At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage aircraft base maintenance operations with a skilled team.
- Company: Join AirTanker, a key player in the UK's defence capability.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, bonuses, and adventure training.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with exciting career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aviation while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: UK CAA Aircraft Maintenance Licence and experience in aviation management.
This is a shift based role on days only 7:00 - 19:00. We have an exciting opportunity for a Shift Manager to join our Base Maintenance team. This is a key leadership role within Fleet Engineering, responsible for the day-to-day management of aircraft base maintenance activities, resources, and technical teams. As a member of the Base Maintenance Senior Management Team, you will lead a multi-disciplinary workforce, drive operational performance, and ensure maintenance activities are delivered safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Why AirTanker? 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 Shift Manager Base, you will play a key role in leading the day-to-day delivery of aircraft base maintenance operations. You will provide leadership to a multi-disciplinary team, coordinate resources, and ensure maintenance activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company and regulatory requirements. Working closely with Engineering, Planning, Quality, and operational stakeholders, you will drive operational performance, support continuous improvement initiatives, and help shape the future direction of Base Maintenance as a member of the Senior Management Team.
What's in it for you?
- Leadership Opportunity: Lead a multi-disciplinary team of skilled aviation professionals and create a high-performing culture focused on safety, quality, and delivery.
- Strategic Influence: Contribute to departmental direction and decision-making as a member of the Base Maintenance Senior Management Team.
- Ownership and Accountability: Take responsibility for shift performance, resource management, maintenance delivery, and operational decision-making.
- 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
- Leading and managing Base Maintenance operations during your shift.
- Coordinating technical manpower, facilities, tooling, and support resources to deliver maintenance plans.
- Providing leadership, direction, and support to a team of skilled aviation professionals.
- Driving a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Ensuring maintenance activities are completed in compliance with airworthiness, safety, and company standards.
- Supporting operational decision-making and resolving shift-related challenges.
- Leading improvement projects and initiatives to enhance capability and performance.
- Supporting the recruitment, development, and performance management of team members.
- Investigating non-conformances and implementing corrective actions where required.
- Contributing to departmental strategy and decision-making as part of the Senior Management Team.
- Deputising for the Head of Base Maintenance when required.
What you'll bring
- A UK CAA Aircraft Maintenance Licence.
- The ability to hold A330 C Certification Authorisation.
- Significant experience managing multi-disciplinary teams within an aviation engineering environment.
- Experience supporting heavy maintenance activities on Airbus wide-body aircraft.
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience operating within a safety-critical environment.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
- The ability to balance operational priorities while maintaining high standards of safety and quality.
Base Maintenance Shift Manager employer: AirTanker
AirTanker is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Carterton where you can play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of flying programmes. With comprehensive benefits such as private medical insurance and a strong focus on professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers while being part of a collaborative team that values operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Base Maintenance Shift Manager
✨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 AirTanker for a Base Maintenance Shift Manager. 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 Base Maintenance Shift Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at AirTanker, 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 AirTanker, 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 AirTanker
✨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 AirTanker.
✨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 AirTanker. 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 AirTanker love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.