Operations Manager - Aircraft Maintenance

Draken offers exciting careers that matter.

We believe that mission success does not start with the mission itself. It begins with our people.

The Role

We are currently recruiting for an Operations Manager – Aircraft Maintenance. This role reports to 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).

Key Responsibilities

Experience / skills / qualifications

The OMAM will have knowledge and experience of the following documents and regulations:
Applicable Aviation Regulation Regulators, including but not limited to:
• UK CAA
• UK MAA
• EASA

Applicable International Standards, including but not limited to:
• ISO 9001 – Quality (Business) Management System
• ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System
• ISO 45001 – Occupational Health Management System
• ISO 27001 – Information Security Management System

Ensuring that all areas under the responsibility and ownership of the Company’s AMO always comply with all applicable Aviation Regulations and International Standards.

Ensuring that the Maintenance Organisation Expositions, including all relevant mandatory and/or supporting procedures and documentation, are maintained to reflect best industry practice and the maintenance activities being performed.

Ensuring that a robust First and Second Lines of Defence Compliance (Quality) monitoring system is always maintained across all areas of the AMO.

Ensuring effective, efficient, and proactive guidance and support to the AMM and Chief Engineers.
Ensuring all Chief Engineers are adequately equipped, trained, and competent with respect to their roles and responsibilities.
Across all areas under the responsibility and ownership of the AMO and POA:
• Driving, ensuring, and assuring an enhanced safety (Operational and SHE) and compliance culture.
• Driving a culture of excellence through active coaching, mentoring, motivating, and engagement to achieve individual and business objectives.
• Driving a culture of continuous improvement.
• Driving a culture of unquestionable, ethical, and professional behaviour.
• Identifying and developing personnel goals, nurturing, engaging, and developing talent.
• Supporting the AMM to manage succession planning, building resilience and depth across the AMO and POA.

• Operational performance – Driving and supporting the efficient, effective, and on‑time delivery of the maintenance programme.
• Financial performance – Driving and supporting the efficient, effective, and on‑budget delivery of aircraft maintenance programmes and contractual delivery KPIs.
• Supporting efficient and effective internal and external customer management and engagement.
• Change Management – Driving and supporting efficient, effective, ethical, and sustainable change management programmes.
• Contract & Commercial Bid Activity – Providing support and expertise during contract and commercial bid activity.
• Procurement & Supply Chain – Providing support and guidance to the Head of Procurement & Supply Chain, ensuring compliant aircraft parts procurement.

Providing a focal point for all Chief Engineers for advice, support, and guidance regarding aviation regulatory requirements, process development, and procedure development.

• Deputising 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 requested that fall within the scope and capability of the incumbent.

• Expert knowledge of Commercial Aircraft Management principles and practices – Required
• Extensive proven experience in a similar role – Required
• Expert theoretical and practical application-level 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
• Able to hold an SC‑Level security clearance – Required

• Excellent at nurturing, mentoring, guiding, and influencing personnel.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills at all levels and across all boundaries, internally and externally.
• 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 perspective and talent supports our values and drives our success, with a mix of voices generating better discussions, business decisions 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 met 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.