Job Description : About our team.
Airbus Helicopters is the worlds largest helicopter manufacturer and the company’s site at Oxford Airport is Britain's civil helicopter hub.
AHUK offers considerable experience in helicopter sales, bespoke completions, maintenance, CAMO and spares support. Its in‑house engineering capabilities include design, customisation, installation, flight‑testing, and certification as well as technical support, maintenance, training and the supply of spares for civil and military applications.
AHUK is also the MoD’s chosen provider of helicopters and maintenance for its Defence Helicopter Flying School (referred to as MFTS) located in RAF Shawbury (Shropshire) and RAF Valley (Anglesey).
Description / Overall purpose of the Job
Reporting to
Head of Operations
We're looking for a highly experienced and dynamic operations leader to provide overarching leadership and strategic direction to multiple operational delivery teams across AHUK covering a range of complex and high profile helicopter MRO and related support services to UK MOD, the National Police Air Service, HEMS and private civil operators.
This critical position also comes with responsibilities on the Airbus Helicopters UK Management Team.
The Head of Services Delivery is instrumental in ensuring the on‑time, on‑cost, and on‑quality delivery of our commitments to internal and external customers as well as upholding the highest standards of quality, safety and operational excellence. You'll be a key leader in driving customer satisfaction, operational and financial performance as well as fostering a culture of high performance among the teams under your responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership : Provide inspirational leadership and strategic oversight to several operational Delivery Teams across AHUK.
Deputise as necessary for the Head of Operations whereby you will represent the Operations Department in front of internal corporate group stakeholders, local UK leadership team, Operations Department managers and external customers.
Operational Performance : Accountable for the end‑to‑end delivery performance (cost and schedule) of all Civil and Defence support contracts and delivery projects, meeting agreed KPIs, SLAs and contractual obligations.
Cross‑Functional Integration & Synchronisation : Ensure seamless cross‑functional integration and synchronisation within each delivery team. You'll foster effective collaboration between various internal disciplines (e.g. engineering, supply chain, quality, project management) to streamline workflows, resolve interdependencies and optimise overall team performance.
Data‑Driven Visual Management & Governance : Create and drive data‑driven visual management and team governance dynamics at both the individual delivery team level and across the entire Operations Department. You'll implement robust systems and dashboards to provide clear visibility of performance progress and key metrics, empowering teams and the department to make informed decisions and achieve operational excellence.
Team Leader Support & Enablement : Provide direct and proactive enablement and prioritisation to each Delivery Team Leader ensuring the swift removal of operational blockers, facilitating higher‑level problem‑solving and stepping in as a senior interface when needed. Your role will be to empower and enable your team leaders to excel in their daily responsibilities.
Team Management & Development : Lead, mentor and develop a diverse team of operational Team Leaders and their teams, fostering a collaborative, high‑performing and results‑oriented environment. Identify training needs and promote professional growth.
Process Optimisation & Efficiency : Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all operational processes, identifying opportunities for greater efficiency, cost reduction and enhanced service delivery. Implement best practices and lean methodologies where appropriate.
Stakeholder Management : Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders including customers, suppliers, program managers, engineering and quality teams, ensuring seamless communication and effective problem resolution.
Resource Management : Optimize the allocation and utilisation of resources (people, equipment, facilities) to meet operational demands effectively and efficiently.
Risk Management : Identify and mitigate operational risks, developing robust contingency plans to ensure business continuity and minimise disruptions.
Budget Management : Manage operational budgets, ensuring cost‑effective delivery while maintaining high standards.
Compliance & Safety : Ensure all operational activities adhere to relevant industry regulations, safety standards and company policies. Promote a proactive safety culture across all teams.
Reporting & Analysis : Provide regular, insightful reports on operational performance, identifying trends, challenges and opportunities for improvement to the Head of Operations and senior leadership.
Knowledge and Skills
Demonstrable track record of successful programme management and delivery (typically 8 years) in a senior operations leadership role, ideally within the aerospace, defence or a highly regulated heavy engineering industry.
Demonstrable experience managing diverse operational teams across multiple contracts or programmes.
Strong understanding of support contracts, MRO (Maintenance Repair and Overhaul) operations and/or complex project delivery.
Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and motivate at all levels.
Demonstrable ability to manage complex projects and multiple priorities simultaneously.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a data‑driven approach to decision‑making.
Proficiency in operational excellence methodologies (e.g. Lean Six Sigma) is highly desirable.
Sound commercial acumen and experience with budget management.
Knowledge of aviation regulations and safety standards is highly advantageous.
Essential
Extensive / proven technical and/or commercial experience within the aerospace industry.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration or a related field; a Master's degree is desirable.
Desirable
Specific experience relating to the management of Airbus helicopter customers and/or support & services.
Direct experience of military programmes delivery either in the capacity as a senior officer or through commercial collaboration at the same level.
About you
Strategic thinker with a hands‑on approach.
Results‑oriented and committed to continuous improvement.
Highly‑organised and meticulous with attention to detail.
Resilient and adaptable in a fast‑paced and demanding environment.
Collaborative team player with strong relationship‑building skills and able to work in an international environment.
Addition Informal requirements
Position based at Oxford Airport, UK.
Travel within the UK or abroad to support related business requirements (not extensive).
Due to the nature of this position you will require DBS and be eligible for SC clearance.
Applicants must meet any/all requirements of Export Compliance Regulations.
This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity as the foundation for the company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.
Company
Airbus Helicopters UK Ltd
Employment Type
Permanent
Experience Level
Professional
Job Family
Leadership
Equal Opportunity Statement
Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.
Airbus is and always has been committed to equal opportunities for all. As such we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to the appropriate authorities.
At Airbus we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.
Consenting to data usage
By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus.
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