* Inaugural CEO Role
* Career Defining Opportunity
* Exceptional Work / Lifestyle Balance
Owned and operated by the Lower Eyre Council, the Port Lincoln Airport is the gateway to the Eyre Peninsula and is the second largest airport in South Australia. It provides for over 28,000 annual aircraft movements and approximately 170,000 passengers a year. A new terminal was built in 2013 in recognition of increased commercial and passenger numbers and forecast demands for future growth.
Established in July 2025, the Port Lincoln Airport Management Authority is a newly formed subsidiary of the Lower Eyre Council to provide strategic advice to Council on aerodrome development and provide guidance on the management of the Port Lincoln Airport and Council owned airstrips in Coffin Bay and Cummins.
PLAMA operates as a subsidiary of Lower Eyre Council under Section 42 of the Local Government Act 1999 (SA), combining commercial agility with public accountability.
The guiding objectives of the Port Lincoln Airport Management Authority include:
* The Port Lincoln Airport will increase the return on investment for Lower Eyre Council ratepayers and community.
* Ensure the Port Lincoln Airport is independently financially viable
* Provide cost effective and reliable travel for locals and an emerging tourism industry
* The Airport will be a strategic driver of investment and economic growth by strengthening connectivity and accessibility of the broader region to increase investment and economic growth.
* Operate under a governance model that enables a greater level of commercial focus by allowing flexibility in decision making to ensure financial sustainability.
Following the recent formation of an independent Chair and Board, the Port Lincoln Airport Management Authority is now seeking to appoint their inaugural Airport Chief Executive Officer.
Key responsibilities include:
* Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Port Lincoln Airport
* Lead the development and implementation of the strategic and business plan
* Ensure sound and sustainable financial management
* Lead Port Lincoln Airport's engagement with key stakeholders
* Oversee the safety and security of all airport operations
* Ensure sound governance, compliance and industry regulations are met
* Leadership and management of a highly effective team
As the inaugural Airport CEO, you will have the unique opportunity to establish the foundational culture, systems, and processes that will shape the organisation for years to come. This role requires someone who thrives in an establishment environment, bringing both strategic vision and practical implementation skills.
It is essential that you have prior experience in airport masterplan development, property management (leases and licences), and airport precinct environmental management together with having been a proven negotiator with the ability to influence, particularly with airlines and flight scheduling.
Ideally, you will have a proven background in transformational leadership within an airport/aviation environment together with sound financial acumen and the capability to grow commercial business.
This is a very rare and exciting opportunity to stamp your credentials and shape the future of not only the Port Lincoln Airport, but also to deliver sound economic development to the Eyre Peninsula region.
To register your interest and download the candidate information pack, please visit
and quote reference number
J8769.
Confidential enquiries can be directed to
Steve Nolis
or
Rebecca Hunt
Applications close 5pm Monday 2nd February 2026
.