Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Timeline
References
Generic

Mario Nicolosi

Oaklands Junction,VIC

Summary

Experienced and results-driven manager with over 20 years in the aviation and oil & gas industries, specializing in people leadership, safety, and customer service. Proven track record in managing complex terminal and airport operations, including HSSE, commercial negotiations, industrial relations, ground handling, SMS, and fuel supply. Adept at leading teams in dynamic, high-pressure environments, driving strategic initiatives, and fostering accountability across stakeholders. Recognized for strong decision-making, operational excellence, and a diplomatic leadership style that delivers measurable outcomes.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Operations Manager - Newport Terminal (MHF)

Viva Energy Australia
12.2023 - Current
  • Analyse and support exceptional operational performance through optimal utilisation of assets, equipment and resources
  • Emergency response manager
  • Supporting a team of highly skilled professionals in an operational environment responsible for 24/7 operations of major hazard facility management.
  • Fuel gantry operations supporting over 200 vehicle movements each day.
  • Stakeholder engagement and accountability of Service Level Agreements with transport companies.
  • Supporting logistics and supply operations teams.
  • Project management and delivery.
  • Working closely with regulators including WorkSafe, EPA, FRV, local government, NHVR, OPCO’s, JUHI's and local residents.

Airport Manager

Viva Energy Australia
05.2016 - 12.2023

Professional Experience (Operational Leadership & Safety Focus)

  • Delivered exceptional operational performance by optimizing the deployment of personnel and equipment, resulting in increased efficiency and service reliability.
  • Oversaw safe and compliant Into-Plane refueling operations for over 150 domestic and international flights daily, ensuring adherence to strict aviation safety standards.
  • Built and maintained strong relationships with key stakeholders, including airline customers, airport authorities, JUHIs, and regulatory bodies, fostering collaboration and operational alignment.
  • Designed and implemented targeted training programs to enhance staff capabilities, improve safety awareness, and boost overall productivity.
  • Incident investigations ensuring timely reporting and corrective actions in line with regulatory and internal standards.
  • Emergency response management
  • Mentored and developed new team members, instilling a culture of safety, efficiency, and continuous learning from day one.
  • Maintained open and consistent communication with frontline personnel and external stakeholders to ensure transparency and operational cohesion.
  • Experienced in Industrial Relations and interpretation of Enterprise Bargaining Agreements, supporting fair and compliant workforce management.
  • Cultivated strategic partnerships with industry leaders, enhancing organizational reputation and unlocking new business opportunities.
  • Championed continuous improvement initiatives, driving innovation and operational excellence across all facets of the business.

Terminal Manager Lara LPG Plant

Viva Energy Australia
05.2021 - 10.2021
  • Secondment position (Long service leave cover) at Major Hazard Facility.
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement within the team, leading to enhanced performance levels across various functions.
  • Developed strong relationships with refinery, carriers and other stakeholders for improved communication and collaboration.

Ground Services Operational Team Manager

QANTAS Airways
01.2008 - 01.2016
  • Managed operational teams to ensure safe and efficient ground services for both domestic and international airlines. Including Ramp, Baggage and Fleet Presentation.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional departments to drive cohesive efforts towards common goals and objectives.
  • Led employee relations through effective communication, coaching, training, and development.
  • Boosted employee satisfaction through regular performance reviews, constructive feedback, and personal development plans.
  • Ensured compliance with company policies as well as industry regulations through diligent oversight of daily operations and staff adherence to guidelines.

Duty Airport Manager

QANTAS Airways
07.2012 - 06.2013
  • Managed airport operations.
  • Strengthened relationships with key stakeholders such as airlines, government agencies, and service providers.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction through timely resolution of complaints and concerns.
  • Managed daily airport activities, ensuring smooth operations and maximum efficiency.
  • Monitored regulatory compliance, avoiding fines or penalties related to aviation laws and regulations.

Ramp Services

QANTAS Airways
05.2002 - 01.2008

Multiple positions including:


  • Aircraft loading supervisor
  • Resource allocator
  • Pushback and Tow driver
  • Baggage room operations

Education

Diploma in Human Resources Management -

NMIT

Diploma Business Management -

Melbourne Polytechnic

Viva Energy -

Viva Aviation Competency System
08-2019

Leadership Essentials Program -

Melbourne Business School
01.2019

Shell Aviation -

Aviation Competence And Education
08-2016

Just Culture - Training For Qantas Group Managers

Qantas Group
01-2010

Level 2 Occurrence Investigation - Training For Qantas Group Managers

Qantas Group
06-2008

Skills

    Key Competencies

  • In-depth understanding of airline ground operations, including ramp procedures and refueling, with strict adherence to company policies, regulatory standards, and OH&S requirements
  • Strong working knowledge of JIG, IATA, and CASA regulations, ensuring full compliance in all operational activities
  • Proven ability to quickly acquire and apply new skills in a structured and methodical manner
  • Experienced in negotiating contracts, service level agreements, and supply arrangements to support operational and commercial objectives
  • Effective team leader with a demonstrated ability to make sound decisions under pressure in dynamic environments
  • Highly organized with excellent time management skills, consistently delivering high-quality outcomes within tight deadlines
  • Collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively in multi-skilled, cross-functional teams
  • Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, fostering clear and professional engagement with stakeholders
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel, for reporting, analysis, and documentation
  • Results-driven with a clear understanding of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and a commitment to achieving operational targets
  • Comprehensive knowledge of Dangerous Goods regulations for air transport, ensuring safe handling and compliance
  • Skilled in team development, mentoring, and coaching to build capability and drive performance
  • Committed to maintaining a safe work environment through proactive site safety leadership and compliance

Accomplishments


  • Positive Culture change: Achieved 4 consecutive years of increased engagement scores in the Aviation business through ongoing culture improvement initiatives.
  • Awarded Viva Energy CEO - High achiever award 2023.
  • Business transformation – Resourcing restructure and optimal mix change as a result of Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Driving diversity: Successful onboarding of female refuellers at Melbourne and Adelaide Airports adding diversity to a traditionally male dominated industry.
  • Developed the Viva Energy Aviation Trainee Program.
  • Implemented Early Intervention Program and pilot site for Move 4 Life program rolled out to the greater Viva Energy business.
  • National Trainer for Accelerated Business Sustainability Program at Qantas.

Affiliations

  • Fuel Tanker Safe Load Program (SLP) - Viva JV Representative

Timeline

Operations Manager - Newport Terminal (MHF)

Viva Energy Australia
12.2023 - Current

Terminal Manager Lara LPG Plant

Viva Energy Australia
05.2021 - 10.2021

Airport Manager

Viva Energy Australia
05.2016 - 12.2023

Duty Airport Manager

QANTAS Airways
07.2012 - 06.2013

Ground Services Operational Team Manager

QANTAS Airways
01.2008 - 01.2016

Ramp Services

QANTAS Airways
05.2002 - 01.2008

Diploma in Human Resources Management -

NMIT

Diploma Business Management -

Melbourne Polytechnic

Viva Energy -

Viva Aviation Competency System

Leadership Essentials Program -

Melbourne Business School

Shell Aviation -

Aviation Competence And Education

Just Culture - Training For Qantas Group Managers

Qantas Group

Level 2 Occurrence Investigation - Training For Qantas Group Managers

Qantas Group

References

Available upon Request
Mario Nicolosi