Head of Maintenance, Repair & Operations and Site Lead (Wattisham and Odiham)
Company:
Boeing Defence United Kingdom Limited
Major UK programmes such as Apache, Chinook, C-17, P-8A and E7 Wedgetail are supported and delivered by Boeing Defence UK (BDUK) Ltd, a subsidiary of The Boeing Company. Employing more than 1,800 people, BDUK also provides engineering sustainment and support for aircraft in service with the UK armed forces, along with virtual and instructor-led training. Leveraging our established defence business in the UK, and blending our local expertise with our ‘One Boeing’ global approach. BDUK is well positioned to support the UK with its current and future defence and security challenges.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Maintenance Manager/Head of MRO/Senior Operations Manager to lead line, and base and back shop support maintenance operations for BDUK’s Vertical Lift business, based at Wattisham Airfield with every other week travel to Odiham (minimum)
As one of the nominated Maintenance Managers (MAA Form 4) under BDUK’s MAA Part 145 Maintenance Repair Organisation you will ensure safe, compliant, cost‑effective, and on‑time aircraft maintenance for the assigned UK maintenance teams. The role is operational and customer‑facing, requiring strong technical knowledge, proven leadership in regulated maintenance environments and the ability to operate within the UK Defence Air Environment.
Key responsibilities
1. Lead and manage Boeing maintenance teams and supervisors performing line and base maintenance under Boeing’s MAA Part 145 approval at Wattisham and during visits to Odiham
2. Act as the nominated MAA Form 4 Maintenance Manager for the assigned site(s), ensuring safe, compliant and timely maintenance delivery
3. Serve as MRO Site Lead for Wattisham, representing Boeing to station leadership, external stakeholders and customers during regular engagement with Odiham
4. Liaise with Military CAMO, Working in a matrix organisation partnering with Vertical Lift programme management teams, and DE&S to deliver the contracted statement of work
5. Ensure compliance with Boeing Defence UK Maintenance OrganisationExposition, Operations Manual, station requirements (fire safety, security training) and other regulatory obligations
6. Manage planning, production control/maintenance control and technical staff in a scheduled aerospace maintenance environment
7. Control budgetary elements, report on performance metrics and implement continuous improvement to meet on‑time and on‑budget targets
8. Support programme communications with customer stakeholders and interface with senior military and company officials
9. Operate effectively in a demanding, on‑call operational environment and lead capability growth and process change activities
10. Maintain familiarity with supply chain/systems and ensure required training, security and competency standards are met
Basic Qualifications (Required skills & Experience)
11. 3 Years or more experience in senior management within a highly regulated aircraft maintenance environment (military and/or commercial)
12. Ability to obtain UK Security Clearance requiring 5 years continuous UK residency
Preferred Qualifications & experience
13. Demonstrable knowledge of military/commercial airworthiness, regulatory systems and CAMO interaction
14. Desirable to have held Form 4 previously in Commercial or Defence regulatory framework
15. Experience leading planning teams, production/maintenance control and multi‑site operations
16. Strong project management skills and ability to deliver against tight deadlines
17. Proven track record of stakeholder engagement with senior military and commercial officials
18. Experience implementing process improvements and growing maintenance capability
Skills & behaviours
19. Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills
20. Strong decision‑making under pressure and ability to work independently
21. Commercial awareness and budget control experience
22. Familiarity with supply systems and logistics supporting aircraft maintenance
23. Collaborative, customer‑focused approach and ability to represent Boeing at senior levels
Working environment & other information
24. Based at Wattisham Airfield with regular travel to RAF Odiham as required. (twice monthly)
25. Not classified as shift worker; operational on‑call requirements expected
26. No visa sponsorship available
27. No relocation support offered; candidates should live locally or relocate at their own expense
Becoming a Boeing Employee
28. Competitive salary and annual incentive plans
29. Continuous learning - you’ll develop the approach and skills to navigate whatever comes next
30. Success as defined by you - we’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way
31. An inclusive culture - you’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs
32. Excellent Adoption and Parental leave options
33. 23 days plus UK public holidays and a Winter Break between Christmas and New Year
34. Pension Plan with up to 10% employer contribution
35. Company paid BUPA Medical Plan
36. Short Term Sickness: 100% pay for the first 26 weeks
37. Long Term Sickness: 66.67% of annual salary from 27th week
38. 6x annual salary life insurance
39. Learning Together Programme to support your on-going personal and career development
40. Access to Boeing’s Well Being Programs, tool and incentives
If you have a strong background in aircraft maintenance management, planning and maintenance support at scale, and are ready to lead multi‑site Vertical Lift maintenance operations based at Wattisham with regular visits to Odiham, we encourage you to apply.
Language Requirements:
Not Applicable
Education:
Not Applicable
Relocation:
Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.
Security Clearance:
This position requires the ability to obtain a security clearance post-start. See job description for details.
Visa Sponsorship:
Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
Contingent Upon Award Program
This position is not contingent upon program award
Shift:
Not a Shift Worker (United Kingdom)