At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead aircraft maintenance operations and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
- Company: Join Boeing Defence UK, a leader in aerospace innovation and support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension plan, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Other info: Based at Wattisham Airfield with regular travel to RAF Odiham; excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence while leading a dynamic team at the forefront of aviation.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in senior management within aircraft maintenance; strong leadership and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Major UK programmes such as Apache, Chinook, C-17, P-8A and E7 Wedgetail are supported and delivered by Boeing Defence UK (BDUK) Ltd, a subsidiary of The Boeing Company. Employing more than 1,800 people, BDUK also provides engineering sustainment and support for aircraft in service with the UK armed forces, along with virtual and instructor-led training. Leveraging our established defence business in the UK, and blending our local expertise with our 'One Boeing' global approach, BDUK is well positioned to support the UK with its current and future defence and security challenges.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead line, base and back shop support maintenance operations for BDUK's Vertical Lift business, based at Wattisham Airfield with every other week travel to Odiham (minimum).
- Ensure safe, compliant, cost-effective, and on-time aircraft maintenance for the assigned UK maintenance teams.
- Act as the nominated MAA Form 4 Maintenance Manager for the assigned site(s), ensuring safe, compliant and timely maintenance delivery.
- Serve as MRO Site Lead for Wattisham, representing Boeing to station leadership, external stakeholders and customers during regular engagement with Odiham.
- Liaise with Military CAMO, working in a matrix organisation partnering with Vertical Lift programme management teams, and DE&S to deliver the contracted statement of work.
- Ensure compliance with Boeing Defence UK Maintenance Organisation Exposition, Operations Manual, station requirements (fire safety, security training) and other regulatory obligations.
- Manage planning, production control/maintenance control and technical staff in a scheduled aerospace maintenance environment.
- Control budgetary elements, report on performance metrics and implement continuous improvement to meet on-time and on-budget targets.
- Support programme communications with customer stakeholders and interface with senior military and company officials.
- Operate effectively in a demanding, on-call operational environment and lead capability growth and process change activities.
- Maintain familiarity with supply chain/systems and ensure required training, security and competency standards are met.
Key Qualifications
- 3 Years or more experience in senior management within a highly regulated aircraft maintenance environment (military and/or commercial).
- Ability to obtain UK Security Clearance requiring 5 years continuous UK residency.
Preferred Qualifications & Experience
- Demonstrable knowledge of military/commercial airworthiness, regulatory systems and CAMO interaction.
- Desirable to have held Form 4 previously in Commercial or Defence regulatory framework.
- Experience leading planning teams, production/maintenance control and multi-site operations.
- Strong project management skills and ability to deliver against tight deadlines.
- Proven track record of stakeholder engagement with senior military and commercial officials.
- Experience implementing process improvements and growing maintenance capability.
Skills & Behaviours
- Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong decision-making under pressure and ability to work independently.
- Commercial awareness and budget control experience.
- Familiarity with supply systems and logistics supporting aircraft maintenance.
- Collaborative, customer-focused approach and ability to represent Boeing at senior levels.
Working Environment & Other Information
- Based at Wattisham Airfield with regular travel to RAF Odiham as required (twice monthly).
- Not classified as shift worker; operational on-call requirements expected.
- No visa sponsorship available.
- No relocation support offered; candidates should live locally or relocate at their own expense.
At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We're committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that's welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and annual incentive plans.
- Continuous learning - you'll develop the approach and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
- Success as defined by you - we'll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
- Excellent Adoption and Parental leave options.
- 23 days plus UK public holidays and a Winter Break between Christmas and New Year.
- Pension Plan with up to 9% employer contribution.
- Short Term Sickness: 100% pay for the first 26 weeks.
- Long Term Sickness: 66.67% of annual salary from 27th week.
- 4x annual salary life insurance.
- Learning Together Programme to support your ongoing personal and career development.
- Access to Boeing's Well Being Programs, tools and incentives.
If you have a strong background in aircraft maintenance management, planning and maintenance support at scale, and are ready to lead multi-site Vertical Lift maintenance operations based at Wattisham with regular visits to Odiham, we encourage you to apply. Applications for this position will be accepted until Apr. 10, 2026.
Export Control Requirements
This is not an Export Control position.
Relocation
Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.
Security Clearance
This position requires the ability to obtain a security clearance post-start.
Visa Sponsorship
Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
Shift
Not a Shift Worker (United Kingdom).
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not accept unlawful discrimination in our recruitment or employment practices on any grounds including but not limited to; race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military and veteran status, or other characteristics covered by applicable law. We have teams in more than 65 countries, and each person plays a role in helping us become one of the world's most innovative, diverse and inclusive companies. We are a Disability Confident Committed employer and welcome applications from candidates with disabilities. Applicants are encouraged to share with our recruitment team any accommodations required during the recruitment process. Accommodations may include but are not limited to: conducting interviews in accessible locations that accommodate mobility needs, encouraging candidates to bring and use any existing assistive technology such as screen readers and offering flexible interview formats such as virtual or phone interviews.
Head of Maintenance, Repair & Operations and Site Lead (Wattisham and Odiham) employer: Boeing Company
Contact Detail:
Boeing Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Maintenance, Repair & Operations and Site Lead (Wattisham and Odiham)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums. 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 Boeing's culture and values. Understand their projects, especially in the Vertical Lift business. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams in regulated environments. Highlight your decision-making skills under pressure and how you've driven process improvements in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Boeing team and ready to take on the challenges at Wattisham and Odiham.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Maintenance, Repair & Operations and Site Lead (Wattisham and Odiham)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Maintenance role. Highlight your experience in aircraft maintenance management and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of your achievements in regulated environments and how you’ve led teams successfully.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: Since this role requires strong technical knowledge, don’t shy away from mentioning your familiarity with military/commercial airworthiness and regulatory systems. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their expertise!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Boeing Company
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to aircraft maintenance and operations. Familiarise yourself with Boeing's MAA Part 145 regulations and the specific programmes like Apache and Chinook. This will show that you're not just a leader but also someone who understands the nitty-gritty of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in regulated environments. Think about times when you had to make tough decisions under pressure or manage multi-site operations. Highlighting these experiences will demonstrate your capability to lead Boeing's maintenance teams effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves liaising with military CAMO and other stakeholders, be ready to discuss your experience in stakeholder engagement. Bring up specific instances where you’ve built strong relationships with senior officials and how that positively impacted your projects.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Boeing values innovation and process improvement, so come prepared with ideas on how you can enhance maintenance capabilities. Share past experiences where you implemented successful changes and the results they yielded. This will show that you're proactive and aligned with Boeing's goals.