General Manager- Quality,Safety,Risk & Audit

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

General Manager – Quality, Safety, Risk & Audit

Executive Leadership Role – Aviation Industry

Air Niugini is seeking an accomplished and strategic aviation executive to lead the airline’s Corporate Quality, Safety, Risk, Compliance, Emergency Response, and Internal Audit functions.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this critical executive position is responsible for ensuring the airline maintains the highest standards of aviation safety, operational integrity, governance, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement in accordance with ICAO standards, IOSA requirements, and Civil Aviation regulations.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the airline’s:

• Safety Management System (SMS)
• Quality Assurance Program
• Enterprise Risk Management Framework
• Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
• Internal Audit and Compliance functions

The role will also:

• Ensure compliance with Air Operator Certificate (AOC) requirements, Part 119 / 121 / 145 regulations, IOSA standards, and applicable aviation regulations.
• Lead internal audits, compliance monitoring, safety investigations, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Liaise with aviation regulators, external auditors, IATA, and key industry stakeholders on operational and compliance matters.
• Provide executive reporting and strategic advice to the CEO, Executive Management Team, and Board on safety performance, governance, risk exposure, and compliance outcomes.
• Lead and develop high-performing Quality, Safety, Risk, and Audit teams while fostering a strong organisational safety culture.
• Oversee emergency response preparedness, testing, and incident management coordination.

Essential Skills & Experience

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Minimum 12–15 years’ aviation industry experience in Quality, Safety, Compliance, Risk, or Audit functions.
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior leadership or executive management role within an airline or aviation organisation.
  • Operational background in flight operations or aircraft maintenance.
  • Proven experience managing:
  • Aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS)
  • IOSA and regulatory audit programs
  • Airline operational compliance systems
  • Enterprise Risk Management frameworks
  • Strong knowledge of ICAO Standards & Recommended Practices (SARPs), IOSA standards, CASAPNG Rules, and airline operational and maintenance standards.
  • Exceptional leadership, stakeholder engagement, analytical, communication, investigation, and decision-making capabilities.
  • High ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism.

Qualifications & Certifications

Essential

• Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Management, Aeronautical Engineering, Safety Management, Quality Management, Risk Management, Business Administration, Aviation Operations, or related discipline.
  • Formal certification or training in:
  • Safety Management Systems (SMS)
  • Aviation Quality Assurance
  • Aviation Risk Management
  • Aviation Audit Systems

Highly Desirable

• MBA or postgraduate qualification in Aviation, Safety, Risk, Governance, or Business Management.
  • IOSA Auditor Certification
  • ICAO SMS Certification
  • ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification
  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
  • ISO 31000 Risk Management Certification
  • NEBOSH or IOSH Safety Certification

How to Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit:

• Current CV / Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Copies of relevant qualifications and certifications

Applications close: Friday 9th October 2026.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.