Deputy Maintenance Manager in Oxford

Report directly to the Maintenance Manager as the senior production leader on the hangar floor. This role drives the technical execution of Completions and Modification activity while managing daily Base Maintenance operations. Acting as a second‑in‑command, you will deputise for the Maintenance Manager when absent, ensuring continuous, compliant and safe facility operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily shift briefs, set the operational tempo and enforce Part 145 standards, tool control and housekeeping across all crews.
• Tactical resource planning and capacity management – dynamically allocate supervisors and engineering teams to meet turnaround times for base maintenance and project milestones set by the Project Management Office.
• Act as the technical bridge between the hangar floor and Part 21 Design, ensuring teams have accurate data before work begins.
• Maintain strict aircraft turnaround times (TAT) and execute project milestones for modifications.
• Resolve technical hurdles and scheduling conflicts between Base Maintenance and Completions.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to manage and balance routine base maintenance activities with complex modification projects.
• Leadership presence to deputise for the Maintenance Manager and assume facility‑wide operational control when required.
• Strong production leadership skills to direct supervisors and keep engineering teams focused.
• Experience in tactical resource planning, manpower forecasting, shift management and dynamic capacity allocation.
• Track record of driving hangar efficiency and meeting strict turnaround times.
• Deep understanding of the Part 145 regulatory environment and ability to enforce standards (tool control, 5S, health & safety).
• Strong analytical problem‑solving skills.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Part 21 Subpart J (Design) and Subpart G (Production) interfaces for the hangar floor.
• Background spanning mechanical base maintenance and bespoke helicopter completions/modifications.
• Familiarity with Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) and complex engineering drawings.
• Formal leadership or supervisory role in a busy rotary‑wing MRO; active EASA Part 66 B1.3 (Rotary Mechanics) or B2 (Avionics) license.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands‑on aviation experience in rotary‑wing maintenance.
• Experience in a senior supervisory or production management capacity.
• Formal training in human factors, safety management systems (SMS) or lean hangar practices such as 5S.

Additional Requirements

• National Security Vetting – must obtain SC clearance; typically requires living in the UK for the last five years.
• Mandatory BPSS check.
• Meet all Export Compliance Regulations requirements.
• Current, legal right to work in the United Kingdom; no sponsorship for employment visas.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Holiday allowance – extra days per year of service, up to an additional 4 days.
• Private medical insurance (Bupa); optional family add‑on.
• Company pension contribution up to 8 % when you contribute 6 %.
• Yearly share incentive plans and discretionary group bonuses.
• Exclusive shopping discounts and cashback card.
• Bikes to Work scheme (up to £3,000) and MyDrive car purchase scheme.
• Technology purchase schemes.
• Personal accident insurance and health‑care cash schemes.
• Referral bonus for successful placements.
• Multi‑faith prayer room.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with 24/7 confidential support.
• Canteen hub with vending machines and free tea and coffee.