General Manager – Quality, Safety, Risk & Audit

About the role

Air Niugini is seeking a senior executive to lead its Corporate Quality, Safety, Risk, Compliance, Emergency Response and Internal Audit functions. Reporting to the CEO, the General Manager will ensure the airline meets the highest aviation safety and regulatory standards.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Safety Management System (SMS), Quality Assurance Program, Enterprise Risk Management framework and Emergency Response Plan.
• Lead internal audits, safety investigations, risk assessments and continuous‑improvement initiatives while ensuring compliance with AOC, Part 119/121/145, IOSA and ICAO regulations.
• Liaise with regulators, IATA, external auditors and industry stakeholders on compliance and safety matters.
• Report safety performance, risk exposure and governance outcomes to the CEO, executive team and Board.
• Develop high‑performing Quality, Safety, Risk and Audit teams and foster a strong safety culture.

Required profile

• 12–15 years of aviation experience in Quality, Safety, Compliance, Risk or Audit, with at least 5 years in senior leadership.
• Operational background in flight operations or aircraft maintenance.
• Proven track record managing SMS, IOSA audit programmes and enterprise risk frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of ICAO SARPs, IOSA standards, PNG Civil Aviation rules and airline operational standards.

Required skills

• Safety Management System (SMS) implementation and oversight.
• IOSA and regulatory audit management.
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditing.
• ISO 31000 Risk Management.
• NEBOSH or IOSH safety certification.