Senior MRO & Site Lead, Vertical Lift Operations in Wattisham

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.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Maintenance Manager/Head of MRO/Senior Operations Manager to 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).

As one of the nominated Maintenance Managers (MAA Form 4) under BDUK's MAA Part 145 Maintenance Repair Organisation you will ensure safe, compliant, cost-effective, and on-time aircraft maintenance for the assigned UK maintenance teams. The role is operational and customer-facing, requiring strong technical knowledge, proven leadership in regulated maintenance environments and the ability to operate within the UK Defence Air Environment.

• Lead and manage Boeing maintenance teams and supervisors performing line and base maintenance under Boeing's MAA Part 145 approval at Wattisham and during visits to Odiham.
• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.