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- Tasks: Lead strategic operations and support financial goals in a dynamic aviation training environment.
- Company: Join Castle Air Academy, a leading aviation training institution in Gloucestershire.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time, permanent role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-impact team that drives innovation and compliance in the aviation sector.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in operations or strategy roles; strong business acumen and communication skills required.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about aviation and eager to make a difference.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
Job Description: Strategic Operational Manager
Reporting to: General / Accountable Manager
Location: Castle Air Academy, Gloucestershire
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent
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Primary Objective of the Role
To support the Accountable Manager in delivering strategic, operational, and financial goals across Castle Air Academy, Gloucester and support the CTKI and FSTD Manager roles. This high-impact role acts as a strategic coordinator, analytical advisor, and operational enabler. It ensures the smooth execution of key initiatives, regulatory compliance, and commercial performance as the Academy scales.
The postholder will be a proactive, analytical individual able to anticipate needs, manage complexity, and contribute meaningfully to strategic initiatives within a dynamic aviation training environment. A strong ability to build trust across stakeholders, both internal and external, is essential.
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Key Competencies & Behaviours
1. Strategic Thinking & Commercial Acumen
Definition: Understands broader business goals, identifies growth opportunities, and supports strategic decision-making.
Behaviours:
•\\tAnticipates business needs and proactively gathers insights (e.g., new courses, training contracts, fleet strategy).
•\\tSynthesises financial data (e.g., course-level breakeven, margin modelling) into executive-ready outputs.
•\\tTracks KPIs for scaling and profitability; identifies cost drivers and margin risks.
•\\tBenchmarks course pricing and supports commercial strategy and decision-making.
•\\tContributes data to board briefings, management reviews, and business plans.
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2. Aviation Industry Awareness & Regulatory Insight
Definition: Understands helicopter flight training operations and associated UK CAA regulatory frameworks.
Behaviours:
•\\tPrepares documentation and audit materials for CAA inspections and internal reviews.
•\\tInterprets and briefs changes to UK aviation regulations (e.g., Part-FCL, ORA, ORS4/5/9).
•\\tSupports maintenance of CAA-approved manuals (e.g., TM, OM, SMS, CMM).
•\\tLiaises with regulators and external ATOs to maintain operational compliance.
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3. Project Coordination & Execution
Definition: Manages Academy strategic and operational projects from planning to completion.
Behaviours:
•\\tCreates and monitors project plans.
•\\tDevelops and tracks Gantt charts and dashboards for strategic initiatives.
•\\tTracks and oversees project milestones and risks—e.g., training throughput vs revenue goals.
•\\tCoordinates project delivery across training, operations, finance, and marketing.
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4. Stakeholder Management, Communication & Relationship Building
Definition: Builds trusted relationships and represents the Academy professionally across internal and external interfaces.
Behaviours:
•\\tDemonstrates a personable, professional and customer-oriented approach.
•\\tPrioritises long-term stakeholder and client relationships.
•\\tActs as liaison for key partners, regulators, prospective clients and cadet sponsors.
•\\tPrepares communications, stakeholder briefings, and board papers.
•\\tManages sensitive communications tactfully (e.g. pricing, complaints, regulatory discussions).
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5. Operational Agility & Problem Solving
Definition: Responds flexibly to changing needs and applies sound judgement under pressure.
Behaviours:
•\\tHandles critical tasks or escalations discreetly and efficiently.
•\\tSupports continuity of operations while progressing strategic priorities.
•\\tDiagnoses operational or compliance gaps and recommends improvements.
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6. Information & Workflow Management
Definition: Structures and manages the flow of communications and data to and from the AM.
Behaviours:
•\\tScreens and prioritises meeting requests and correspondence based on relevance and urgency.
•\\tMaintains briefing packs and high-level reporting for strategic meetings.
•\\tOrganises shared digital workspaces and maintains compliance-ready records.
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7. High-Level Discretion & Professional Integrity
Definition: Handles sensitive matters with complete confidentiality and loyalty.
Behaviours:
•\\tActs as a trusted advisor to the AM, raising concerns respectfully and offering solutions.
•\\tMaintains confidentiality on finance, HR, and regulatory matters.
•\\tUpholds the Academy’s brand, values, and professionalism in all dealings.
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8. Change Readiness & Growth Mindset
Definition: Embraces change and seeks to improve operations through innovation and feedback.
Behaviours:
•\\tIdentifies inefficiencies and suggests improvements across departments or processes.
•\\tPromotes a culture of agility, learning, and cross-functional support.
•\\tTakes ownership of internal transformation projects (e.g. onboarding digitisation, simulator expansion programme).
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9. Time Management & Prioritisation
Definition: Plans and executes tasks efficiently in a fast-paced training environment.
Behaviours:
•\\tMaintains a forward-looking executive calendar aligned to key Academy cycles.
•\\tPlans ahead for strategic priorities, while handling urgent tasks effectively.
•\\tResolves scheduling and deadline conflicts with foresight and professionalism.
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Desired Qualifications & Experience
•\\tMinimum 5 years’ experience in a senior executive support, operations, or strategy coordination role.
•\\tProven ability to learn and adapt quickly in regulated or complex industries.
•\\tStrong business acumen, ideally with relevant postgraduate qualifications (e.g., MSc/MBA in Business, Management, or related field).
•\\tExcellent organisational, written, and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing materials for executive-level meetings.
•\\tHigh proficiency with collaborative digital project management tools and financial modelling platforms (e.g., the complete MS Suite, Smartsheet, Trello, SharePoint, Asana, Notion).
•\\tDemonstrated interest in aviation, education, or training sectors and a willingness to develop deeper regulatory and operational understanding.
Please click apply
Strategic Operations Manager employer: Castle Air Academy
Contact Detail:
Castle Air Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the UK CAA regulatory frameworks and helicopter flight training operations. Understanding these regulations will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the aviation industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the aviation training sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your strategic thinking skills by preparing examples of how you've identified growth opportunities or improved operational efficiency in previous roles. Be ready to discuss these during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your project management capabilities by discussing specific projects you've coordinated. Highlight your ability to manage timelines, track milestones, and collaborate across departments to achieve strategic goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Strategic Operations Manager role. Focus on your strategic thinking, project coordination, and stakeholder management abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the aviation industry and regulatory frameworks. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to strategic initiatives in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, especially if you have postgraduate degrees or certifications related to business or management. Emphasise any experience you have in regulated industries.
Showcase Communication Skills: Demonstrate your excellent written communication skills by ensuring your application is free from errors. Use clear and professional language, and consider including examples of materials you've prepared for executive-level meetings.
How to prepare for a job interview at Castle Air Academy
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss how you've identified growth opportunities in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples of how your strategic insights have contributed to business goals, especially in complex environments.
✨Demonstrate Aviation Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with UK CAA regulations and the helicopter flight training industry. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle compliance and regulatory challenges, as this knowledge is crucial for the role.
✨Highlight Project Management Skills
Bring examples of past projects you've coordinated from start to finish. Discuss how you managed timelines, tracked milestones, and collaborated with various teams to ensure successful project delivery.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Think about how you've built and maintained relationships with stakeholders in the past. Be ready to explain your approach to communication and how you handle sensitive discussions, as relationship management is key in this role.
