NPAS (XP355) Head of Flight Operations

West Yorkshire Police; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

West Yorkshire Police/NPAS seeks a strategic Head of Flight Operations to oversee national police air service flight operations across 15 bases in England and Wales. This senior role requires sharp regulatory insight and a commitment to public safety through high professional standards.

You will collaborate with policing leaders, regulators and government stakeholders to shape capability, resilience and aviation strategy, while guiding pilots and aircrew to deliver exceptional service.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading high‑performing aviation teams.
• Deep understanding of aviation safety and regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to inspire and develop people across multiple bases.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and professional leadership for NPAS flight operations across 15 bases.
• Oversee safe, compliant delivery of operational air support with a focus on resilience and readiness.
• Championeer for police aviation and build strong relationships with policing leaders, regulators and government stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Rotary aviation

Regulatory knowledge

Strategic thinking

Education

Aviation leadership qualifications

Job description

Head of Flight Operations - NATIONAL POLICE AIR SERVICE

This is a national role that requires regular travel and offers the flexibility of agile working.

CLOSING DATE: 30th November 2026

Few aviation leadership positions offer the chance to influence outcomes that matter so directly to people's lives.

When a vulnerable missing person is found, when police officers are supported in pursuing dangerous criminals or when communities are protected through the effective deployment of specialist air assets, the decisions, standards and leadership you provide will have helped make that possible.

Every day, the National Police Air Service provides critical support to policing operations across England and Wales.

As Head of Flight Operations, you will lead the flying operation behind that mission.

This is an opportunity for an accomplished aviation professional to apply their expertise to something that truly makes a difference and help shape the future of police aviation for years to come.

A role with genuine purpose

This role offers:

• A chance to make a significant contribution to public safety across England and Wales.
• The ability to influence how police air support evolves over the coming decade and beyond.
• National responsibility and visibility within policing and aviation.
• The opportunity to develop and inspire the next generation of police aviation professionals.
• The satisfaction of knowing your leadership contributes directly to protecting communities and saving lives.

About the role

Reporting to the Accountable Manager, you will provide strategic and professional leadership for all flight operations across NPAS. You will oversee a highly skilled pilot workforce operating from 15 bases across England and Wales, ensuring the safe, effective and compliant delivery of operational air support.

As the Head of Flight Operations, you will work closely with policing leaders, regulators and government stakeholders, helping to shape future capability, operational resilience and aviation strategy.

You will also act as a key ambassador for police aviation, championing the value of air support and ensuring NPAS remains at the forefront of operational excellence and innovation.

Who we're looking for

We're seeking an exceptional leader with extensive rotary aviation experience, strong regulatory knowledge and the ability to inspire confidence at every level.

You will be someone who understands that leadership is about more than operational delivery. You will be motivated by service, committed to high professional standards and passionate about developing people and capability.

You may come from an emergency services, military or commercial aviation background, but you will share a desire to use your experience in a role where the impact extends far beyond aviation.

The role of Head of Flight Operations is a rare opportunity.

Opportunities to lead a nationally recognised aviation operation of this scale and complexity do not arise often. Fewer still provide the chance to combine strategic leadership, operational excellence and public service in a role that genuinely makes a difference.

West Yorkshire Police is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) is proud to serve all communities across England and Wales. We are committed to building a service that reflects a wide variety of skills, perspectives and backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Backgrounds, females, and those with disabilities who are currently under-represented within West Yorkshire Police and NPAS. Disability is not necessarily a bar to application or success in this role and all applications are assessed individually. By addressing and improving our representation we can better reflect all the communities we strive to serve. Please contact our Resourcing team if you have any questions relating to this, or you wish to discuss reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process or beyond into role. All applications will be fairly and rigorously assessed by West Yorkshire Police / NPAS.

Applicants should be aware that it is not always possible to carry out adequate vetting checks on persons who have not been resident within the UK for the last five years. Therefore, where this applies, applicants may be refused because it was not possible to vet them to the appropriate standard.