Base Maintenance Shift Manager

AirTanker Ltd; Carterton; On-site; GBP 77,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

AirTanker is seeking a Base Maintenance Shift Manager to lead day-to-day aircraft base maintenance operations at Brize Norton. This senior role oversees multi‑disciplinary teams, safety, and regulatory compliance, reporting into the Base Maintenance Senior Management Team.

You will manage resources, drive performance, and implement improvements in collaboration with Engineering, Planning, and Quality to ensure on-time, safe aircraft readiness for RAF and MOD missions.

Qualifications

• UK CAA Aircraft Maintenance Licence is required.
• A330 Certification Authorisation is required.
• Significant experience leading multi-disciplinary aviation teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead Base Maintenance operations during your shift.
• Coordinate manpower, facilities, tooling, and resources for maintenance plans.
• Provide leadership and direction to a skilled aviation team.
• Drive safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure maintenance activities comply with airworthiness and safety standards.
• Support operational decision-making and resolve shift-related challenges.
• Lead improvement projects to enhance capability and performance.
• Support recruitment, development, and performance management of team members.
• Investigate non-conformances and implement corrective actions.
• Contribute to departmental strategy as part of the Senior Management Team.
• Deputise for Head of Base Maintenance when required.

Skills

CAA Licence

A330 Certification

Team management

Leadership

Safety culture

Stakeholder management

Job description

Base Maintenance Shift Manager

Application Deadline: 24 August 2026

Department: Base Maintenance

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Brize Norton

Compensation: £90,948 / year

Description

This is a shift based role on days only 7:00 - 19:00

We have an exciting opportunity for a Shift Manager to join our Base Maintenance team. This is a key leadership role within Fleet Engineering, responsible for the day-to‑day management of aircraft base maintenance activities, resources, and technical teams. As a member of the Base Maintenance Senior Management Team, you will lead a multi-disciplinary workforce, drive operational performance, and ensure maintenance activities are delivered safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Why AirTanker?

AirTanker is a vital part of the UK’s defence capability, delivering air‑to‑air refuelling and air transport services to the RAF and MOD. We operate at the intersection of military precision and commercial innovation. As Shift Manager Base, you will play a key role in leading the day-to‑day delivery of aircraft base maintenance operations. You will provide leadership to a multi‑disciplinary team, coordinate resources, and ensure maintenance activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company and regulatory requirements. Working closely with Engineering, Planning, Quality, and operational stakeholders, you will drive operational performance, support continuous improvement initiatives, and help shape the future direction of Base Maintenance as a member of the Senior Management Team.

What's in it for you?

• Leadership Opportunity: Lead a multi-disciplinary team of skilled aviation professionals and create a high-performing culture focused on safety, quality, and delivery.


• Strategic Influence: Contribute to departmental direction and decision‑making as a member of the Base Maintenance Senior Management Team.


• Ownership and Accountability: Take responsibility for shift performance, resource management, maintenance delivery, and operational decision‑making.


• Comprehensive Benefits: Including private medical insurance, bonus scheme, EV scheme, contributory pension, and more


• Adventure & Belonging: Battlefield tours, adventure training, and family fun days

What you'll be doing

• Leading and managing Base Maintenance operations during your shift.


• Coordinating technical manpower, facilities, tooling, and support resources to deliver maintenance plans.


• Providing leadership, direction, and support to a team of skilled aviation professionals.


• Driving a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.


• Ensuring maintenance activities are completed in compliance with airworthiness, safety, and company standards.


• Supporting operational decision‑making and resolving shift‑related challenges.


• Leading improvement projects and initiatives to enhance capability and performance.


• Supporting the recruitment, development, and performance management of team members.


• Investigating non‑conformances and implementing corrective actions where required.


• Contributing to departmental strategy and decision‑making as part of the Senior Management Team.


• Deputising for the Head of Base Maintenance when required.

What you'll bring

• A UK CAA Aircraft Maintenance Licence.


• The ability to hold A330 C Certification Authorisation.


• Significant experience managing multi‑disciplinary teams within an aviation engineering environment.


• Experience supporting heavy maintenance activities on Airbus wide‑body aircraft.


• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.


• Experience operating within a safety‑critical environment.


• A proactive approach to problem‑solving and continuous improvement.


• The ability to balance operational priorities while maintaining high standards of safety and quality.