An exciting opportunity has arisen within JMC Aviation, the world’s leading Aviation Engineering, Training & recruitment business.
We are looking to recruit a new Head of Engineering Operations based in Exeter (preferred) but other locations will be considered.
The Head of Engineering Operations is a senior leadership role within JMC Engineering, responsible for the overall management, operational delivery, compliance, and strategic development of the company’s global aircraft structural repair activities. The role provides executive oversight of complex and time-critical repairs, ensuring safe, compliant, and commercially effective execution across multiple regions including the UK, Europe, North America, and Middle East.
This position is office based and requires a high level of flexibility, with international travel expected to support Head of Engineering. The role operates within a fast-paced AOG environment and demands strong leadership, technical expertise, and sound judgement.
Requirements
- Demonstrable senior management and leadership experience in a customer-facing engineering environment.
- Strong understanding of aviation regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements.
- Proven ability to operate effectively under pressure in AOG and time-critical situations.
- B1/B2 licence desirable but not essential.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and strategic planning skills.
Leadership and Strategic Management
- Provide strong, visible leadership for JMC Engineering’s operations.
- Define, develop, and implement strategic plans to support business growth, operational efficiency, and market expansion.
- Act as a senior representative of JMC Engineering with customers, OEMs, regulators, and key stakeholders.
- Lead organisational change initiatives where required to support company objectives.
- Conduct regular management reviews and report operational performance, risks, and opportunities to the Engineering Team.
Operational Oversight and Delivery
- Maintain overall responsibility for the planning, coordination, and execution of multiple concurrent aircraft fixed price projects.
- Oversee complex and time-critical repair, modification and routine maintenance activities, including AOG events.
- Ensure repairs are executed in accordance with approved maintenance data, customer requirements, and regulatory standards.
- Support, mentor, train, and coach Project Managers and Team Leaders (permanent and contract) in planning, execution, and customer engagement.
- Provide senior-level support during customer, engineering, and OEM coordination calls to define repair scope, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Ensure effective coordination of resources, tooling, materials, and third-party support to achieve on-time return-to-service.
Customer and Commercial Management
- Act as the senior customer-facing authority for estimates, schedules, technical discussions, and repair progress updates.
- Ensure customer requests are converted into accurate estimates within defined timelines when required.
- Promote JMC Engineering’s capabilities during emergent repair and AOG opportunities.
- Maintain and develop strong working relationships with customers, suppliers, OEMs, and third-party organisations.
- Support commercial decision-making to ensure repairs are delivered efficiently and profitably.
Compliance, Safety, and Quality
- Ensure full compliance with all applicable aviation regulatory requirements across operating regions.
- Maintain oversight of the Safety Management System (SMS), Quality Management System (QPulse), and relevant HR policies throughout projects.
- Promote a strong safety culture and ensure a safe working environment at all repair locations.
- Ensure discipline, professionalism, and punctuality are maintained across all teams.
- Oversee damage assessments, surveys, and repair scope evaluations as required.
Resource Management
- Provide strategic oversight of resource planning to ensure optimal deployment of personnel across multiple projects.
- Ensure effective utilisation of resources to support timely project delivery within estimated TAT.
- Guide and support Project Managers through delivery challenges, including capacity constraints, sickness, and other workforce-related issues.
- Align operational priorities across projects to maintain consistent delivery performance and organisational resilience.
Qualifications
- Educated to GCSE standard equivalent
- A minimum of 10 years’ experience of heavy maintenance tasks including component replacements, repairs and modifications.
Disclaimer:
This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks and duties. The responsibilities, task and duties of the job holder might differ from those outlines in the job description and other duties, as assigned, might be part of the job.