee maintenance delivery, fleet planning and sustainment activities that keep aircraft available, mission-ready and positioned for long-term success. Leading a team of experienced managers and an extended workforce of around 150 personnel, you’ll be responsible for aligning people, resources and priorities to deliver operational outcomes in a dynamic and highly regulated environment.

Success in this role will come from your ability to build strong relationships, influence diverse stakeholder groups and make sound decisions that balance today’s operational requirements with tomorrow’s fleet sustainment needs.

Core Duties:

• Lead maintenance operations across multiple Defence aviation sites, ensuring aircraft availability, fleet readiness and safe delivery outcomes.
• Provide leadership to maintenance and fleet planning teams, driving performance across a workforce of more than 150 personnel.
• Balance operational priorities with long-term fleet sustainment objectives and maintenance planning.
• Partner with Defence customers and internal stakeholders to deliver maintenance programs on schedule and within contractual commitments.
• Drive workforce, resource and capacity planning to support current and future operational requirements.
• Oversee maintenance performance, reporting, risk management and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Champion a culture of safety, quality, accountability and operational excellence.
• Resolve competing priorities and make informed decisions that support both immediate operational needs and long-term program success

Essential Skills:

• Significant leadership experience within aviation, aerospace, Defence sustainment, maintenance, production or another highly regulated environment.
• Strong understanding of aviation maintenance operations, regulatory compliance and DASR 145 maintenance environments.
• Proven ability to lead large teams, manage competing priorities and influence stakeholders across a complex matrix organisation.
• Experience in maintenance planning, resource management and delivering operational outcomes against customer commitments.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to interpret operational data and drive improvements.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively and influence outcomes.
• A degree in Engineering or an aviation-related qualification, supported by relevant aviation maintenance leadership experience.
• Minimum five years’ experience in an aviation environment, with knowledge of DASR, CASA, EASA, EMAR or equivalent regulatory frameworks.
• Defence aviation, maintenance or sustainment experience will be highly regarded.
• Eligibility to obtain a defence security clearance.

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Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work – this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family – support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

We support our veteran community through VetNet Australia, along with initiatives such as Reserve Service Leave, a Veteran Mentoring Program, and partner-supported programs.

We welcome applications from all candidates and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

We are proud to be recognised as an employer of choice for women by WORK180 and recipients of the Benchmarcx Top Employer for Candidate Experience Excellence 2026. As members of the Circle Back Initiative, we commit to responding to every applicant.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team to discuss the support you may need. You can also connect with us via Careers and Employment.

Security statement

Please note, as a defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and either possess or be eligible to obtain and maintain one. Further information regarding security clearances. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role. Please visit this webpage for more information