Flight Operations Team Leader

Skyports Infrastructure; Aylesbury; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development

Inclusive work culture

Job summary

Skyports Infrastructure in the United Kingdom is seeking a Flight Operations Team Leader to guide our drone operations across delivery, surveying, and surveillance. You will oversee remote piloting, safety, and regulatory compliance while coordinating with cross-functional teams.

Lead planning, training oversight, and post-flight analysis to drive improvements and ensure fleet airworthiness. Daily briefs, TOLP readiness, and stakeholder communication are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Certified Remote Pilot with solid commercial flying experience.
• Proven capability in BVLOS operations and strong grasp on drone platforms.
• Demonstrated leadership of teams in high-pressure environments.
• Proficiency in flight planning tools, mission software, and UAS platforms used by the organisation.
• Familiarity with basic maintenance procedures, fleet documentation, and airworthiness assurance.

Responsibilities

• Accountability for team safety and performance in training and operations.
• Confirm team readiness; ensure proper equipment for tasks in varying conditions.
• Supervise Takeoff and Landing Point setup and hub lead assignment; conduct daily weather and pre-deployment briefs.
• Oversee maintenance activities up to levels 1 and 2 and ensure fleet airworthiness.
• Enforce SOPs and aviation regulations; maintain accurate operational records (e.g., Centrik).
• Manage team communications and incident reporting; monitor resources and fatigue.

Job description

The Role:

As a Flight Operations Team Leader at Skyports, you will play a crucial role in our flight operations team. You will be responsible for operating our advanced drone systems for various services, including drone delivery, surveying, and surveillance. Your expertise in remote piloting, adherence to aviation regulations, and commitment to safety will contribute to the successful execution of our missions. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, contribute to the development of operational procedures, and provide valuable insights and recommendations based on post-flight analysis.

Responsibilities

Operational Management and Safety Oversight

Accountability for Team Output: Ensure the highest standards of safety and performance in training and operations

• Team Readiness: Confirm that all team members are fully trained, qualified, and ready for their tasks


• Equipment and Gear: Ensure team members are properly equipped for tasks in varying conditions


• Ensure the highest standards of safety and performance in training and operations

Operational Planning and Execution

• Infrastructure Oversight: Supervise the setup and safety of Takeoff and Landing Points (TOLPs), assigning Hub Operator (HO) leads to each


• Weather Briefings: Conduct daily meteorological briefings to inform the team of environmental conditions


• Team Brief: Conduct daily (start and end of day) pre-deployment and operational briefs


• Flight Planning: Execute detailed flight planning based on Skyports’ best practises and aircraft documentation

Maintenance and Technical Assurance

• Maintenance Supervision: Direct maintenance activities, up to levels 1 and 2, if qualified


• Fleet Serviceability: Oversee aircraft airworthiness, ensuring maintenance meets Skyports standards

Documentation and Compliance

• Regulatory Adherence: Enforce strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), aviation regulations, and laws


• Fleet Serviceability: Oversee aircraft airworthiness, ensuring maintenance meets Skyports standards


• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate operational records on platforms like Centrik, ensuring timely compliance with documentation protocols

Communication and Reporting

• Communication Protocols: Manage team communication channels for effectiveness and proper use


• Incident Reporting: Oversee the prompt submission of occurrence reports by team members

Resource and Fatigue Management

• Resource Planning: Manage team resource allocation for optimal utilisation and to prevent overextension


• Fatigue Monitoring: Monitor team fatigue levels and human factors to ensure overall well-being

Operational Competency

• Personal Proficiency: Maintain currency and competency on at least one Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) platform


• Operational Familiarity: Stay familiar with all operational areas to be ready to act as a qualified remote pilot

Visitor Management and Briefing

• Visitor Induction: Provide comprehensive safety briefings to visitors, outlining operational hazards and emergency procedures

Qualifications

• You are a certified Remote Pilot with solid commercial flying experience, proven capability in BVLOS operations and a strong grasp on drone platforms, maintenance and systems integration


• Demonstrable experience leading and managing teams in high-pressured environments


• Proficiency in flight planning tools, mission software, and UAS platforms used by the organisation


• Familiarity with basic maintenance procedures, fleet documentation, and airworthiness assurance


• Ability to manage end-to-end field operations, including TOLP setup, crew briefings, and stakeholder communication

Check out some of our videos to see our brand new Global Operations Hub in Aylesbury:

• Our Global Operations Hub, Buckinghamshire


• Our Remote Operations Centre, Buckinghamshire


• Our Drones

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.


• Opportunity to work in an innovative and growing industry.


• A collaborative and dynamic work environment with ample opportunities for professional development.


• Flexible working arrangements and a supportive team culture.

Skyports is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.