Operations Manager - Aircraft Maintenance

Draken International; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation services provider is seeking an Operations Manager – Aircraft Maintenance in Bournemouth, UK. The position involves coordinating maintenance operations, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, and driving performance across the team. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in aviation management principles and have strong communication skills. This role includes responsibilities for operational performance, customer engagement, and compliance monitoring. If you have a solid background in aircraft maintenance and managerial experience, we invite you to apply.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate Operations and customer demand for aircraft maintenance.
• Drive change and solve problems within the team.
• Ensure compliance with Aviation Regulations and standards.

Skills

Knowledge of aviation regulations

Operational performance management

Financial performance analysis

Safety and compliance culture

Excellent communication skills

Education

Tertiary-level Business and/or Management Qualification

Tools

MS Office

Job description

The Role

We are currently recruiting for an Operations Manager – Aircraft Maintenance. This role reports to the Aircraft Maintenance Manager and is responsible for the professional coordination of the Operations and variation to the Integrated Delivery Team plan and customer demand from the Integrated Delivery Team (IDT). All activities are delivered on behalf of the AMM in accordance with all applicable Aviation Regulations, International Standards and Maintenance Organisation Exposition (MOE).

The Operations Manager – Aircraft Maintenance (OM‑AM) ensures that each IDT has an appropriately Suitably Qualified and Experienced Person (SQEP) assigned to fulfil the Chief Engineer role within the IDT. The OM-AM works in support of the AMM to drive change, solve problems, mediate disputes, and deal with issues before they are brought to the AMM. The OM-AM will also deputise for the AMM during times of absence.

Key Responsibilities

• Knowledge and experience of the following documents and regulations: Applicable Aviation Regulation Regulators, including but not limited to UK CAA, UK MAA, EASA.
• Ensure all areas under the responsibility and ownership of the Company’s AMO comply with all applicable Aviation Regulations and International Standards.
• Ensure the Maintenance Organisation Expositions, including all relevant mandatory and/or supporting procedures and documentation, reflect best industry practice and maintenance activities performed.
• Maintain a robust First and Second Lines of Defence Compliance (Quality) monitoring system across all areas of the AMO.
• Provide effective, proactive guidance and support to the AMM and Chief Engineers; ensure Chief Engineers are equipped, trained, and competent for their roles and responsibilities.
• Across all areas under the AMO and POA responsibility: promote safety and compliance culture, coach and develop personnel, drive continuous improvement, uphold ethical and professional behaviour, identify and develop talent, and support succession planning.

Business Management

• Operational performance: drive and support on-time delivery of the maintenance programme.
• Financial performance: drive and support on-budget delivery of maintenance programmes and contractual KPIs.
• Customer management and engagement – internal and external.
• Change Management: drive ethical and sustainable change programmes.
• Contract & Commercial Bid Activity: provide support during contract and bid activity.
• Procurement & Supply Chain: support and guide procurement to ensure compliant aircraft parts.
• Provide a focal point for Chief Engineers for advice on aviation regulatory requirements, process and procedure development.

Special Conditions

• Deputise for the AMM during absence.
• Ad hoc / out-of-hours work during urgent or unforeseen business requirements.
• Domestic and international travel as required.
• Any other reasonable duties within the scope and capability of the role.

Experience & Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of Commercial Aircraft Management principles and practices — Required
• Extensive proven experience in a similar role — Required
• Expert knowledge of UK CAA, EASA, and MAA Regulations — Required
• UK CAA Part 66 B1 or B2 Licensed Aircraft Engineer — Advantageous
• Practical knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 14001 & ISO 27001 in an aviation environment — Required
• Practical knowledge of Safety Management System (SMS) principles and requirements in an aviation environment — Required
• Demonstrable experience in people and cultural change management — Required
• Tertiary-level Business and/or Management Qualification — Advantageous
• Ability to hold an SC‑Level security clearance — Required

Personal Skills & Attributes

• Excellent at nurturing, mentoring, guiding, and influencing personnel.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills at all levels and across boundaries.
• Strong business acumen.
• Highly self-motivated, assertive, and resilient with the ability to hold their own.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, able to meet tight deadlines in challenging environments.
• Excellent use of MS Office and other company software.
• Ability to maintain high levels of integrity, work ethic, confidentiality, and discretion.

Our employee values

Draken is committed to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination and we celebrate the differences that a diverse workforce brings. A range of perspectives and talent supports our values and drives our success, with a mix of voices generating better discussions and outcomes for all.

At all our sites internationally, every member of the Draken team is accountable to ensure that we are all treated fairly and with respect.

We are also an Armed Forces friendly organisation, and as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, welcome applications from veterans and services spouses and partners who meet the criteria in our job specifications.

In line with our Disability Confident Commitments, we provide reasonable adjustments to facilitate our interview process; please liaise with us if any reasonable adjustments are required.