Job Description About the Role We’re seeking a seasoned operational leader to join Sydney Airport’s front-line operations team – a critical position responsible for leading the safe, secure, and seamless functioning of our terminal operations. This is a high-accountability role, requiring real-time decision-making, people leadership, and effective coordination across a broad range of stakeholders in a dynamic and fast-paced airport environment. As an operational leader, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining operational continuity, leading incident response on the ground, ensuring compliance with aviation safety and security regulations, and driving continuous improvement in customer service standards. You’ll act as a key conduit between operational teams, service providers, and airport leadership – with a clear mandate to lead with confidence and integrity under pressure. This is more than an operations role – it’s a leadership position at the heart of one of Australia’s busiest transport hubs, where every decision you make directly contributes to the safety, reputation, and operational resilience of Sydney Airport. In this role, you will be accountable for: Leading the on-ground operational response across the terminal and landside environment, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency at all times. Providing confident and effective leadership to operational staff and service providers during routine operations and critical incidents. Ensuring the highest levels of customer service are consistently delivered by fostering a culture of professionalism, responsiveness, and care. Making timely and informed decisions under pressure, including during medical, security, or emergency incidents, and escalating appropriately to senior airport management. Maintaining oversight of terminal presentation, passenger flow, and service delivery standards through proactive engagement and issue resolution. Managing stakeholder relationships with internal departments, government agencies, and third-party service providers to ensure aligned and coordinated operations. Supporting the execution of emergency management plans, security compliance activities, and operational continuity during planned or unplanned events. About You You are a confident operational leader who thrives in high-pressure environments and brings a calm, decisive approach to incident management and stakeholder coordination. You are deeply customer-focused and capable of guiding your team and partners through complex operational challenges with clarity and purpose. You will bring: Proven leadership experience in a dynamic operational environment, including team coordination, incident response, and real-time decision-making – preferably within aviation, transport, or large-scale infrastructure. Demonstrated capability in stakeholder management, conflict resolution, and inter-agency collaboration. A strong commitment to safety, security, and service excellence, with a track record of maintaining standards in complex, fast-moving settings. The ability to work across a rotating roster and take ownership of critical operational decisions during all hours. HSC or equivalent (minimum); current First Response Medical or First Aid (desirable). Eligibility to hold an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) and Airside Driver Authority (ADA Cat 2). What we offer To find out more about the amazing work environment here at SYD, be sure to check out the Join us section of Sydney Airport’s website, where you can also see more about our flexible culture and work practices, alongside our other Employee benefits , or take a look at our LinkedIn Sydney Airport: Life page . Make it Amazing SYD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages all suitably qualified applicants to apply, including First Nations Australians, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.
