Vice President Flight Operations

Aviation Jobsearch; Bournemouth; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation firm is seeking a Vice President Flight Operations to lead and develop a high-performing team. The role requires proven leadership in flight operations, strong knowledge of CAA regulations, and the ability to drive operational excellence. This full-time position based in Bournemouth involves strategic planning and stakeholder engagement with potential for international travel.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in flight operations, ideally with prior experience as a CAA Accountable Manager.
• Deep understanding of CAA regulations and operational safety standards.
• Experience managing both commercial and military aviation teams.
• Strong strategic thinking and stakeholder management skills.
• Eligible for UK security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing team across commercial and ex-military aircraft operations.
• Champion a safety-first culture and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Drive operational excellence and strategic growth.
• Build trusted relationships with regulators and industry partners.

Skills

Leadership in flight operations

Knowledge of CAA regulations

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Commercial acumen

Job description

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Direct Employer

Vice President Flight Operations

Draken Europe Verified

Bournemouth Airport, Dorset, England

Sales & Support

VP Customer Operations

Hybrid

Full time

20 hours ago - Be the first to apply

Vice President Flight Operations

Location: UK (with international travel)

Company: Draken Europe

Contract Type: Permanent | Full-Time

Salary: Executive-level package + benefits

Lead the future of mission-critical aviation at Draken Europe.

Draken Europe is seeking an exceptional aviation leader to take on the role of Vice President Flight Operations—a pivotal position responsible for the strategic, operational, and regulatory leadership of our Flight Operations function. This role includes designation as Accountable Manager for our AOC, ATO, and CAMO approvals, ensuring full compliance with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations.

About The Role

As VP Flight Operations, you will:

• Lead a high-performing team across commercial and ex-military aircraft operations.
• Champion a safety-first culture and ensure regulatory compliance across all flight activities.
• Drive operational excellence, continuous improvement, and strategic growth.
• Represent Draken Europe with integrity and influence across industry, customer, and regulatory engagements.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Culture: Inspire and develop a diverse team of pilots, EWOs, engineers, and support staff. Foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and high performance.
• Safety & Compliance: Serve as Accountable Manager, overseeing SMS implementation, safety audits, and regulatory adherence.
• Operational Excellence: Ensure aircraft and mission systems are ready for scheduled and unscheduled operations. Monitor performance metrics and drive efficiency.
• Strategic Planning: Shape the future of Flight Operations through strategic initiatives, market expansion, and capability development.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build trusted relationships with regulators, customers, and industry partners. Represent Draken at key events and forums.
  
  

What You’ll Bring

• Proven leadership in flight operations, ideally with prior experience as a CAA Accountable Manager.
• Deep understanding of CAA regulations and operational safety standards.
• Experience managing both commercial and military aviation teams.
• Strong strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead through complexity, ambiguity, and change.
• Eligible for UK security clearance.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Advertising Services

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