Head Of Planning (Aviation)

DCS Engineering; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 12% matched pension contributions

Private medical insurance (discounted)

Electric car scheme

Ongoing professional development

Job summary

A leading global aviation services organisation is seeking a Head of Planning to optimize planning across complex aviation operations in Bournemouth, UK. The role involves developing standardised processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing workload scheduling. Ideal candidates will have a strong aviation background, experience with Part 145 and Part 21G regulations, and excellent leadership skills. The company offers a competitive benefits package including pension contributions and private medical insurance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in aviation maintenance and production planning.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks.
• Track record of delivering results in high-compliance environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of standardised planning processes.
• Ensure regulatory compliance for operations.
• Manage production planning and scheduling.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning KPIs.
• Provide expertise in planning tools and system integration.

Skills

Aviation maintenance and production planning

Knowledge of Part 145, Part 21G, BCAR A8-23

Planning tools (MS Project, Excel)

Leadership and stakeholder management

Job description

We are partnering with a leading global aviation services organisation to recruit a Head of Planning. This is a critical leadership role within a high‑performing engineering environment, offering the opportunity to shape and optimise planning across complex aviation operations.

About the Role

As Head of Planning, you will lead and develop the planning function across Part 145, Part 21G and BCAR A8-23 organisations. You will be responsible for driving efficiency, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering predictable aircraft availability to support Flight Operations.

This is a highly visible role where your expertise will directly influence operational performance, maintenance delivery, and production planning across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement standardised planning processes across maintenance and manufacturing operations
• Ensure compliance with Part 145, Part 21G and MOE requirements
• Lead workload scheduling and production planning across
• Deliver consistent output aligned to Time, Cost and Quality (TCQ) targets
• Collaborate closely with CAMO, Engineering Delivery Managers, and wider teams to maintain effective maintenance schedules
• Manage forward demand planning with Procurement and resolve supply chain challenges
• Support AOG (Aircraft on Ground) requirements and reactive maintenance
• Oversee fleet modification planning and configuration control (Part 21G)
• Drive continuous improvement across planning KPIs, reporting, and processes
• Provide SME input into system integration and planning tools (e.g. Aerotrac)
• Lead, coach, and develop the planning team while ensuring compliance with H&S and aviation regulations

About You

We’re looking for a strategic and hands‑on planning leader with a strong aviation background.

You will have

• Proven experience in aviation maintenance and production planning
• Strong knowledge of Part 145, Part 21G, and BCAR A8-23 regulatory frameworks
• Experience using planning tools such as MS Project and Excel
• A track record of delivering results in fast‑paced, high‑compliance environments
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills

What’s on Offer

• Up to 12% matched pension contributions
• Private medical insurance (discounted)
• Electric car scheme
• Ongoing professional development and career progression

About the Company

Our client is a globally recognised provider of advanced aviation services, supporting defence and allied organisations with specialist training, engineering, and operational capabilities. With a diverse fleet, cutting‑edge technology, and highly experienced teams, they play a key role in delivering mission readiness across the UK, US, and NATO regions.

Diversity & Inclusion

Our client is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. As an Armed Forces‑friendly organisation, they actively encourage applications from veterans, service leavers, and military families. They are also committed to the Disability Confident scheme and will provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process where required.