Deputy Head of Training and Standards (DHOTAS) - Aviation

Draken; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation training organization based in Bournemouth is seeking a Deputy Head of Training and Standards to uphold training excellence across its operations. The successful candidate will oversee compliance with UK CAA regulations, develop training plans, and support both military and commercial aviation environments. Requirements include at least three years in aviation and management experience. This is a full-time, mid-senior level role offering the chance to enhance operational performance in a dynamic team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience as an operating crewmember in aviation.
• Minimum 3 years in a management role within a regulated industry.
• In-depth knowledge of UK CAA crew training regulations.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all crew training complies with internal policies and UK CAA regulations.
• Maintain a forward‑looking training plan covering all fleets.
• Coordinate training delivery with internal departments and external agencies.

Skills

Analytical capabilities

Interpersonal skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Strong communication

Resilience under pressure

Education

A-Level or equivalent

Job description

Deputy Head of Training and Standards (DHOTAS) - Aviation

Draken Europe offers exciting careers that matter. We believe that mission success does not start with the mission itself. It begins with our people. Draken Europe is seeking a highly motivated and experienced aviation professional to join our team as Deputy Head of Training and Standards (DHOTAS). This pivotal role supports the Head of Training and Standards (HOTAS) in ensuring the highest standards of training across our Approved Training Organisation (ATO) and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure all crew training complies with internal policies and UK CAA regulations.
• Maintain a forward‑looking training plan covering all fleets, projecting at least six months ahead.
• Report any regulatory breaches promptly to HOTAS.
• Coordinate training delivery with internal departments and external agencies.
• Authorise course completion certificates and training records in line with approved Operations Manuals.
• Issue Training Notices (excluding deviations from published programmes or changes to training policy).
• Provide guidance to Fleet Training Managers, CFIs, and CTKIs on programme development.
• Lead training‑related projects independently as directed by HOTAS.
• Drive enhancements in training documentation and processes.
• Support the development of innovative training strategies to improve operational performance.
• Ensure uninterrupted crew qualification and recency.
• Execute special projects with precision and impact.

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience as an operating crewmember in aviation.
• Minimum 3 years in a management role within a regulated industry.
• Strong academic background (A-Level or equivalent).
• In‑depth knowledge of UK CAA crew training regulations.
• Proven ability to manage change effectively.
• Current Security Clearance (SC).

Desirable

• Exposure to both military and commercial aviation environments.

Skills & Behaviours

• Highly numerate with strong analytical capabilities.
• Proactive and self‑driven with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong communicator, able to tailor messaging for diverse audiences.
• Resilient under pressure, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Builds trust and credibility across all levels of the organisation.

Communication & Knowledge Sharing

• Effectively communicates complex concepts using varied styles and tools.
• Shares best practices to support team and organisational development.
• Influences stakeholders through well‑reasoned and persuasive arguments.

Ready to take the next step in your aviation career? Join Draken Europe and play a key role in shaping the future of crew training and operational excellence.

Our employee values

Draken is committed to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination and we celebrate the differences that a diverse workforce brings. A range of perspective and talent supports our values and drives our success, with a mix of voices generating better discussions, business decisions and outcomes for all. To us, diversity means bringing your own perspective to the conversation; inclusion means having a voice - and equality means that your voice is heard. At all our sites internationally, every member of the Draken Europe team is accountable to ensure that we are all treated fairly and with respect. Intolerance has no place in our Company. We condemn it outright. Instead, we strive to create a culture where each person who joins our team feels they have the opportunity to succeed, to grow, and to work within an environment where they can be themselves. We are also an Armed Forces friendly organisation, and as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, welcome applications from veterans and services spouses and partners who met the criteria in our job specifications. In line with our Disability Confident Commitments, we provide reasonable adjustments to facilitate our interview process, please liaise with us if any reasonable adjustments are required.

Whether it is adversarial support, electronic attack or customised rotary‑wing training, we offer the most accurate and advanced readiness training in the industry. Our vast, differentiated fleet, cutting edge hardware and experienced instructors are engaged to help your mission take off. Being ready is not only a matter of when. But where. We provide services in the UK, US and across the NATO countries. Making sure that our allies can manoeuvre around defeat and prepare to prevail.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level. Employment type: Full‑time. Job function: Human Resources. Industries: Airlines and Aviation.