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- Tasks: Lead and optimise maintenance planning for aircraft, ensuring peak performance and safety.
- Company: Join AirTanker, a key player in the UK's defence capability.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, bonuses, EV scheme, and a contributory pension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on mission-critical operations while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in planning roles, strong team leadership, and project management experience required.
- Other info: Experience adventure training, battlefield tours, and family fun days with us.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We are looking for an experienced Planning Manager to lead our Aircraft Maintenance Planning function, supporting both the ATRS Fleet and third-party maintenance activities within AirTanker facilities. This is a key leadership role, responsible for the development, oversight, and continuous optimisation of our heavy maintenance plan through to contract end.
AirTanker is a vital part of the UK’s defence capability, delivering air-to-air refuelling and air transport services to the RAF and MOD. We operate at the intersection of military precision and commercial innovation. As a Planning Manager, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring our fleet remains safe, available, and fully mission-ready. By developing, maintaining, and optimising the long-term maintenance plan—and coordinating complex maintenance activity across multiple teams and providers—you’ll help maximise aircraft availability and keep AirTanker operating at peak performance. Your leadership, strategic oversight, and commitment to continuous improvement will ensure we deliver reliable, compliant, and on-time maintenance when it matters most.
What’s in it for you?
- Operational Impact: Lead and optimise the fleet’s maintenance planning strategy—directly influencing aircraft availability, maintenance efficiency, and the overall reliability of a mission-critical operation.
- Strategic Leadership: Shape long-term maintenance planning, capacity management, and project delivery, guiding teams and stakeholders to achieve safe, compliant, and on-time maintenance performance.
- Complex Delivery Environment: Manage multiple maintenance inputs—regulatory demands, operational pressures, heavy maintenance events—balancing priorities to ensure the fleet remains mission-ready.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Including private medical insurance, bonus scheme, EV scheme, contributory pension, and more.
- Adventure & Belonging: Battlefield tours, adventure training, and family fun days.
What you’ll be doing
- Develop, implement, and optimise the long-term maintenance strategy for the ATRS Fleet.
- Lead and support both Short-Term and Mid/Long-Term Planning Teams.
- Ensure continuous regulatory compliance through robust oversight of the maintenance plan.
- Represent AirTanker in discussions with the National Aviation Authority (NAA) when required.
- Design and manage hangar capacity for all scheduled and third-party maintenance.
- Support the development of the Approved Maintenance Programme (AMP).
- Oversee multiple maintenance projects and liaise with engineering, operations, and third-party providers.
- Manage outsourced maintenance contracts and review related tenders.
- Implement Root Cause Analysis and corrective actions following audits.
- Provide effective communication across all areas of the business.
- Manage planning of Life Limited Parts (LLPs) as part of asset management.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and support talent development within the Planning Team.
- Act as Duty Engineering Manager and deputise for Engineering Manager as required.
What you’ll bring
- Essential: Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Planning Engineer (ideally wide-body aircraft).
- Demonstrable experience leading teams or managing people.
- Strong knowledge of project planning principles.
- Experience in CAMO or Part-145 environments.
- Excellent communication and time-management skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and respond effectively to operational changes.
- Proficiency with MRO IT systems (e.g., Envision, AMOS, Trax).
- Proficiency with MS Office tools.
- Experience working with internal and external MRO providers.
- Desirable: University degree (or equivalent experience).
- Understanding of Airbus A330 MPD.
Planning Manager in Carterton employer: AirTanker Services Limited
Contact Detail:
AirTanker Services Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager in Carterton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching AirTanker and understanding their operations. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in maintenance planning and team leadership.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be prepared to share examples of how you've tackled challenges in past roles, particularly in complex delivery environments. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the pressures of the Planning Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Manager in Carterton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience in aircraft maintenance planning and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you a perfect fit for AirTanker. Keep it engaging and relevant to what we do.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've optimised maintenance plans or led teams to success. We love seeing results and impact!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at AirTanker Services Limited
✨Know Your Aircraft Maintenance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of aircraft maintenance planning, especially in relation to wide-body aircraft. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your understanding of regulatory compliance and maintenance strategies.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Planning Manager, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Think of instances where you've successfully managed a team or project. Be ready to share how you motivated your team, handled conflicts, and ensured everyone was aligned with the maintenance goals.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Expect questions about managing multiple maintenance inputs and balancing priorities. Prepare to discuss how you've navigated complex delivery environments in the past, particularly under pressure. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing technical details. You might be asked to explain your approach to liaising with third-party providers or representing the company in discussions with the National Aviation Authority.
