Job Description:
Your Impact
We have an exciting opportunity for a Merlin Depth Facility Support Services Operations Manager (MDFSSOM), working for Leonardo Helicopters – based at the Culdrose facility.
In this role, you will be directly accountable for developing, delivering and monitoring the production schedule for all off-aircraft component overhaul, managing a team of up to 50 sub-contractor & MOD General Funded Personnel (GFP).
You will have full oversight of the W8 Composite Repair Facility (CRF) - coordinating and supervising all activity to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations.
You will be employed within an Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) responsible for the full oversight of the CRF to include, but not be limited to, the co-ordination, supervision and assurance of all activities.
Drawing upon technical experience in aircraft maintenance, operations and logistics support, this role is to ensure that the most efficient and effective service achievable within MDF and that the safety requirements of the CRF Management Plan are met.
A key focus is to drive continuous improvement, maintaining airworthiness assurance, and maximising operational performance to meet customer and business expectations.
For the awareness of internal applicants: this position is a JFF level 6.
What you will do as the MDF Support Services Operations Manager:
1. Act as the primary Leonardo Helicopters (LH) customer interface for CRF matters at RNAS Culdrose.
2. Oversee & coordinate the production & output the MDMF Off-Aircraft component maintenance.
3. Manage MDF Production Support Teams to meet the aircraft production and workshop output plans
4. Attend the termly CRF Safety Working Group (SWG) & represent Leonardo at the CRF Safety Steering Board (SSB) and ensure the CRF Management Plan is kept up to date and reviewed annually.
5. Develop, update and deliver safe and efficient systems of work and process, updating and generating local instructions and policy as required, for all elements of work within the roles defined areas of responsibility
6. Directly support the execution of general service delivery, workforce control and reporting tasks.
7. Ensure adherence to all applicable Quality Assurance requirements (Part 145 & ISO 9001), Safety standards and procedures.
8. Contribute to the production of occurrence reporting and technical feedback to inform continuous improvement in the wider IMOS Community.
9. Monitor and coordinate, in conjunction with the Company and sub-contractor management, training requirements for staff involved in MDF tasking.
10. Ensure engineering quality standards, health, safety, and environmental standards are maintained iaw Military Regulations, Depth Operating Procedures, LHUK SHEF Policy and HSE legislation.
11. Responsible for processing MOD Form 760 and MOD Form 765 iaw MAM-P and Depth Operating Procedures (DOPS).
12. Represent the MDMF Output Manager, and his management team, as/when required taking up alternate tasking as directed to ensure Leonardo Service is delivered effectively.
What you’ll bring:
13. Educated to a minimum of HNC level in a relevant aviation related subject or have completed a recognised aircraft engineering apprenticeship followed by significant relevant experience.
14. Comprehensive and detailed knowledge and experience of military helicopter maintenance operations, supply chain and technical support processes, including practical experience of Line and Base maintenance operational support.
15. Experience of managing Line and Base maintenance.
16. Have the relevant management skills and operational experience to manage an independent aircraft maintenance team of up to 60 personnel operating in a military environment.
17. Understanding the principles and processes of fleet management.
18. Understanding the engineering criteria and processes underpinning helicopter airworthiness and safe operation.
19. Have the ability to liaise with the FLC’s and Industry Senior manager’s equivalent to SO1 level (rank of Cdr/Wg Cdr/Lt Col) on a routine basis and make decisions and recommendations on behalf of Leonardo with significant financial and operational implications.
20. Be Suitably Qualified and Experienced (SQEP) to hold technical authorisations up to and including MAM-P Level G as delegated, if required, by the Main Base Support Manager.
21. A minimum of 10 years of relevant aviation experience, of which at least 5 years in a relevant management position.
This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit:
Why join us
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
22. Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
23. Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
24. Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
25. Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
26. Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
27. Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
28. Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
29. Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.
Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.
At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
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