Job Description
Aircraft Modifications Manager
Aviation | Aircraft Upgrades | Mission & Systems Integration
UK South based | Hybrid working considered
Remuneration Package Details Available on Request
Lead complex aircraft modification programmes with real operational impact
A leading aviation organisation operating in a highly regulated, mission-critical environment is seeking an experienced Aircraft Modifications Manager to take ownership of a growing portfolio of aircraft upgrade and modification programmes.
This is a senior delivery role for someone who understands the realities of aircraft modification — balancing engineering complexity, certification, safety, schedule, and stakeholder expectations — and who can lead teams through change from concept to operational service.
The role
As Aircraft Modifications Manager, you will be accountable for the end-to-end delivery of aircraft modification and upgrade programmes, covering:
* Aircraft structural, avionics, and mission system modifications
* Integration of new technologies and capability upgrades
* Transition from development and embodiment into live operations
* Multiple concurrent work packages across aircraft and system
You will lead a small team of Project Managers and technical contributors, providing clear direction, governance, and pace, while acting as the senior focal point for modification delivery across the business.
Key responsibilities
* Own and deliver a portfolio of aircraft modification programmes against agreed time, cost, quality, and safety objectives
* Lead and develop a team responsible for modification planning, execution, and reporting
* Establish robust governance, metrics, and performance visibility across all modification activity
* Manage technical, schedule, and commercial risk associated with aircraft upgrades
* Coordinate cross-functional input from engineering, operations, supply chain, and external partners
* Act as a senior interface with internal sponsors, customers, regulators, and suppliers
* Lead the organisation through change as modified aircraft transition into service
* Ensure modification activity aligns with longer-term capability and technology roadmaps
* Provide clear, structured reporting to senior technical leadership
* Drive continuous improvement in modification delivery, processes, and ways of working
What success looks like
* Aircraft modifications delivered safely, compliantly, and to plan
* Clear understanding of modification risks, dependencies, and mitigations
* Strong engagement across engineering, operational, and leadership teams
* A high-performing delivery team with clear accountability and ownership
* Improved predictability, maturity, and confidence in modification delivery
About you
Essential experience
* Significant experience delivering aircraft modification or upgrade programmes within aviation or aerospace
* Strong background in regulated, safety-critical environments
* Proven leadership of multi-disciplinary teams delivering complex technical change
* Deep understanding of delivery governance, risk management, and cost control
Skills & attributes
* Credible, confident communicator with the ability to influence at all levels
* Highly organised, delivery-focused, and comfortable managing ambiguity
* Strong working knowledge of project and programme management tools and methods
* Advanced user of Microsoft 365 for planning, reporting, and stakeholder engagement
* High levels of integrity, accountability, and professional judgement
Security & eligibility
* Must be eligible to obtain UK Ministry of Defence security clearance
Why this role?
* Lead meaningful aircraft modification programmes with operational relevance
* Work at the intersection of engineering, technology, and aviation operations
* Influence how advanced aviation capability is delivered and brought into service
* Join a technically ambitious organisation where delivery quality truly matters