Chief Engineer

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the assigned Maintenance function in accordance with UK CAA, UK MAA, EASA and company regulatory requirements.
• Ensure all maintenance activities are performed safely, compliantly and within the scope of organisational approvals.
• Provide professional leadership and management to Engineering Delivery Managers, Crew Chiefs and Team Leaders.
• Drive a strong safety, quality and compliance culture throughout the engineering organisation.
• Ensure sufficient manpower, tooling, equipment and facilities are available to support maintenance operations.
• Oversee maintenance planning activities to ensure safe, effective and timely delivery of aircraft maintenance programmes.
• Ensure accurate recording and certification of maintenance activities and Certificates of Release to Service.
• Support technical investigations, occurrence reporting and root cause analysis activities.
• Lead the closure of audit findings, safety investigations and regulatory actions.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 27001 management systems.
• Develop and mentor engineering personnel to build capability, resilience and succession within the team.
• Drive performance, accountability and continuous improvement initiatives across the maintenance function.
• Manage customer and stakeholder relationships while balancing operational, regulatory and commercial requirements.
• Support both UK and overseas operations, including occasional travel and deployment requirements.
• Deliver maintenance programmes safely, efficiently and within agreed budgets.

Essential

• Extensive experience in aircraft maintenance management within a highly regulated aviation environment.
• UK unrestricted CAA Part 66 B1 or B2 Licensed Aircraft Engineer qualification, or equivalent military aircraft engineering experience.
• Strong working knowledge of UK CAA, UK MAA and EASA regulatory requirements.
• Experience managing maintenance operations within an Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO).
• Practical knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS) and aviation compliance frameworks.
• Understanding of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 27001 standards.
• Proven experience leading and developing engineering teams.
• Demonstrable experience driving cultural change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Excellent leadership, coaching and mentoring skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to deliver under pressure.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related business systems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain SC Security Clearance.
• Medically fit to undertake engineering duties and operational travel requirements.

Desirable

• Previous experience within military aviation or defence aviation environments.
• Experience supporting multiple aircraft fleets and maintenance programmes.
• Experience leading regulatory audits and managing corrective action programmes.
• Eligibility to obtain DV Security Clearance where required.
• Previous experience managing significant organisational change programmes.
• Experience operating within international maintenance environments.
• Knowledge of contract delivery and budget management within aviation operations.