Aircrew Manager

Callen-Lenz; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Pension Scheme via Royal London

Private Health Insurance via Bupa

Life assurance scheme (6x basic salary

Training & development opportunities

Job summary

Callen-Lenz in Salisbury, Wiltshire, is seeking an Aircrew Manager to lead the Flight Crew team, ensure readiness and availability, recruit and retain pilots, and uphold a Just Culture ethos aligned with our values.

Reporting to the Head of Flight Operations, you will oversee performance, attendance, training progression and HR policy application, while coordinating with operations and safety manuals to maintain high standards across our growing aviation program.

Qualifications

• Experience leading aviation teams and managing complex personnel matters.
• Ability to write and maintain operational procedures and safety standards.
• Proven communication and organisational skills across civil and military contexts.

Responsibilities

• Provide line management to the pilot team and ensure visibility and accessibility.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management and exits for pilots.
• Drive engagement and alignment with company culture and values.
• Maintain pilot capability to support the flying programme.
• Manage attendance, appraisals, compliance and workflows.
• Handle disciplinary matters and HR policy application.
• Ensure conformance with operational manuals and safety publications.

Skills

Aviation leadership

People management

Operations management

SOP writing

Conflict resolution

Communication

Education

Technical A Levels

Leadership qualification (NVQ/CMI)

Aviation operations/ planning qualification

Job description

Aircrew Manager

Vacancy Reference: CLA- 442

Position: Full-time

Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK

Salary: £50,000+ DOE

At Callen-Lenz, we are expanding the limits of what is possible. We specialise in crewed and uncrewed aircraft operations and technology and having recently received investment into the business we are going through a period of rapid growth and development and are looking for key roles to assist with these changes. Callen-Lenz offers innovative and customer-focused UAS solutions through our 4 key business strands: technical services, products, platforms and operational services. We are looking for individuals to help drive forward our expansion, placing you at forefront of UAS development in the UK.

Our Values

• Innovation
• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Excellence

Why Work for Us

Based in the heart of rural Wiltshire, close to the Historic city of Salisbury you will join our rapidly growing, friendly and multi-disciplined team, working on a range of diverse and interesting projects, leading the way in this exciting field and witnessing the full lifecycle of our products. The Callen-Lenz team are passionate about what we do, and we are searching for individuals to grow with us as we expand into the aerospace industry.

Our benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave per year (plus bank holidays)
• Buy/Sell holiday policy up to 5 days either way
• Pension Scheme via Royal London
• Company contributed Share Incentive Plan.
• Green Car Scheme
• Life assurance scheme (6x basic salary)
• Income protection policy (75% of basic salary)
• Private Health Insurance via Bupa
• Private Dental insurance via Bupa
• Enhanced Maternity and paternity
• 1 Professional membership reimbursed per year
• 1 paid volunteering day per year
• Access to an independent financial advisor year round
• Training & development opportunities

About the role

Reporting directly to the Head of Flight Operations/Accountable Manager (Flying), this post holder is responsible for the leadership and people management of Callen Lenz Flight Crew, their readiness, availability, recruiting and retention and their welfare. They will also be responsible for setting and maintaining both the right aviation Just Culture ethos and Company Values.

Responsibilities

• Providing line management and support to the pilot team, ensuring visibility and accessibility.
• Overseeing pilot recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and exit processes.
• Driving engagement and alignment with company culture and values.
• Maintenance of flight crew capability to support the Company flying programme.
• Managing pilot attendance, appraisals, compliance, and workflow.
• Handling conflict resolution, disciplinary matters, and HR policy application.
• Maintaining conformance with key operational manuals and Flt Ops/BAES Air publication updates and ensuring safety and quality standards.
• Leading departmental communications and supporting continuous improvement.
• Acting as a key liaison for internal stakeholders and supporting the Head of Flight Operations.
• With the Training Manager, ensure all Pilots remain correctly qualified and competent for the role, current and maintain a training progression plan.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Health & Safety

• Demonstrate in daily activities a commitment to health and safety in the workplace by always ensuring tasks are performed in the safest possible manner.
• Report all hazards and incidents that the individual is party to, or observes, in the correct manner.
• When required or directed, participate in any health and safety training.

Qualifications

• A minimum of technical A Levels, but a technical graduate preferred.
• NVQ or CMI Leadership qualifications, or a recognised Leadership qualification.
• Aviation qualification within an operations/Planning, flight crew or air traffic role.

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Substantial experience of aviation leadership and people management as well as a proven background in operations or flight management.
• Experience in writing operational procedures, managing complex employee matters, and a collaborative, people-first approach are essential.
• Strong conflict resolution, organisational, and communication skills are key, along with a sound understanding of both a civil and military working environment.

Desirable:

• Minimum of a PPL(A).
• GVC or RPC1 or RPC2 qualification (Fixed Wing).
• BMFA B Fixed wing.

Personal Attributes

• Must be a British Citizen or have an existing right to work in the UK.
• Ability to commit to occasional national and international travel.
• A full valid UK driving license.
• Ability to hold Security Clearance – 5 years residence in the UK.

Callen-Lenz is an equal opportunities employer, committed to building an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. It is essential that the successful candidate must, by the start of their employment have permission to work in the UK. Proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK will be required prior to commencement of employment.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.