Engineering Operations Manager: Virgin Atlantic Manor Royal Business District Crawley, UK Aerospace Engineering | Operations

Manor Royal Business District Limited; Crawley; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

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

You’ll also head a high-performing Technical Operations team, upholding world-class standards in engineering operations worldwide and collaborating

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in aviation engineering or technical operations.
• Strong knowledge of EASA, CAA and airworthiness regulations.
• Ability to make quick, safe decisions under pressure and communicate clearly.
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret data and drive insights.
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational control and decision-making for technical operations.
• Oversee day-to-day maintenance planning and regulatory compliance.
• Provide 24/7 technical leadership including crisis management support.
• Drive safety and risk-based decision making across the network.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Flight Operations and business teams.
• Develop and coach a high-performing Technical Operations team.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Decision-making under pressure

Communication

Analytical mindset

Stakeholder management

Education

EASA Part 66 B1/B2 Licence

Engineering degree or HND

Job description

Shift pattern: 4x 07:00 – 19:00, 4x off, 4x 19:00 – 07:00
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: Competitive
Closing date: 20th October 2026

At Virgin Atlantic, we believe in the extraordinary power of people to reshape what’s possible.

With our bold ambition to become the most loved travel company, we’re redefining aviation through innovation, inclusivity, and a culture that puts people first. Individuality isn't just welcomed — it’s celebrated.

In a nutshell

At Virgin Atlantic, we’re driven by a passion for delivering safe, reliable, and exceptional flying experiences. We’re looking for an Engineering Operations Manager to play a critical role in ensuring our aircraft operate safely and efficiently across our global network.

As a key member of the Engineering Operations leadership team, you will oversee day-to-day engineering operations, ensuring aircraft depart safely and on time. You’ll lead operational decision-making, manage technical teams, and provide oversight of short-term maintenance planning while driving performance, safety, and customer experience.

You’ll also lead and develop a high-performing Technical Operations team, ensuring world-class standards across engineering operations worldwide.

Day to day

• Lead operational control and decision-making, including AOG (Aircraft on Ground) 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

About you

• Proven leadership experience in an aviation engineering or technical operations environment
• Strong knowledge of EASA, CAA, and airworthiness regulations
• Skilled in operational decision-making under pressure, with a focus on safety and customer impact
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex data and drive insights
• EASA Part 66 B1/B2 Licence or Degree/HND in a relevant engineering discipline
  

Accessibility and inclusion

We’re committed to making our recruitment process accessible. If you need reasonable adjustments or additional support, you can let us know in your application.

We know every role and candidate is different, so we’ll discuss the adjustments available for the role and at each stage of recruitment, and how best to support you.

At Virgin Atlantic, we’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. Whatever your background, identity, experience or perspective, we’d love to hear from you.