Maintenance Operations Manager (Aviation)
Confidential Opportunity | Defence & Commercial Aviation Environment
Up to 95k Plus Package
North East
The Opportunity
An established aviation organisation operating in a complex, regulated environment is seeking a Maintenance Operations Manager to oversee the effective delivery of aircraft maintenance programmes across multiple integrated delivery teams.
Reporting into the senior maintenance leadership function, this role provides operational leadership, regulatory oversight, and people management across the Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO).
The postholder will act as a senior escalation point, enabling delivery teams to operate effectively while ensuring compliance with all applicable aviation regulations, international standards, and internal governance frameworks.
This position also provides deputy cover for senior maintenance leadership during periods of absence and plays a key role in driving operational excellence, safety culture, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Maintenance Operations & Compliance
Provide day-to-day operational oversight of aircraft maintenance activity, ensuring alignment with agreed delivery plans and customer demand.
Ensure all maintenance activity is conducted in full compliance with applicable aviation regulatory frameworks and international standards.
Maintain oversight of Maintenance Organisation Exposition (MOE) documentation, ensuring procedures reflect current operations and industry best practice.
Ensure robust first- and second-line compliance monitoring arrangements are in place across the AMO.
Engineering Leadership & Workforce Coordination
Ensure each delivery team is supported by suitably qualified and experienced engineering leadership.
Act as a senior advisor and support function to Chief Engineers and maintenance leaders across the organisation.
Resolve operational issues, manage escalations, and address risks proactively before senior leadership intervention is required.
Foster a strong safety, compliance, and ethical culture across all maintenance activities.
People, Culture & Capability
Coach, mentor, and develop engineering leaders and maintenance personnel.
Support capability development, succession planning, and workforce resilience.
Promote a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Lead and influence cultural and behavioural change initiatives within the maintenance function.
Business & Commercial Support
Support on-time and on-budget delivery of maintenance programmes and contractual KPIs.
Contribute operational expertise to bid, contract, and commercial activity as required.
Work closely with procurement and supply chain functions to ensure compliant and effective sourcing of aircraft parts and services.
Support internal and external stakeholder engagement across operational and customer interfaces.
Technical Advisory
Act as a focal point for regulatory interpretation, engineering governance, and procedural development.
Provide expert guidance on aviation regulations, maintenance processes, and operational best practice.
Experience & Qualifications
Essential
Significant senior-level experience in aircraft maintenance operations or engineering management.
Expert working knowledge of UK and European aviation regulatory frameworks (civil and military).
Strong understanding of ISO-based management systems within an aviation environment.
Demonstrable experience of leading people, managing change, and influencing organisational culture.
Practical knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS).
Eligibility to obtain and maintain UK security clearance at SC level.
Desirable
Licensed Aircraft Engineer qualification (Part 66 B1 or B2).
Formal business or management qualification.
Experience supporting commercial, bid, or contract activity in an aviation environment.
Personal Attributes
Credible, calm, and confident leader able to influence at all levels.
Strong communicator with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Highly organised, resilient, and comfortable operating in fast-paced, regulated environments.
Strong ethical standards, discretion, and professional integrity.
Commercially aware with a balanced operational mindset.