POSITION OVERVIEW:

The company is expanding operations to Australia and requires an experienced leader in the position of VP of Operations (Melbourne), who will assume responsibility for the day-to-day management of all activities to achieve Company goals for financial performance, contractual compliance, and client satisfaction. This includes setting strategic objectives and overseeing the development and implementation of policies and procedures. The role also includes the development and execution of budgets and allocation of funding to support key operational and commercial programs, enabling the commercial business line to attain its long- and short-term business goals. The Vice President of Operations plays a critical role in ensuring operational efficiency and alignment with global corporate goals. The position is based in Australia with travel as required to support company or customer needs. This position reports directly to the CEO of ArgenTech, Inc., USA (AgTS USA).

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an internationally accredited university (mandatory).
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in the UAV (Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle) industry, with demonstrated leadership across commercial, operational, and regulatory functions.
• Current CASA Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) with in-depth knowledge of Australian UAV regulatory frameworks.
• Experience preparing and supporting BVLOS approvals, including operational and safety documentation development.
• Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary teams, including engineering, operations, stakeholder engagement, and finance.
• Strong background in strategic planning and the development of UAV-related tenders, proposals, or business cases.
• International UAV operations experience, with roles held in both European and Australian-based organisations.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing budgets, including allocation of funding for operational and commercial programs.
• Experience in the development and implementation of organisational policies, operational procedures, and risk management strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects with minimal oversight.
• Excellent communication, client engagement, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-performance team environment.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• CASA Instrument Rating, Commercial Rating and/or military flight experience.
• Previous experience operating and maintaining small to medium UAS in the
• Australian National Airspace System (ANAS) or internationally.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.
• Undergraduate degree with project management and business experience related to aviation systems.
• Experience managing cross-functional business units, including HR, finance, marketing, and operations.
  Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
  Job Type: Full-time
  Pay: $160,000.00 – $181,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Work from home

Work Location: In perso

• Oversee and enable day-to-day operations, ensuring safe and compliant flight operations.
• Implement and manage systems, policies, and procedures, driving continuous improvement.
• Lead and mentor teams, building a high-performing culture of learning, accountability, and innovation.
• Responsible for identifying, training, and maintaining ArgenTech Australia (AgTS AUS) personnel and resources suitable for conducting commercial work.
• Responsible for developing, managing, and executing the AgTS AUS budget, including program funding allocation and resource planning.
• Develop, manage and expand relationships with strategic partners, clients, regulators, suppliers, and AgTS USA. Includes business development, high-level commercial negotiations, developing work proposals, and managing resources.
• Work to deliver products and services in line with customer, partner, and OEM requirements and delivery schedules.
• Achieve and maintain regulatory compliance with the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations.
• Maintain a working knowledge of CASA regulations pertaining to UAS operations, standards for aviation maintenance, ASTM for Unmanned Systems and AS-9100 for Aviation Quality Management.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of uncrewed COA and waiver requests for AgTS AUS and its customers.
• Assist in the development of marketing and business development materials (e.g., brochures, website, presentations).
• Work closely with AgTS USA leadership and AgTS AUS staff to develop and implement process improvement programs and corporate policies that optimise safety, operational efficiency, and commercial outcomes. Consult regularly with department leads across operations, finance, HR, and marketing to ensure strategic and operational alignment.
• Assess changing operational or regulatory conditions and issue executive directives as required to ensure continuity, compliance, and performance.