Chief Operating Officer
Department: Operations
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Lee-on-the-Solent
Description
* Employment type: Permanent
* Employment basis: Full Time
* Salary: Competitive Salary and Excellent Benefits
* Standard Hours: Flexible start / 40 hours per week
* Location: Lee-on-the-Solent or Bembridge
Britten-Norman is the UK’s only sovereign commercial aircraft manufacturer. With a proud heritage of engineering innovation and operational reliability, Britten-Norman designs and manufactures aircraft that serve global markets across regional aviation, defence, and special missions.
As the company enters a period of industrial scaling and strategic growth, it is focused on increasing the production and delivery of new aircraft while sharpening its competitive edge against other global manufacturers. Britten-Norman is investing in operational transformation, improved delivery performance, and cost competitiveness, underpinned by robust compliance with UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations.
We are seeking a transformational Chief Operating Officer to lead these efforts across aircraft production, aircraft maintenance, programme execution, supply chain optimisation, scheduling, and customer delivery.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key executive leader responsible for all operational domains of Britten-Norman — including aircraft manufacturing, engineering support, supply chain, quality, programme delivery, and regulatory compliance.
The COO’s mandate includes scaling and optimising aircraft production, driving on-time and on-budget programme execution, ensuring seamless supply chain integration, and enabling Britten-Norman to compete globally on cost, quality, and delivery.
This role requires strategic leadership, cross-functional execution, and a deep understanding of aerospace supply chains, project governance, and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Aircraft Production & Delivery
* Oversee end-to-end aircraft manufacturing from component sourcing through to final assembly and customer handover.
* Ensure scaling of output in production and aircraft maintenance to meet strategic volume goals while upholding safety and quality standards.
* Improve build lead and turn-around times and establish reliable, repeatable production and delivery models.
* Continuously improve efficiency and aircraft delivery lead times.
Project & Programme Management
* Direct all project management functions related to aircraft build/re-build, customisation, upgrade, certification and delivery.
* Implement robust programme governance frameworks and integrated master schedules.
* Establish clear milestone-based delivery governance to meet customer and internal deadlines.
* Manage risks, milestones, and dependencies across engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing functions.
* Monitor critical path activities and proactively manage risks to avoid delays.
* Drive cross-functional alignment through project reviews, status reporting, and issue escalation protocols.
Supply Chain Strategy & Execution
* Own the global supply chain function, including sourcing strategy, supplier performance, and materials management.
* Develop resilient supplier networks and mitigate supply chain risks that impact delivery performance.
* Improve material availability and reduce inventory lead times through strategic planning and digital tools.
* Collaborate with procurement and engineering teams to support design-for-supply-chain initiatives.
Cost Competitiveness & Operational Efficiency
* Reduce aircraft unit cost via lean operations, value stream mapping, and supply chain optimisation.
* Benchmark performance against peer OEMs to ensure competitive advantage.
* Leverage supplier relationships to drive cost transparency, negotiation, and performance-based contracting.
Regulatory Compliance & Quality
* Ensure full compliance with UK CAA and EASA requirements, especially Part 21G and Part 145 certification and serve as Accountable Manager across all approvals.
* Oversee quality systems, audits, inspections, and non-conformance management.
* Embed a culture of quality and compliance from suppliers through to customer delivery.
* Drive a zero-defect, safety-first culture across the operational areas and ensure that a just culture is adopted throughout the business.
Customer-Centric Delivery & Support
* Align production and delivery planning with customer expectations and mission profiles.
* Drive predictable, transparent delivery and performance metrics.
* Manage customer configuration requirements and ensure customer satisfaction remains at the core of the delivery plan.
* Support aircraft entry into service with coordinated aftersales planning and technical support readiness.
Strategic Execution & Leadership
* Translate strategic business goals into tactical operational plans, KPIs, and measurable outcomes.
* Build and lead integrated teams across production, maintenance, supply chain, engineering support, and delivery.
* Drive accountability, agility, and continuous improvement at all levels.
* Ensure organisational readiness for future aircraft platforms, digital transformation, and sustainability goals.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
* Previous tenure as Accountable Manager or Form 4 holder in a UK CAA or EASA regulated business.
* Proven operations and supply chain leader within aerospace or similarly regulated, complex industries.
* Experience delivering complex hardware or aircraft systems with full project and supplier oversight.
* Familiarity with UK CAA or EASA regulations, especially Production Organisation Approvals (Part 21G).
* Strong commercial awareness and acumen.
* Effective communication and influencing skills.
* Delegation and team management at a senior level.
* Ability to achieve a UK security clearance.
* Full UK driving Licence
Benefits
* 36 annual leave days (inclusive of Bank and Public Holidays)
* Contributory pension scheme with a salary sacrifice option
* Private healthcare scheme
* Flu vaccination
* Dental and optical cover
* Employee Assistance Program
* Support with learning and professional development (courses and licenses)
* Health screening and therapies
* Digital GP
* Referral bonus
#J-18808-Ljbffr