Planning Manager
Application Deadline: 28 February 2026
Department: Engineering (CAMO)
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Brize Norton
Reporting To: Ian Thatcher
Description
We are looking for an experienced Planning Manager to lead our Aircraft Maintenance Planning function, supporting both the ATRS Fleet and third‑party maintenance activities within AirTanker facilities. This is a key leadership role, responsible for the development, oversight, and continuous optimisation of our heavy maintenance plan through to contract end.
Why AirTanker?
AirTanker is a vital part of the UK's defence capability, delivering air-to-air refuelling and air transport services to the RAF and MOD. We operate at the intersection of military precision and commercial innovation. As a Planning Manager, you'll play a critical role in ensuring our fleet remains safe, available, and fully mission‑ready. By developing, maintaining, and optimising the long‑term maintenance plan—and coordinating complex maintenance activity across multiple teams and providers—you'll help maximise aircraft availability and keep AirTanker operating at peak performance. Your leadership, strategic oversight, and commitment to continuous improvement will ensure we deliver reliable, compliant, and on‑time maintenance when it matters most.
What's in it for you?
* Operational Impact: Lead and optimise the fleet's maintenance planning strategy—directly influencing aircraft availability, maintenance efficiency, and the overall reliability of a mission‑critical operation
* Strategic Leadership: Shape long‑term maintenance planning, capacity management, and project delivery, guiding teams and stakeholders to achieve safe, compliant, and on‑time maintenance performance.
* Complex Delivery Environment: Manage multiple maintenance inputs—regulatory demands, operational pressures, heavy maintenance events—balancing priorities to ensure the fleet remains mission‑ready.
* Comprehensive Benefits: Including private medical insurance, bonus scheme, EV scheme, contributory pension, and more.
* Adventure & Belonging: Battlefield tours, adventure training, and family fun days.
What you'll be doing
* Develop, implement, and optimise the long‑term maintenance strategy for the ATRS Fleet.
* Lead and support both Short‑Term and Mid/Long‑Term Planning Teams.
* Ensure continuous regulatory compliance through robust oversight of the maintenance plan.
* Represent AirTanker in discussions with the National Aviation Authority (NAA) when required.
* Design and manage hangar capacity for all scheduled and third‑party maintenance.
* Support the development of the Approved Maintenance Programme (AMP).
* Oversee multiple maintenance projects and liaise with engineering, operations, and third‑party providers.
* Manage outsourced maintenance contracts and review related tenders.
* Implement Root Cause Analysis and corrective actions following audits.
* Provide effective communication across all areas of the business.
* Manage planning of Life Limited Parts (LLPs) as part of asset management.
* Conduct regular performance reviews and support talent development within the Planning Team.
* Act as Duty Engineering Manager and deputise for Engineering Manager as required.
What you'll bring
Essential:
* Minimum 5 years' experience as a Planning Engineer (ideally wide‑body aircraft).
* Demonstrable experience leading teams or managing people.
* Strong knowledge of project planning principles.
* Experience in CAMO or Part‑145 environments.
* Excellent communication and time‑management skills.
* Ability to work under pressure and respond effectively to operational changes.
* Proficiency with MRO IT systems (e.g., Envision, AMOS, Trax).
* Proficiency with MS Office tools.
* Experience working with internal and external MRO providers.
Desirable:
* University degree (or equivalent experience).
* Understanding of Airbus A330 MPD.