Head of operations

Prestwick Aerosystems; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Airbus Helicopters Arabia for Aircraft Maintenance is seeking a Head of Operations to lead end-to-end operational performance across spares, technical support, training, and maintenance activities in the Riyadh region. The role focuses on regulatory compliance, safety culture, and developing multi-service offers for customers.

The ideal candidate will drive continuous improvement, manage cross-functional teams, and ensure delivery against SLAs while maintaining robust risk management and

Qualifications

• Experience in MRO/aviation operations management, ideally in helicopter or complex technical environment.
• Strong knowledge of Part 145 and airworthiness regulatory frameworks.
• Proven track record leading multi-disciplinary operational teams (technical, logistics, training).
• Experience in contract management and support of commercial/service offer development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all operational functions: spares distribution, technical support, Part 145 workshop, equipment repair, and training delivery.
• Ensure operational plans align with business objectives and customer commitments.
• Drive performance through KPIs, governance, and regular reviews.
• Ensure compliance with Part 145 maintenance regulations and airworthiness standards.
• Oversee technical support activities, ensuring timely resolution of customer requests.
• Maintain relationships with airworthiness authorities and engineering support.

Skills

Aviation MRO

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Job description

Job Summary

The Head of Operations (HO Operations) is responsible for the end-to-end operational performance of the subsidiary, covering spares distribution, technical support, training, Part 145 maintenance/repair activities, equipment repair, and contract management. The role ensures operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and a strong safety culture while supporting the development of multi-service support offers to customers across the region.

Job Responsibilities

• Operations Leadership Lead and coordinate all operational functions: spares distribution, technical support, Part 145 workshop, equipment repair, and training delivery
• Ensure operational plans are aligned with the subsidiary's business objectives and customer commitments
• Drive performance through clear KPIs, structured governance, and regular operational reviews
• Part 145 & Technical Support Ensure the Part 145 maintenance organization operates in full compliance with applicable civil/military airworthiness regulations
• Oversee technical support activities, ensuring timely and quality resolution of customer technical requests
• Maintain strong relationships with airworthiness authorities and Airbus Helicopters engineering support
• Spares & Equipment Repair Ensure efficient spares distribution processes, inventory accuracy, and on-time delivery performance
• Oversee equipment repair operations, ensuring turnaround times and quality standards are met
• Training Ensure training programs (technical, operational) are delivered to required standards and support customer capability development
• Coordinate with training partners/academies as relevant
• Contract Management & Support Offers Oversee contract execution, ensuring deliverables, SLAs, and commercial terms are met
• Support the development and structuring of multi-service support offers (bundled MRO, training, spares, technical support packages) in collaboration with Sales/Business Development
• Safety Culture & Structure Champion a strong, visible safety culture across all operational activities — technical, workshop, and training environments
• Ensure robust risk management, incident reporting, and continuous improvement processes are in place
• Build and maintain structured, documented processes and procedures across all operational domains, ensuring consistency, auditability, and scalability as the organization grows
• Lead by example on compliance, discipline, and rigor in day-to-day operations
• People Management Manage, coach, and develop operational team leads and their teams
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Requirements

• Strong experience in Support & Services ideally in Aeronautics
• Significant experience in MRO/aviation operations management, ideally in a helicopter or complex technical environment
• Strong knowledge of Part 145 requirements and airworthiness regulatory frameworks
• Proven track record leading multi-disciplinary operational teams (technical, logistics, training)
• Experience in contract management and support of commercial/service offer development
• Demonstrated commitment to safety culture and structured operational management
• Strong leadership, organizational, and stakeholder management skills
• Good Communication skills
• Strong network internal and external

Job Notes

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company & Employment Details

Company: Airbus Helicopters Arabia for Aircraft Maintenance

Employment Type: Fixed term

Experience Level: Professional

Job Family: Leadership

Equal Opportunity Statement

Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [e-mail].

Company Overview

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking. Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world's leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide.

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