Director of Operations - Commercial Aviation Training (CAT) in Crawley

We’re seeking a Director of Operations – EMEA to lead the region’s operational strategy and day-to-day execution—building the infrastructure, systems, and teams that enable safe, compliant, and profitable growth. You’ll oversee core operational functions across our training centres, including training delivery support, asset reliability and lifecycle strategy, supplier management and procurement, IT/business systems, sales strategy support, and talent development. Working closely with regional and global leaders, you’ll turn growth plans into scalable, high-performing operations that deliver an exceptional customer experience.

Key accountabilities

• Operational strategy and execution
  • Define and deliver the EMEA operations strategy aligned to business growth plans and global standards.
  • Ensure operational readiness to meet current demand—and scale for future training growth.
  • Embed scalable processes, systems, and governance across the region.
  • Drive accountability for performance against EMEA Operations KPIs and success metrics.
  • Partner with Sales Leadership on go-to-market priorities and maintain strong relationships with key customer stakeholders.
• Asset and infrastructure management
  • Own the regional asset strategy for simulators and training devices (acquisition, deployment, upgrades, relocation, and lifecycle optimisation).
  • Deliver CAPEX allocation for facilities, equipment, and upgrades—ensuring investment is targeted and value-driven.
  • Optimise asset positioning to maximise utilisation, customer satisfaction, and financial return.
  • Build robust business cases for capital investments and infrastructure initiatives.
  • Ensure assets meet or exceed reliability and quality targets; act quickly where performance falls short.
• Service delivery and performance
  • Enable consistent, high-quality service delivery for internal stakeholders and customers.
  • Partner with Commercial and Training Centre leaders to identify and deliver growth opportunities.
  • Ensure IT and business systems meet operational needs and align with group strategy.
  • Ensure wet training delivery meets all regulatory requirements and supports both current courseware and future development.
• People leadership
  • Lead and develop a high-performing regional operations leadership team.
  • Build capability, engagement, and succession across operational disciplines.
  • Champion a strong safety, quality, and continuous improvement culture.
  • Promote cross-regional collaboration to break down operational silos and share best practices.
• Suppliers, safety, and compliance
  • Own supplier strategy, contracts, and performance management across the region.
  • Ensure compliance with health and safety, regulatory, legal, and quality standards.
  • Act as the senior escalation point for operational risk and resilience.

Scope and impact

• Geographical Scope: EMEA - we have operational training sites in most key countries across EMEA
• Direct Reports: Functional and regional operations leaders (circa 400 heads in total org chart)
• Financial Accountability: Significant operating and capital budgets
• Assets: High‑value training devices and infrastructure

Experience and capabilities

• Minimum Qualifications
  • 10+ years leading multi-disciplinary teams, with senior operations leadership experience in aviation, training, engineering, or other asset-intensive environments.
  • Strong strategic planning and execution skills, with a track record of delivering results at pace.
  • Proven experience managing complex supplier ecosystems and high-value capital assets.
  • Demonstrated people leadership across multiple countries and cultures.
  • Comfortable operating in a global, matrixed organisation and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in regulated training and/or other safety-critical environments.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
  • Advanced or postgraduate qualification is desirable.

About CAE
At CAE, our mission is clear: to help make the world a safer place. For nearly 80 years, we’ve driven innovation in simulation, training, and mission readiness to support critical operations worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies, we empower our customers to operate smarter, faster, and more sustainably. Join a purpose-driven organization where bold ideas are encouraged, collaboration drives progress, and your growth fuels our shared success.

Position Type Regular

Equal Opportunity & Accommodations
CAE is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants, regardless of race, nationality, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, veteran status, age, or other characteristics protected by law. We encourage applicants who may not meet every qualification to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available—contact your recruiter or email CAECarrieres-Careers@cae.com if needed.

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