Senior Manager Major Project Approvals

Lead transformative approvals for Melbourne Airport's major developments, shaping the future of aviation infrastructure in Australia

At Melbourne Airport, we’re committed to delivering world-class infrastructure and services that enable growth and innovation for Victoria. We’re looking for a highly skilled and experienced Senior Manager, Major Project Approvals to lead the planning and approval processes for some of our most significant and transformative projects.

As the Senior Manager, Major Project Approvals, you will play a pivotal role in securing the necessary approvals under the Airports Act 1996 for Melbourne Airport’s major developments. Reporting to senior leadership, you will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver comprehensive planning and environmental approvals for generational projects, including the Melbourne Airport Third Runway (M3R) and the Master Plan 2027.

Discover how Melbourne Airport is thinking big with exciting projects like the third Runway, state-of-the-art terminals, and thriving business park developments —watch our video to see the future take flight: https://youtu.be/Sjn21l0hz1Q

Key responsibilities:

The role's duties and accountabilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the development and delivery of major approvals, including the Environment Effects Process (EEP), Major Development Plans (MDPs), and related documentation.
• Manage timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure efficient delivery of approvals.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, including government agencies (CASA, Airservices Australia, DITRDCA, DCCEEW), technical experts, and the community.
• Provide expert planning and approvals advice to internal stakeholders and represent Melbourne Airport at public and community engagement events.
• Support the delivery of M3R approvals conditions, including the Commitments Register and Noise Sharing Plan.
• Ensure alignment with the Master Plan 2027 and other strategic initiatives

The successful candidate will have:

• Strong background in planning and/or environmental approvals.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex stakeholder relationships and community engagement.
• Proven leadership experience (minimum 3 years in a managerial role).
• Exceptional communication, report writing, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with Airports Act and the Australian aviation sector advantageous
• Experience in developing and negotiating planning approvals within regulated environments.

We understand that not everyone will feel they meet all of these 100%. However, if you feel you have the attitude and aptitude to grow within our team, we invite you to apply and have a conversation with us about this position.

About the Company:

Melbourne Airport (Australia Pacific Airports Corporation) is proud to be one of Australia's premier transport hubs and Victoria's gateway to the world, connecting us to the global marketplace. We are committed to creating connections that matter and enhancing the traveller experience across every aspect of our organisation to deliver our vision of becoming Australia's favourite Airport destination. Currently, in an exciting phase of change, we are delivering rewarding career opportunities, making Melbourne Airport a dynamic and fast-paced place to work for our people.

APAC is a majority Australian-owned private company that also operates Launceston Airport, the tourism gateway to Tasmania and an industry multi-award-winning airport.

Culture and Values:

By joining the team at Melbourne Airport, you will work within a friendly, high-performance culture with a focus on our people and their development.

Our vision is to become Australia's favourite Airport destination and our people are paramount to achieving this success. We provide a supportive environment, with values that encourage all of our employees to Be You, Think Big, Own it and Work Together.

Benefits:

• Free access to Higher State, our state-of-the-art Fitness Club & Wellness Hub at Novotel & ibis Styles Airport hotel.
• Airport car parking 24 hours/365 days a year for both business and personal use
• Hybrid flexible working arrangements
• Airport Holiday, an additional day of leave
• Wellness Day, a further additional day of leave
• Discounted onsite childcare at Creative Garden Early Learning
• Mental health and well-being initiatives, including Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term career and professional development opportunities
• Active social culture and participation in a range of social impact days and activities
• Signature Experiences including an airfield family day, and kids’ footy day 
• Access to an employee benefits scheme including access to corporate rates and airport retailer discounts (including SkyBus)

APAC is committed to weaving Diversity into our DNA. We believe that Diversity and Inclusion will help us realise our greatest potential as a company, and maximise the potential of all our team members. We strive to create a culture where our team members understand that each individual is unique and that embracing diversity makes us more flexible, productive, and creative.

APAC provides equal opportunity and advancement in employment regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, cultural background, caring responsibilities, disability or socioeconomic background. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our workplace values of Being You, Thinking Big, Owning It and Working Together.