Head of Flight Operations

Helicopter Jobs; Exeter; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme 6%

Relocation package

Healthcare insurance

Counselling services

Loss of Licence Insurance

Bought annual leave

Job summary

Devon Air Ambulance is seeking a Head of Flight Operations to lead and develop the Flight Operations Team. The role focuses on safety, compliance and strategic contribution within the Senior Leadership Team, with CAA interface and oversight of rostering and training.

The successful candidate will drive operational excellence, manage pilot recruitment, and ensure delivery of flight operations to the highest standards across the organisation.

Qualifications

• Hold a UK CPL or ATPL Helicopter Flight Crew Licence.
• Experience applying aviation safety standards.
• Knowledge of UK aviation regulations and AOC ops.
• At least 5 years in single-pilot HEMS ops.
• Eligibility to be CAA AOC nominated person.
• Current experience with H145 and/or EC135 in HEMS.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Flight Operations team.
• Oversee planning, rostering and training.
• Ensure compliance with UK Air Regulations and DAATCL Manuals.
• Act as primary contact with UK CAA.
• Recruitment and development of pilots.

Skills

UK CPL/ATPL

Aviation safety

UK regs knowledge

5+ years HEMS ops

CAA AOC nominee

H145/EC135 experience

Job description

Devon Air Ambulance are seeking to recruit a Head of Flight Operations to lead and develop our Flight Operations Team.

Hours: Full time roster in accordance with the Company Approved FTL Scheme

Location: Head Office, Harrington Lane, Exeter, with travel to Exeter Airbase and Eaglescott Airbase (North Devon)

Salary: £99,450 per annum.

Increments: Increments are awarded for HEMS experience based on service/length of service up to a maximum of £10,000 per annum. Additional payments may also apply for CRMT and completed night shifts.

The Role

The Head of Flight Operations is a key leadership role, responsible for the management, supervision and continued development of company Flight Operations and flight operational personnel. You will contribute to the development of long-term strategic plans and work collaboratively as part of the Senior Leadership Team to support the achievement of strategic goals. As the nominated person for Flight Operations, you will act as the primary point of contact with the UK CAA and ensure all flight operations are delivered safely, professionally and in compliance with UK Air Regulations and the DAATCL Operations Manuals. You will oversee operational planning, performance, rostering and training, as well as providing leadership to the Flight Operations team, including pilot recruitment, line management and development.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of a CAA Form 4 interview with the DAATCL UK CAA Flight Operations Inspector (FOI).

The Candidate

We are looking for an experienced aviation professional with strong operational leadership skills, a commitment to safety and compliance, and the ability to lead and develop a high-performing Flight Operations team.

Essential Requirements Include

• Hold a UK CPL or ATPL Helicopter Flight Crew Licence
• Practical experience applying aviation safety standards and safe operating practices.
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK aviation regulations, AOC operations, operations manuals and aviation management systems.
• At least 5 years' experience in single pilot HEMS Flight Operations.
• Eligibility to be accepted by the CAA as the AOC nominated person for Flight Operations (UK Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 -Part – ORO.AOC.135)
• Current experience operating the H145 and/or EC135 in a single pilot HEMS role.

If you are an experienced HEMS pilot with a strong commitment to safety, operational excellence and making a real difference to the local community, we would love to hear from you.

The Package

Salary: £99,450 per annum.

Increments: Increments are awarded for HEMS experience based on service/length of service up to a maximum of £10,000 per annum. Additional payments include £2,040 per annum for CRMT and £102 per night shift completed.

As a valued member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity & Adoption leave
• Pension scheme with a 6% contribution by DAA
• Occupational sick pay scheme of 4 weeks full pay and 4 weeks half pay during probation, rising to 12 weeks full and 12 weeks half pay after successful probation
• Free counselling and financial wellbeing services
• Healthcare insurance
• Up to £8,000 relocation package available if eligible.
• Loss of Licence Insurance
• Buying annual leave

Alongside our staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience and career.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 26th August 2026 at 9am

The interviews will be a two stage process.

1st Stage Interview - Friday 4th September 2026 at DAA Head Office in Exeter.

2nd Stage Interview - Thursday 17th September 2026 at DAA Head Office in Exeter.

Devon Air Ambulance is a Disability Confident Level 1 employer, we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. We encourage applications from individuals with disabilities and will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment journey. If you require any accommodations, please let us know.

We recognise that candidates may use AI tools to support their application, for example to improve clarity, structure, or presentation. However, we value authenticity and expect candidates to retain accountability for the content of their application, and for all submissions to reflect the candidate’s own experience and skills and be an honest representation of their capabilities. Please be assured that we do not use AI to make shortlisting or hiring decisions.

Please note that interview locations and dates are subject to change depending on the volume of applications received.

Due to the nature of this role, offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and references.