Head of Maintenance Programme efficiency tools

IAG Transform; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation services provider in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced aviation professional to lead the strategy and transformation efforts within Technical Operations. The successful candidate will act as a Subject Matter Expert, focusing on optimising maintenance programmes and integrating advanced AI tools. Key responsibilities include defining the digital transformation roadmap, coordinating teams, and driving stakeholder engagement. This strategic role requires a strong understanding of aviation processes and compliance, complemented by excellent leadership and communication skills.

Benefits

Health insurance

Pension

Performance bonuses

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in aircraft maintenance programme development within an airline or aviation regulatory body.
• Strong knowledge of maintenance programme optimisation methodologies.
• Native or bilingual in English.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the digital transformation roadmap in Technical Operations and MRO.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on AI-enabled solutions.
• Lead deployment of AI-powered tools for maintenance programme development.

Skills

Aviation expertise

Strategic leadership

AI integration

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

About Us

We are part of International Airlines Group (IAG), one of the world’s leading airline groups and owner of some of the biggest brands in the sky.

IAG Transform provides creative and innovative solutions to drive sustainable transformation by delivering procurement and airline services, as well as group-wide systems across IAG. Each operating company benefits from the Transform centralised model, driving efficiencies, automation, and economies of scale.

Purpose of the role

We are seeking an experienced aviation professional to lead strategy and drive transformation through the coordination of teams implementing innovative projects in maintenance programme development. These initiatives will leverage data-driven and AI-enabled tools, as well as other advanced digital technologies, to optimise processes within the airline’s Technical Operations.

Please note this is not a data science or IT development role. The successful candidate will act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), working closely with AI labs, data scientists, and operational experts to guide the development and integration of AI-powered tools and other innovative technologies. The emphasis is on applying these solutions to drive business transformation within Technical Operations and Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) functions.

Key focus areas will include :

• Optimisation of aircraft maintenance programme development
• Escalation processes for maintenance tasks and check intervals
• Optimisation of non-mandatory maintenance tasks
• Standardisation of maintenance job cards and job instructions
• Development of optimised work packages
• Deployment of digital and AI-powered performance dashboards

The role aims to enhance safety, increase operational efficiency, and optimise maintenance costs. It requires a strong understanding of airline maintenance processes and supply chain dynamics, combined with the ability to bridge the gap between maintenance and engineering technical teams, operational stakeholders, and the AI lab and data scientists.

The successful candidate will act as a key facilitator, ensuring that innovative tools and models are developed collaboratively and in alignment with operational realities and strategic business needs. This is a strategic leadership position that brings digital transformation into one of the most safety-critical and capital-intensive areas of the airline industry.

Your responsibilities

• Define and execute the airline group’s digital transformation roadmap within Technical Operations and MRO for maintenance programme development.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, planning, maintenance, and digital / tech units to ensure alignment and adoption of AI-enabled solutions.
• Lead the deployment of AI-powered tools for maintenance programme development, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and OEM guidelines.
• Collaborate with engineering and planning teams to integrate new maintenance tools and adapt programmes to fleet and operational needs.
• Validate use cases and ensure scalability of maintenance programme optimisation solutions across multiple operating companies (OpCos).
• Drive change management and stakeholder engagement to embed AI-driven maintenance programme practices into operational workflows.
• Monitor and communicate KPIs to demonstrate impact on safety, operational performance, and cost efficiency.

Your skills, experience and qualifications

• Degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Extensive experience in aircraft maintenance programme development within an airline, MRO, OEM, or aviation regulatory body.
• Native / Bilingual in English.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks (EASA Part-M, Part-CAMO, FAA equivalent).
• Proven track record of leading transformation or digitalisation projects in maintenance or operational settings.
• Strong knowledge of maintenance programme optimisation methodologies and compliance requirements.
• Ability to bridge engineering expertise with data / AI-driven innovation.
• Strategic mindset with excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Passion for driving innovation and digital transformation in the aviation industry.

What we offer

• The chance to enjoy a challenging career in an exciting, fast-moving environment in a dynamic industry.
• The opportunity to work in a multi-cultural environment with great offices in many locations. We support our people in maintaining work / life balance, as well as providing the many benefits one would expect from a global organisation, including health insurance, pension and performance bonuses.

We are an equal opportunities employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.