Manager Flight Operations (Scheduled)

Irish Aviation Authority; Dublin; On-site; EUR 126,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cycle to work scheme

Tax free travel subsidies (Bus/Luas/Ra

Employee Assistance Programme

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Learning and Development opportunities

Job summary

The Irish Aviation Authority is seeking a Manager Flight Operations (Scheduled) to lead the Flight Operations division, delivering risk-based regulatory oversight and ensuring safety, security and efficiency for scheduled commercial air transport.

The role requires strategic direction, stakeholder engagement, and international representation at ICAO/EASA, with a 41-hour minimum weekly schedule, probation, and a competitive salary (€125,796–€158,383) and benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience in regulatory oversight and enforcement within aviation or a related safety environment.
• Strong leadership, coaching and people management capabilities.
• Ability to plan, organise and deliver results under regulatory constraints.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Flight Operations (Scheduled) Division.
• Direct the Division’s regulatory activity programme based on safety risk and complexity.
• Engage with Accountable Managers, Nominated Persons and stakeholders to provide regulatory direction.
• Represent the IAA at ICAO, EASA and other international forums; travel as required.

Skills

Leadership

Decision making

Management

Communication

Specialist knowledge

Job description

The IAA is the civil aviation regulator for Ireland. We are responsible for the regulation of safety, security, and consumer interests. Our responsibilities are set out in the framework of applicable global, European, and national legislation/regulation. For more information, please visit our website: About the Irish Aviation Authority (iaa.ie).

Mission: The Irish Aviation Authority regulates to the highest professional standards to ensure a safe, secure, sustainable and consumer-focused civil aviation environment. We support world-class performance and innovation in Irish and global aviation.

Values: Our values reflect what we believe in and how we behave when engaging with each other, our clients and partners, and the society in which we live.

• Safety First: We uphold the highest standards of civil aviation safety and security in everything we do for the benefit of aircraft passengers and aviation personnel and in the public interest.
• Consumer-focused: We protect the rights of consumers, ensuring a safe, secure and efficient civil aviation experience.
• Sustainability: We support the development of aviation in a sustainable manner that meets the present demands for safeguarding the needs of the future.
• Integrity and Accountability: We act with transparency, fairness and responsibility in all our decisions and actions.
• Professionalism: We maintain the highest levels of expertise, ethics, responsiveness, efficiency and conduct in our work, and we recognise our true strength is in our people.
• Collaboration: We work closely with stakeholders to promote trust, alignment and shared success.
• Respect and Inclusion: We value diverse perspectives and foster an inclusive, respectful workplace and stakeholder environment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ROLE OF MANAGER FLIGHT OPERATIONS (SCHEDULED)

• The Manager Flight Operations (Scheduled) reports to the Head of Flight Operations and is responsible for the certification, oversight and enforcement activities assigned to the Flight Operations (Scheduled) Division. The role provides strategic and operational direction for these activities, supporting strong regulatory governance and the IAA’s mission, values and strategic priorities.
• The Manager translates strategic direction into a risk-based and performance-driven programme of regulatory activity for scheduled commercial air transport operators. This includes directing the Division’s multidisciplinary inspectorate team in the delivery of annual and quarterly oversight plans, with regulatory priorities and resources determined by safety risk and operational complexity.
• The Manager ensures consistency and proportionality in the exercise of the Division’s regulatory responsibilities. The role engages with Accountable Managers, Nominated Persons and other relevant stakeholders to provide clear regulatory direction and ensure that regulatory matters are addressed in a timely and coordinated manner.
• The Manager supports the delivery of the IAA Statement of Strategy, the Irish State Plan for Aviation Safety (SPAS) and the Authority’s safety management processes by identifying emerging risks, analysing safety performance and oversight intelligence, and implementing or recommending targeted regulatory interventions.
• The role maintains structured interfaces with the relevant Managers in Airworthiness where operational and continuing airworthiness responsibilities intersect. It also works closely with the Aviation Infrastructure and Aviation Security Departments, and other relevant IAA functions, to support coordinated regulatory safety outcomes.
• The Manager Flight Operations (Scheduled) represents the IAA, as appropriate, at ICAO, EASA and other national, international and government forums
• This role requires domestic and international travel, as necessary, to fulfil regulatory oversight responsibilities, engage with stakeholders and represent the IAA at relevant meetings and forums.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities of the IAA Manager

Leadership & People Management:

Lead and manage the Flight Operations (Scheduled) Division, including workforce planning, performance management, staff development, leave management and resource scheduling, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and a culture of safety, accountability and continuous improvement.

Performance Management & Coaching:

Provide clear guidance, constructive feedback, and timely intervention to address performance issues and support employee development.

Planning, Organisation & Delivery of Results:

Take accountability for delivering objectives by planning, prioritising, and managing multiple workstreams; delegate effectively; and apply appropriate systems, controls, and quality assurance to ensure high-quality, timely outcomes.

Decision Making, Problem Solving & Strategic Awareness:

Make sound, evidence-based decisions, considering organisational, policy, and stakeholder impacts, and take responsibility for outcomes.

Lead continuous improvement and change initiatives within the Division, maintaining effective communication, stakeholder engagement and quality management systems to support operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

Communication & Stakeholder Management:

Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders; act as an effective link between reporting employees and senior management; and communicate clearly and confidently in both written and verbal formats.

Self-Development:

Demonstrate commitment to continuous professional development to enhance capability and effectiveness in the role.

This job description is not exhaustive; other items may be added from time to time at the discretion of the Head of Flight Operations.

Key Competencies Required for Effective Performance

For assessment of applicants for this role we will use the following competency model. This model reflects the changing and more complex environment in which those at this level operate. Each of the key competences in the model is supported by a list of key performance indicators set below.

Effective Performance Indicators

• Leadership
• Analysis & Decision Making
• Management & Delivery of Results
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills
• Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self-Development

Salary Rate

The salary range for this role is Point 1 €125,796 to Point 7 €158,383.

Probationary Period

The position is subject to a probationary period of 6 months from the date of actual commencement and is subject to the provision of satisfactory performance during that period.

Hours of attendance will be fixed from time to time but will amount to not less than 41 hours gross per week. The successful candidate will be required to work additional hours from time to time as may be reasonable and necessary for the proper performance of their duties subject to the limits set down in the working time regulations.

Annual Leave excluding public holidays is 30 days per annum.

Pension

The successful candidate will on date of joining become a member of the Irish Aviation Authority Defined Contribution Plan 2023.

Other Benefits

• Access to cycle to work scheme
• Tax free Bus/ Luas/ Rail to assist with travel costs to and from work
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to IAA health and wellbeing initiatives
• Learning and Development opportunities

Location

The IAA is based in the Times Building, 11-12 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2 near Trinity College. We are convenient to all Luas lines; several Dublin Bus routes and are about 5 minutes from Tara Street Railway Station. We are also just minutes from O’Connell Street and St. Stephen’s Green.

Application

Applications must consist of the following to be considered for shortlisting:

• A cover letter (max. two A4 pages) outlining why you wish to be considered for the post and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements of the position.

Complete applications including CV and letter of motivation to be submitted no later than 5pm Thursday 19th November 2026.

Candidates should note that eligibility to compete is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, the UK and those with an IRP with stamp 4. To qualify candidates must be citizens of the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or have an IRP with stamp 4 on the date of application.

The IAA are not in the position to offer sponsorship for this role.

The IAA promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from people from diverse backgrounds and under-represented groups including, but not limited to, ethnic minority and people with disabilities. IAA firmly believes that such diversity enriches our workplace culture and drives innovation.

Accommodations during the application and interview process may be requested directly to [e-mail].