Vice President of Flight Operations

Zenon Aviation; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious aviation operator in the United Arab Emirates is seeking an experienced Vice President Flight Operations to lead their operational team. The role requires significant leadership experience in aviation operations, with a strong focus on safety and regulatory compliance. Candidates should possess at least 15 years of aviation operations experience and be a qualified Captain on VIP aircraft. An attractive compensation package is offered for this strategic leadership position.

Benefits

Highly competitive remuneration package

Opportunity for strategic leadership role

Qualifications

• 15 years’ aviation operations experience with leadership exposure.
• Qualified Captain on VIP aircraft type(s).
• 5,000+ total flying hours and 2,500 hours on multi-jet aircraft.
• EASA/UKCAA/FAA/ICAO licence holder with valid IR.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for Flight Operations.
• Act as deputy to the CEO on operational matters.
• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams including flight deck and cabin crew.
• Ensure compliance with operational requirements and company standards.
• Monitor safety performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operational safety management

Regulatory compliance

Flight crew management

Risk assessment

Education

University degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Aviation Management, or related discipline (Master’s preferred)

Job description

Zenon is delighted to be supporting a prestigious VIP/VVIP operator based in the Middle East, in their search for an experienced Vice President Flight Operations to join their leadership team. This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly accomplished aviation professional to take on a senior post holder role within one of the region’s most respected business aviation organizations.

As the strategic and regulatory head of Flight Operations, the successful candidate will hold full accountability for operational safety, crew performance, regulatory compliance, and the effective delivery of world-class flight services across a diverse fleet.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for all Flight Operations, ensuring operational excellence and adherence to local and international regulatory standards.
• Serve as the Nominated Post Holder Flight Operations and act as deputy to the CEO on operational matters.
• Lead, mentor, and manage multi-disciplinary teams including flight deck, cabin crew, and operational support personnel.
• Ensure all flights are crewed, trained, and resourced in accordance with operational requirements and company standards.
• Oversee development and maintenance of operations manuals, SOPs, training standards, and flight safety frameworks.
• Manage strategic flight operations projects, aircraft programs, and AOC/POC oversight.
• Monitor safety performance, conduct risk assessments, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain strong relationships with regulatory bodies, internal stakeholders, and external partners.
• Ensure compliance with quality assurance processes and manage audit preparation and closure.
• Lead operational planning, budget management, resource allocation, and departmental development.

Minimum Requirements:

• University degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Aviation Management, or related discipline (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 15 years’ aviation operations experience, including significant leadership exposure.
• Qualified Captain on VIP aircraft type(s) with:
• 5,000+ total flying hours
• 2,500 hours on multi-jet aircraft
• Minimum 1,000 hours PIC

• EASA/UKCAA/FAA/ICAO licence holder with valid IR.
• Strong understanding of the regulatory landscape and international aviation standards.
• Previous experience managing flight crew in commercial or VIP operations (VIP experience highly advantageous).
• Proven track record of maintaining safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
• Clean accident/incident record.

A highly competitive remuneration package is on offer, together with an opportunity to play a strategic leadership role in a prestigious, internationally recognized aviation organization.

Why Choose Zenon Aviation?

In the ever changing and dynamic marketplace, Zenon Aviation knows that the support and care we provide to candidates is vital in assisting you in achieving your career aspirations.

Our team of dedicated consultants will deal with your application efficiently and more importantly confidentially, providing a professional and reliable service.

If the above opportunity is of interest to you, please forward your CV to our Recruitment Director Kevin Small in confidence.

All applications will be handled in the strictest confidence and unless you hear from us within 5 days of your application, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Zenon Recruitment Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.