At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow the Air Safety team, ensuring high-quality delivery in aviation safety.
- Company: Join a family-owned SME in Bristol with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 28 days holiday, and professional development support.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aviation safety while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or related field, with experience in aviation safety.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
AACE has an opportunity for an Operations Manager (Air Safety) to lead and grow our Air Safety capability, supporting programmes across the highly regulated Defence Air Environment. Applicants will ideally have a background in Defence (or supporting industry) and proven experience in aviation safety and/or engineering management, with knowledge of Military Aviation Authority Regulatory Publications (MRP) and associated Defence Standards. You will bring a strong track record of leading high-performing technical teams. In this role you will manage, develop and grow a team of experienced Air Safety Engineers, ensuring safe, compliant and high-quality delivery to our customers. You will be a proactive and credible leader who can engage stakeholders at all levels, spot opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement, and inspire others to deliver. As part of the AACE management team, you will provide strategic input to support the maintenance and growth of the company, reporting directly to the Head of Operations.
Key responsibilities:
- Line management of the Air Safety team, managing team competence, development and capacity planning.
- Lead on Air Safety business development opportunities and recruitment activities to identify and attract suitable candidates, supporting the continued growth of the Air Safety team.
- Provide technical input, estimates and resourcing to support contract bids and proposals.
- Provide technical assurance of safety deliverables.
- Oversee project delivery to time, cost and quality.
- Deliver Air Safety tasks in support of customer contracts, either independently or through the leadership of a team of safety engineers.
- Build and develop existing customer relationships.
- Develop new customer relationships and identify growth opportunities.
- Maintain awareness of market opportunities to identify business opportunities and risks.
Key skills and experience:
- Essential: Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Safety, or a related discipline.
- Essential: Professional registration - ideally chartered status with a relevant professional institution (e.g. RAeS, IMechE, IET).
- Essential: Significant experience in aviation safety and/or engineering.
- Essential: Experience working with Defence and/or supporting industries, and the associated ways of working.
- Essential: Eligible to obtain and maintain SC security clearance.
- Essential: Strong leadership, communication and relationship-building skills, with credibility at senior client levels.
- Desirable: Previous experience of working in MOD (DE&S), and the associated ways of working.
- Desirable: Previous experience with generating proposals, winning bids, technical consultancy, business development and/or recruitment.
- Desirable: Safety and engineering qualifications/training, such as: Formal safety and environmental management training, formal air safety management training, ISO 9001 quality management training/experience.
Why join AACE?
- AACE is a Bristol-based, family-owned company and an established small-to-medium enterprise (SME), with valued employees working in close-knit teams.
- Industry-competitive salary based on experience/qualifications.
- Flexible and hybrid working. Full-time or part-time positions may be available.
- 28 days annual holiday plus public holidays.
- Company pension and private healthcare.
- Support to continual professional development (CPD), including training, qualifications, and peer-to-peer learning and development.
The appointment is subject to the successful applicant gaining security clearance at the required level.
Operations Manager - Air Safety & Engineering employer: AACE Ltd
AACE is an exceptional employer located in Bristol, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where employees are valued as part of a close-knit family-owned team. With competitive salaries, flexible hybrid working options, and a strong commitment to professional development, AACE empowers its staff to grow and excel in their careers while contributing to vital aviation safety initiatives in the Defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Air Safety & Engineering
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with AACE Ltd for a Operations Manager - Air Safety & Engineering. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Air Safety & Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at AACE Ltd, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At AACE Ltd, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at AACE Ltd
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with AACE Ltd.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with AACE Ltd. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like AACE Ltd love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
