Overview
We are seeking an experienced leader to provide overarching leadership and strategic direction to a flagship helicopter service delivery contract. The MFTS Rotary Wing contract is a long-term agreement under which the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) outsources its helicopter pilot training to Ascent Flight Training (a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Babcock). Airbus, as a prime contractor to Ascent, provides helicopter availability, support and services in line with the flight training schedule. The Service Delivery Manager MFTS has overall responsibility on behalf of the Head of Operations to lead the Airbus Helicopters component of MFTS, ensuring contract execution in line with targets. The role requires synchronising an operational team based in RAF Shawbury, RAF Valley, AHUK HQ Oxford and Airbus Helicopters central teams Europe to achieve aircraft availability in line with the flight plan and contractual requirements and KPIs.
Responsibilities
* Provide inspirational leadership and operational coordination to on-site teams (Line and Base maintenance engineers, refuellers, aircraft handlers, Airworthiness, Quality, Commercial, Finance and supporting functions).
* Represent Airbus at RAF Shawbury in front of key stakeholders from Ascent and the MoD.
* Accountable for end-to-end contract delivery performance (aircraft availability, cost, schedule adherence, revenue, cost and margin) while achieving a ramp-up of flight hours and operational output.
* Foster cross-functional integration and synchronisation between engineering, supply chain, quality, project management and other internal disciplines to streamline workflows and optimise team performance.
* Manage a complex stakeholder network to ensure MoD and Ascent stakeholders, as well as internal Airbus colleagues in the UK, France and Germany, are informed and engaged.
* Implement data-driven visual management and governance dynamics with dashboards to provide visibility of performance, progress and key metrics.
* Lead, mentor and develop a diverse team of operational Team Leaders and their teams; identify training needs and promote professional growth.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives across operational processes to increase efficiency, reduce costs and enhance service delivery; apply best practices and lean methodologies where appropriate.
* Optimise allocation and utilisation of resources (people, equipment, facilities) to meet operational demands.
* Identify and mitigate operational risks, developing contingency plans to ensure business continuity.
* Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety standards and company policies; promote a proactive safety culture.
* Provide regular reports on operational performance with insights for Head of Operations and senior leadership, including trends, challenges and opportunities.
* Position based at RAF Shawbury with routine travel to RAF Valley, Oxford, Donauworth and Marignane.
* DBS clearance is required and you must be eligible for SC clearance.
* Applicants must meet all Export Compliance Regulations.
Qualifications & Experience
* Demonstrable track record of leading military aircraft availability contracts of a scale similar to MFTS Rotary Wing; typically 10+ years in senior operations and/or contracts leadership.
* Deep understanding of the armed forces environment, including network and ways of working, with direct military service or equivalent civilian stakeholder experience.
* Experience managing diverse operational teams across multiple contracts or programs.
* Knowledge of aviation regulations (Part 145, Part CAMO) and airworthiness regulators (CAA, MAA) and related regulatory concepts.
* Strong understanding of aircraft or engine support contracts, MRO operations and/or complex project delivery.
* Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and motivate at all levels.
* Strong personal accountability, problem solving and innovation capabilities.
* Analytical and data-driven decision-making skills; proficiency in operational excellence methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma) is highly desirable.
* Commercial acumen and experience with budget management.
* Ability to analyse, critically evaluate and make decisive decisions; extensive aerospace industry experience in technical or commercial roles.
* Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field; a Master’s degree is desirable.
* Desirable: experience managing Airbus helicopter customers and/or support services; direct experience of military programs delivery at senior level.
* Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach; results-oriented with a commitment to continuous improvement.
* Highly organised, meticulous with attention to detail; resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
* Collaborative team player with strong relationship-building skills in an international environment.
* Current, legal right to work in the United Kingdom; Airbus will not sponsor employment visas.
About Airbus and Diversity
Airbus Helicopters is the world’s largest helicopter manufacturer. The site at Oxford Airport is a civil helicopter hub. Airbus is committed to workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications irrespective of background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. We support flexible working arrangements where possible.
Benefits
* Private Medical Insurance (Bupa) – employee cover
* Auto-enrolled pension with company contributions
* Share Incentive Plan and ESOP
* Bonus schemes and other lifestyle benefits (e.g., Bikes to Work, technology and car purchase schemes, health and travel benefits)
* Financial/Legal advice and personal protection benefits
Airbus is committed to equal opportunities for all and will never request monetary exchange during recruitment. Any impersonation should be reported to emsom@airbus.com.
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