JOB DESCRIPTION:

About our team. ..
Airbus Helicopters is the world’s largest helicopter manufacturer and the company’s site at Oxford Airport is Britain’s civil helicopter hub.
AHUK offers considerable experience in helicopter sales, bespoke completions, maintenance, CAMO and spares support. Its in-house engineering capabilities include design, customisation, installation, flight-testing and certification, as well as technical support, maintenance, training and the supply of spares for civil and military applications.
AHUK is also the MoD’s chosen provider of helicopters and maintenance for its Defence Helicopter Flying school (referred to as MFTS) located in RAF Shawbury (Shropshire) and RAF Valley (Anglesey).

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Demonstrable track record of successful programme management and delivery (typically 8+ years) in a senior operations leadership role, ideally within the aerospace, defence, or a highly regulated heavy engineering industry.
• Demonstrable experience managing diverse operational teams across multiple contracts or programs.
• Strong understanding of support contracts, MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) operations, and/or complex project delivery.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and motivate at all levels.
• Demonstrable ability to manage complex projects and multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Proficiency in operational excellence methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) is highly desirable.
• Sound commercial acumen and experience with budget management.
• Knowledge of aviation regulations and safety standards is highly advantageous.

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:

Professional

Reporting to: Head of Operations
We’re looking for a highly experienced and dynamic operations leader to provide overarching leadership and strategic direction to multiple operational delivery teams across AHUK covering a range of complex and high profile helicopter MRO and related support services to UK MOD, the National Police Air Service, HEMS and private civil operators.
This critical position also comes with responsibilities on the Airbus Helicopters UK Management Team.
The Head of Services Delivery is instrumental in ensuring the on-time, on-cost, on-quality delivery of our commitments to internal and external customers as well as, upholding the highest standards of quality, safety, and operational excellence. You’ll be a key leader in driving customer satisfaction, operational and financial performance as well as fostering a culture of high performance among the teams under your responsibility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Provide inspirational leadership and strategic oversight to several operational Delivery Teams across AHUK
• Deputise, as necessary for, the Head of Operations whereby you will represent the Operations Dept in front of internal corporate group stakeholders, local UK leadership team, Operations Dept managers and external customers
• Operational Performance: Accountable for the end-to-end delivery performance (cost and schedule) of all Civil and Defence support contracts and delivery projects, meeting agreed KPIs, SLAs, and contractual obligations.
• Cross-Functional Integration & Synchronisation: Ensure seamless cross-functional integration and synchronisation within each delivery team. You’ll foster effective collaboration between various internal disciplines (e.g., engineering, supply chain, quality, project management) to streamline workflows, resolve interdependencies, and optimize overall team performance.
• Data-Driven Visual Management & Governance: Create and drive data-driven visual management and team governance dynamics at both the individual delivery team level and across the entire Operations Department. You’ll implement robust systems and dashboards to provide clear visibility of performance, progress, and key metrics, empowering teams and the department to make informed decisions and achieve operational excellence.
• Team Leader Support & Enablement: Provide direct and proactive enablement and prioritisation to each Delivery Team Leader , ensuring the swift removal of operational blockers , facilitating higher-level problem-solving , and stepping in as a senior interface when needed. Your role will be to empower and enable your team leaders to excel in their daily responsibilities.
• Team Management & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of operational Team Leaders and their teams, fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and results-oriented environment. Identify training needs and promote professional growth.
• Process Optimisation & Efficiency: Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all operational processes, identifying opportunities for greater efficiency, cost reduction, and enhanced service delivery. Implement best practices and lean methodologies where appropriate.
• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, program managers, engineering, and quality teams, ensuring seamless communication and effective problem resolution.
• Resource Management: Optimize the allocation and utilization of resources (people, equipment, facilities) to meet operational demands effectively and efficiently.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate operational risks, developing robust contingency plans to ensure business continuity and minimise disruptions.
• Budget Management: Manage operational budgets, ensuring cost-effective delivery while maintaining high standards.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure all operational activities adhere to relevant industry regulations, safety standards, and company policies. Promote a proactive safety culture across all teams.
• Reporting & Analysis: Provide regular, insightful reports on operational performance, identifying trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement to the Head of Operations and senior leadership