Head of Training - European Helicopter Training

CAE; Burgess Hill; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

CAE is seeking a Head of Training for Europe, based in Burgess Hill (UK), to lead a team of ~20 contracted Synthetic Flight Instructors across the European network. You will oversee flight and ground training across simulators and classrooms, coordinating with Account Executives, Scheduling, Regulatory and Standards teams to ensure delivery and compliance.

The role requires EASA ATPL (valid or within past seven years), prior instructor or leadership experience, and a proven ability to manage

Qualifications

• EASA Airline Transport Pilot Licence (valid or valid within past 7 years)
• Instructor experience or equivalent relevant experience
• Experience leading and managing teams
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, 24/7 operational environment
• Ability to adapt to changing operational and customer requirements
• Strong customer and client orientation
• Experience working with regulators (FAA, GCAA, GACA, CAAC or similar)

Responsibilities

• Lead supervision, coordination, and delivery of flight training across the European helicopter fleet.
• Ensure safe and efficient delivery of ground and flight training in classrooms and simulators.
• Partner with Account Executives, Scheduling, Regulatory, and Standards teams to support training delivery.
• Lead quarterly Standards meetings to promote instructor standardisation and regulatory compliance.
• Develop, maintain, and track instructor training plans.
• Liaise with Technical Services and Fleet Chiefs to keep simulator data current and ensure materials are up to date.
• Develop annual client course training plans and schedules based on sales projections.
• Manage instructor and training resources to meet training events targets.
• Maintain instructor HR profiles, including compensation changes, transfers, promotions, and leaves of absence.
• Build and maintain relationships with customers' flight operations and training departments.
• Work occasional public holidays to meet customer needs.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and alignment with applicable authorities.

Skills

Leadership experience

Team management

Flight training delivery

Regulatory compliance

Customer orientation

Instructor development

Operational adaptability

Regulatory liaison

Job description

Join our Helicopter Aviation Training Centre in Europe as Head of Training and help shape the pilot training experience across our European operations. You will be part of the global Helicopter Aviation Training and leadership team, supporting operational excellence, customer experience, instructor development, and regulatory compliance. Our European helicopter training network operates simulators in Burgess Hill, UK and Oslo, Norway, delivering advanced simulator-based pilot training. This is a highly visible leadership position responsible for managing, supporting, and developing a team of approximately 20 contracted Synthetic Flight Instructors. In this role, you will:

• Lead the supervision, coordination, and delivery of flight training activities across the European helicopter fleet.
• Ensure the safe and efficient delivery of ground and flight training in assigned classrooms and aircraft simulators.
• Partner with Account Executives, Scheduling, Regulatory, and Standards teams to support seamless training delivery.
• Lead quarterly Standards meetings to promote instructor standardisation and regulatory compliance across the network.
• Develop, maintain, and track instructor training plans.
• Liaise with Technical Services and Fleet Chiefs to keep simulator data current and ensure simulators contain required customer materials.
• Develop the annual client course training plan and course schedules based on sales projections.
• Manage instructor and training resources to meet or exceed the required number of training events.
• Maintain instructor HR profiles, including compensation changes, allowances, transfers, promotions, and leaves of absence.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with customers' flight operations and training departments.
• Work occasional public holidays when required to meet customer .
• EASA Airline Transport Pilot Licence, currently valid or valid within the past seven years.
• Instructor experience or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience leading and managing teams.
• Ability to maintain focus and perform effectively in a fast-paced, 24/7 operational environment.
• Ability to adapt to changing operational and customer requirements.
• Strong customer and client orientation.
• Ability to work occasional public holidays based on customer needs.
• Experience working with additional aviation regulators or regulatory frameworks, including FAA, GCAA, GACA, CAAC, or comparable authorities and regulations.

At CAE, our mission is clear: to help make the world a safer place. For nearly 80 years, we've driven innovation in simulation, training, and mission readiness to support critical operations worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies, we empower our customers to operate smarter, faster, and more sustainably. Join a purpose-driven organization where bold ideas are encouraged, collaboration drives progress, and your growth fuels our shared success.