Aviation Recruitment Manager

Optime Group; England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation recruitment firm in the UK is searching for a Recruitment Manager to oversee high-quality recruitment and manage a dedicated team. In this office-based role in Gatwick, you will set the pace for recruitment delivery, ensuring effective client engagement and candidate onboarding. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in high-volume recruitment, especially in the aviation sector, along with proven team leadership skills. This position offers a competitive salary and a friendly work environment.

Benefits

30 days holiday

Company pension

Free parking

Birthday leave

Qualifications

• Strong track record in high-volume recruitment, preferably within the airport or aviation sector.
• Experience leading and managing teams.
• Clear communicator who leads through action and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Lead recruitment for aviation roles while managing a team.
• Manage and support teams with clear deadlines.
• Ensure high candidate quality and suitability.

Skills

High-volume recruitment experience

Team leadership

Effective communication

Customer service

IT proficiency

Education

A-level standard or equivalent

Job description

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Award‑winning aviation recruitment experts, Optime Group, are looking for a Recruitment Manager to lead from the front and take ownership of recruitment delivery in Gatwick.

This is a hands‑on leadership role. You'll continue to recruit at a high standard while managing and developing a team of recruiters, setting the pace, removing blockers and ensuring we deliver for our clients, every time.

What's on offer

• £35,000 per annum, plus permanence‑related bonuses
• Monday to Friday
• 8:30am‑5pm
• Office‑based (UB7)
• 30 days holiday, plus an extra day for your birthday
• Company pension
• Free parking

Key duties

• Lead from the front
  • Recruit candidates directly into live aviation roles, setting the standard for quality and pace
  • Carry personal recruitment responsibility alongside team leadership
• Own delivery
  • Manage and support a team of recruiters, setting clear priorities, expectations and deadlines
  • Work to tight timelines to ensure maximum fulfilment of bookings
  • Identify issues early and take action before they impact delivery
• Raise standards
  • Ensure candidate quality and suitability remain consistently high
  • Reduce attrition through strong engagement and accurate role matching
• Build strong client partnerships
  • Liaise with clients to manage expectations, provide clear updates and maximise upsell opportunities
  • Take ownership of recruitment outcomes across your accounts
• Create smooth onboarding
  • Oversee onboarding activity to ensure candidates are fully ready for day one
  • Work closely with internal payroll and referencing teams to deliver a seamless candidate experience

Requirements

• Strong track record in high‑volume recruitment, preferably within the airport or aviation sector
• Experience leading and managing teams
• Confident balancing hands‑on recruitment with people and delivery responsibility
• Commercially aware, organised and comfortable working at pace
• Clear communicator who leads through action and accountability
• Educated to A‑level standard or equivalent
• Proven ability to deliver excellent customer service to both clients and candidates
• Confident IT user, comfortable working across multiple systems and platforms
• This role requires travel between sites; therefore, a valid UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle are required

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys responsibility, takes pride in delivery, and wants to step up into a leadership role without losing the buzz of recruitment.

Apply today to be considered for the opportunity to join Optime and play a key role in delivering high‑quality aviation recruitment.