Chief Engineer - Aviation MRO

We are currently working with a leading aviation and aerospace organisation to recruit an experienced Chief Engineer to lead and manage an assigned Maintenance function within their Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO).

This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for ensuring the safe, compliant and effective delivery of aircraft maintenance activities in accordance with applicable aviation regulations, international standards and organisational requirements.

The successful candidate will provide professional leadership across the engineering function, driving operational excellence, regulatory compliance, safety and continuous improvement.

You will lead and develop engineering teams, ensure appropriate resources are available to support maintenance operations and build a strong culture of safety, accountability and professional excellence.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced aviation engineering leader to join a technically advanced organisation supporting critical customer operations across the UK and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the assigned Maintenance function in accordance with UK CAA, UK MAA, EASA and company regulatory requirements.
• Ensure all maintenance activities are performed safely, compliantly and within the scope of organisational approvals.
• Provide professional leadership and management to Engineering Delivery Managers, Crew Chiefs and Team Leaders.
• Drive a strong culture of safety, quality and regulatory compliance throughout the engineering organisation.
• Ensure sufficient manpower, tooling, equipment and facilities are available to support maintenance operations.
• Oversee maintenance planning activities to ensure safe, effective and timely delivery of aircraft maintenance programmes.
• Ensure accurate recording and certification of maintenance activities and Certificates of Release to Service.
• Support technical investigations, occurrence reporting and root-cause analysis activities.
• Lead the closure of audit findings, safety investigations and regulatory actions.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 2701 management systems.
• Develop, coach and mentor engineering personnel to build capability, resilience and succession within the team.
• Drive performance, accountability and continuous improvement initiatives across the maintenance function.
• Manage customer and stakeholder relationships while balancing operational, regulatory and commercial requirements.
• Support UK and overseas operations, including occasional travel and deployment requirements.
• Ensure maintenance programmes are delivered safely, efficiently and within agreed budgets.

About You

We are looking for an experienced aircraft maintenance professional with strong leadership capability and a proven track record of managing engineering operations within a highly regulated aviation environment.

You will be confident leading technical teams, managing operational priorities and maintaining the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance. The ability to build effective relationships with customers, stakeholders and internal teams will also be essential.

• Must hold an unrestricted UK CAA Part 66 B1.1 or B2 Aircraft Maintenance Licence.
• BN2T type rating is desirable but not essential type training will be provided to the right candidate.
• B1.1 candidates will require SC Security Clearance.
• B2 candidates will require DV Security Clearance.
• Extensive experience in aircraft maintenance management within a highly regulated aviation environment.
• Strong working knowledge of UK CAA, UK MAA and EASA regulatory requirements.
• Experience managing maintenance operations within an Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO).
• Practical knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS) and aviation compliance frameworks.
• Understanding of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 27001 standards.
• Proven experience leading, developing and mentoring engineering teams.
• Demonstrable experience driving cultural change and continuous improvement.
• Excellent leadership, coaching and mentoring skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to deliver under pressure.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant business systems.
• Medically fit to undertake engineering duties and operational travel requirements.
• BN2T type rating.
• Previous experience within military aviation or defence aviation environments.
• Experience supporting multiple aircraft fleets and maintenance programmes.
• Experience leading regulatory audits and managing corrective action programmes.
• Experience operating within international maintenance environments.
• Knowledge of contract delivery and budget management within aviation operations.

What's on Offer?

Our client offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Up to 12% matching pension contributions
• Discounted private medical insurance
• Electric car scheme
• Additional employee benefits
• BN2T type training provided for the right candidate

About the Organisation

Our client is a well-established organisation operating within the aviation, aerospace and defence sector , providing specialist air training, mission support and aviation capabilities to military customers internationally.

The organisation operates across the UK, US and NATO countries and works with a diverse fleet and highly experienced engineering and operational teams.

This role provides the opportunity to work within a technically advanced and safety-critical environment, supporting important customer operations both in the UK and internationally.

Diversity & Inclusion

Our client is committed to creating an inclusive working environment and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

The organisation is also Armed Forces-friendly and welcomes applications from veterans, service spouses and service partners who meet the requirements of the role.

Reasonable adjustments can be provided throughout the recruitment and interview process for candidates who require them.

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