VP Technical – Project Management - EMEA

SMBC Aviation Capital; Dublin; On-site; EUR 210,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

SMBC Aviation Capital in Dublin seeks a VP Technical – Project Management to lead technical delivery for existing and future aircraft. The role focuses on strategic objectives, cross-functional collaboration, and end-to-end management of technical work across the fleet.

The successful candidate will drive aircraft redelivery projects, manage budgets and stakeholders, and maintain close engagement with Airworthiness Authorities. Extensive travel and senior leadership experience are essential.

Qualifications

• A recognised degree in aeronautical or other relevant Engineering discipline or FAA/EASA licensed aircraft mechanics qualification.
• 5+ years’ experience in aircraft transition project management.
• Experience collaborating in multicultural environments.
• Familiarity with aircraft lease documentation and maintenance risk exposure.
• Ability to manage multiple projects within tight timelines and budgets.
• Strong understanding of aviation certification requirements and related regulations.
• Familiarity with AMMs, IPCs, Service Bulletins, ADs.
• Willingness to travel extensively and adapt to different time zones.
• Strong Excel skills for data manipulation.

Responsibilities

• Feed into and implement the strategic objectives set by the Head of Technical.
• Own and manage technical relationships as assigned by the EVP or Head of Technical.
• Project manage aircraft redeliveries including budgeting, contractor management, customer liaison, Airworthiness Authority liaison and MRO control.
• Negotiation of LOI’s/ Leases for new and used aircraft to ensure the best outcome for the company and our customer.
• Engage with industry participants to ensure SMBC AC remains informed of all technical issues related to aircraft within the SMBC AC fleet.
• Interface with other departments within the organisation to enhance the understanding and measurement of the risks associated with aircraft ownership.
• Engage and project manage consultants working on behalf of SMBC AC and ensure the contractor base has the best talent available in the market.

Skills

Collaboration

Microsoft Excel

Data analysis

Project coordination

Education

Aeronautical Engineering degree or FAA/EASA license

Tools

Excel (macros)

Job description

VP Technical – Project Management - EMEA

Vacancy type Lateral

Business area Technical

Location Dublin

Intake year 2026

Description

Team & Role Overview

The Technical Team forms an integral part of both the delivery of our commercial strategy and the holistic management of our customer bases. Reporting to the EVP Technical and located in Dublin, the position of VP Technical is a key member of the Technical team. This role represents a unique opportunity for candidates with vision, energy and ambition to also contribute to the rest of the Technical team, while working within a multi-disciplinary organisation.

Our Technical team’s role in SMBC AC includes:

• The negotiation of all technical aspects of aircraft leasing transactions with respect to SMBC AC’s fleet of owned, managed and to be delivered aircraft.
• The project management of all technical work undertaken on SMBC AC’s fleet to facilitate our overall business objectives including aircraft transition project management.
• Collaboration with Airline Marketing in the analysis of transaction opportunities within the region, making recommendations to the CCO team and the broader business on appropriate deal structures and risk mitigants.

Key Responsibilities

• Feed into and implement the strategic objectives set by the Head of Technical
• Own and manage technical relationships as assigned by the EVP or Head of Technical
• Project manage aircraft redeliveries including budgeting, contractor management, customer liaison, Airworthiness Authority liaison and MRO control.
• Negotiation of LOI’s/ Leases for new and used aircraft to ensure the best outcome for the company and our customer.
• Engage with industry participants to ensure SMBC AC remains informed of all technical issues related to aircraft within the SMBC AC fleet.
• Interface with other departments within the organisation to enhance the understanding and measurement of the risks associated with aircraft ownership.
• Engage and project manage consultants working on behalf of SMBC AC and ensure the contractor base has the best talent available in the market.

Qualifications & Experience

• A recognised degree in aeronautical or other relevant Engineering discipline or FAA/EASA licensed aircraft mechanics qualification with 5+ years’ experience in aircraft transition project management.
• A strong track record in collaboration and teamwork in a multicultural environment.
• Related past airline and/or MRO experience is essential.
• Familiarity with aircraft maintenance programmes, modifications, reconfiguration work and aircraft technical records.
• Knowledge of aircraft lease documentation and maintenance risk exposure.
• An ability to manage multiple projects concurrently to tight timelines within budgetary constraints.
• A strong understanding of aviation and aircraft certification requirements and the associated regulations.
• Familiarity with Aircraft technical publications such as AMM’s, IPC’s, Service Bulletins, AD’s.
• Willingness to travel extensively, occasionally at short notice.
• Flexibility in working hours to accommodate demands of different time zones.
• Familiarity with aircraft maintenance programmes, records and related technical documentation.
• High degree of competency in Microsoft Office, in particular Excel (macros, data manipulation).
• An understanding of engine workscope planning documents would be a distinct advantage.

Critical behaviours

These embody our culture and are central to how we work together at SMBC Aviation Capital:

• Respect: Two-way communication: listen intently, give quieter voices a platform and be conscious of tone. Respect people’s time and be flexible in accommodating others.
• Trust: Create a psychologically safe space. Do what you say you will do, when you say you will do it. Be honest, communicate openly and be respectful of each other’s needs.
• Integrity: Always do what is right including when no one is watching; treat people with respect and kindness; be self-aware, compassionate and embrace diversity.
• Connect: Collaborate to unleash the full potential of our diverse talent. Respect each other’s expertise and perspective and welcome challenge. Foster an inclusive and fun environment where accomplishments are recognised and take pride in winning together.
• Adapt: Be brave and curious – anticipate the future and be proactive. Have a ‘why not’ attitude, learn from previous experiences. Call out bureaucracy when it is evident in a process or way of working. Be agile to meet and exceed our customers’ needs. Demonstrate resilience and support each other.
• Achieve: Take accountability and ownership to deliver results, be ambitious and take pride in everything we do. Set each other up for success and share insights. Do what it takes to drive positive change and seek opportunities to innovate and grow our business and people.

Take your career to new heights – come join us at SMBC Aviation Capital

At SMBC Aviation Capital we look after one another. Through the SMBC Aviation Capital People Commitment we offer a comprehensive suite of benefits, aligned to your needs as you move through different career and life stages. The SMBC AC People Commitment also includes our people-led culture; reward & recognition; along with our learning, wellbeing, inclusion, engagement, and CSR initiatives. In return, we askyou to bring your ambition and commitment to your work here at SMBC AC to mutually create an exceptional employee experience.

A world of opportunity awaits you at SMBC Aviation Capital. Our workplace is one where diversity is welcome, and people of all backgrounds are supported to be at their best. We are an equal opportunities employer and strive to build an ever-inclusive work environment. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees. Should you have a reasonable accommodation request please reach out to us at [e-mail]