Head of Group Human Performance

Company Description

About Us

Founded in the Queensland outback in 1920, Qantas has grown to be Australia’s largest regional, domestic, and international airline. Qantas has a range of subsidiary businesses that support the overall operations of the Group. The Qantas Group’s main business is the transportation of customers and freight using two complementary airline brands — Qantas and Jetstar — operating regional, domestic, and international services.

Job Description

• Lead the Group’s Human Performance strategy, building a stronger safety culture and driving excellence in aviation psychology, human factors, and fatigue risk management.
• Drive best-practice initiatives that deliver on strategic priorities and long-term success.
• Shape new benchmarks in human performance by partnering with the Board, executives, regulators and industry leaders.

Today, we’re busy planning for tomorrow. We look to the future to guide the way we innovate, helping us stay relevant and responsive in an unpredictable industry. We’ve always been pioneers, and we’re proud to see that spirit in our people. Our resilience has helped us through good and tough times, and it still drives us to keep pushing the challenging expectations today.

The Head of Group Human Performance provides strategic leadership across the Qantas Group of Airlines in aviation psychology, human factors and fatigue risk management. As the primary advisor to the Board, senior executives and Accountable Managers, this role shapes and drives strategies that reduce human risk through human-centred system and equipment design, strengthen organisational safety culture and enhance employees’ capability to perform at their best in complex operational environments.

A key focus of the role will be leading the implementation of a world-leading Fatigue Risk Management Program across all workgroups – including Flight Crew, Cabin Crew, and Engineering – supporting ultra-long-haul operations such as Project Sunrise. The Head of Group Human Performance also plays an influential part in shaping fatigue regulations through engagement with CASA and ensures the Qantas Group’s human performance, safety and fatigue policies remain aligned, compliant and industry-leading.

Leading a highly skilled team of aviation psychologists and human factors specialists, this role will work across Qantas Group airlines to embed best practice, influence beyond direct reporting lines and oversee embedded practitioners across the business. With credible expertise, strong leadership and deep external networks, this role represents the Group on industry matters, drives innovation in human performance and plays a critical role in strengthening resilience, safety, and the long-term sustainability of ultra-long-haul operations.

What you’ll bring to the role:

• 12+ years experience applying psychology, human factors and fatigue management principles to enhance operational safety and performance in complex organisations.
• Tertiary qualifications in Human Factors, Psychology or a related discipline, with postgraduate studies (Master’s or Doctorate) in Organisational Psychology or Human Factors highly regarded.
• Proven leadership capability with experience guiding specialist teams, delivering measurable results and mentoring across both direct and matrix structures.
• Strong track record leading strategic programs and complex cross-functional projects, influencing diverse stakeholders and senior executives.
• Deep knowledge of human factors regulations and safety management systems, with the ability to interpret and apply them effectively in practice.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the presence to engage, influence and build trusted relationships across all levels and with external partners.
• Highly organised, adaptable, and capable of delivering outcomes under pressure in challenging, time-critical environments.
• Eligibility for AHPRA membership, demonstrating professional standing and credibility desirable.

 

Why Qantas? 

You’ll join a team where creativity and passion are encouraged. Our people come together to allow us to dream big and deliver successfully. 

Qantas employees also get to enjoy an amazing benefits program including:

• Travel: Enjoy heavily discounted air travel within Australia and across the globe - both for you and your family and friends - as well as exclusive deals on accommodation and holidays.
• Flexible leave options: Make use of leave and flexible working opportunities including up to 18 weeks paid parental leave and additional purchased leave options for eligible employees.
• Access to thousands of rewards: Through our partnerships we can offer you discounts across shopping, food and wine, insurance, health and wellbeing, leisure and entertainment. You can also take advantage of our salary packaging program including motor vehicles, eligible portable electronic devices and professional memberships.
• We’ll also support your wellbeing: Whether it’s learning to better support your own and others’ mental health, our interactive wellbeing app or your very own tailored nutrition plan. 

Qantas is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application. Your personal information will be kept confidential in compliance with relevant privacy legislation.