General Manager – Quality, Safety, Risk & Audit
Location: Port Moresby, National Capital District, Papua New Guinea
Employer: Air Niugini
Job Category: Quality, Safety and Compliance
Employment Type: Full Time
Job ID: 295
Closing Date: Friday, 9 October 2026
CAREER OPPORTUNITY
Air Niugini is seeking an experienced and strategic aviation professional to join its executive leadership team as General Manager – Quality, Safety, Risk & Audit.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the successful candidate will provide strategic leadership across corporate quality, aviation safety, enterprise risk, regulatory compliance, emergency response and internal audit functions.
The position will play a key role in maintaining high standards of aviation safety, operational integrity, governance, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement in line with applicable aviation regulations, ICAO standards and IOSA requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Safety Management System (SMS).
- Oversee the Quality Assurance Program.
- Manage the Enterprise Risk Management Framework.
- Oversee the Emergency Response Plan (ERP).
- Lead Internal Audit and Compliance functions.
- Lead aviation safety investigations and risk assessments.
- Monitor regulatory and operational compliance.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with AOC requirements, Part 119, Part 121, Part 145, IOSA standards and applicable aviation regulations.
- Lead internal audits, compliance monitoring and safety investigations.
- Liaise with aviation regulators, external auditors, IATA and other industry stakeholders.
- Provide strategic reports and advice to the CEO, Executive Management Team and Board.
- Lead and develop high-performing Quality, Safety, Risk and Audit teams.
- Promote a strong organisational safety culture.
- Oversee emergency response preparedness, exercises and incident management coordination.
Essential Skills and Experience
- 12–15 years of aviation industry experience in quality, safety, compliance, risk or audit functions.
- At least 5 years of senior leadership or executive management experience within an airline or aviation organisation.
- Operational background in flight operations or aircraft maintenance.
- Proven experience managing Aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS).
- Experience with IOSA and regulatory audit programs.
- Experience managing airline operational compliance systems.
- Experience with Enterprise Risk Management frameworks.
- Strong knowledge of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), IOSA standards, CASAPNG Rules and airline operational and maintenance standards.
- Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder engagement, analytical, investigation and decision-making skills.
- High levels of integrity, professionalism and ethical conduct.
Qualifications and Certifications
Essential
A Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Management, Aeronautical Engineering, Safety Management, Quality Management, Risk Management, Business Administration, Aviation Operations or a related discipline.
Applicants should also have formal training or certification 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 should submit:
- Current CV/Resume.
- Cover Letter.
- Copies of relevant academic qualifications.
- Copies of relevant professional certifications.
>> APPLY ONLINE
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
About Air Niugini
Air Niugini is Papua New Guinea’s national airline and has been operating since 1973. The airline connects Papua New Guinea with domestic and international destinations across the Pacific, Asia and Australia.
Air Niugini is committed to safety, reliability, service excellence and supporting Papua New Guinea’s economic growth and international connectivity.
Working at Air Niugini
Air Niugini promotes teamwork, innovation, professional development and service excellence. Employees have opportunities to develop their careers through training, learning and professional advancement.
The airline offers a diverse and dynamic working environment for people who are passionate about aviation and customer service.
Why Work With Air Niugini?
- A Legacy of Excellence: Be part of an airline that has played a major role in PNG’s aviation industry for more than 50 years.
- Career Development: Access training, professional development and career opportunities.
- Service Culture: Contribute to delivering quality customer experiences.
- Global Exposure: Work in a multicultural aviation environment with domestic and international operations.
Job Information
- Job Title: General Manager – Quality, Safety, Risk & Audit
- Job ID: 295
- Job Category: Quality, Safety and Compliance
- Employment Type: Full Time
- Location: Jackson's International Airport, Portion 2965, 7 Mile, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea