Engineering Operations Lead — AOG & Safety Excellence

Manor Royal Business District Limited; Crawley; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Atlantic is seeking an Engineering Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day engineering operations across its global network. You will lead operational decision-making, manage technical teams, and drive short-term maintenance planning while upholding safety and customer experience.

You’ll guide a high-performing Technical Operations team, ensuring world-class standards across engineering operations worldwide and collaborating with cross-functional teams to sustain punctual departures.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in aviation engineering or technical operations
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret complex data and drive insights

Responsibilities

• Lead operational control and decision-making, including AOG recovery and disruption management
• Oversee the immediate maintenance planning window, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency
• Provide 24/7 technical and operational leadership, including crisis management support
• Drive safety, regulatory compliance, and risk-based decision-making
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Flight Operations, and wider business teams
• Manage team performance, development, and engagement
• Drive continuous improvement through root cause analysis and reliability initiatives
• Ensure accurate reporting, delay attribution, and cost control

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Education

EASA Part 66 B1/B2 Licence

Engineering degree/HND

Job description

Virgin Atlantic is seeking an Engineering Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day engineering operations across its global network. You will lead operational decision-making, manage technical teams, and drive short-term maintenance planning while upholding safety and customer experience.

You’ll guide a high-performing Technical Operations team, ensuring world-class standards across engineering operations worldwide and collaborating with cross-functional teams to sustain punctual departures.