At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead UK Flight Operations, ensuring safety and operational excellence in helicopter services.
- Company: CHC Helicopter, a leader in global helicopter operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aviation while working with a dedicated team in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive senior leadership experience in aviation and strong commercial awareness.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Reach Beyond! CHC provides unmatched helicopter services that enable our customers to reach beyond - to work in remote and challenging destinations that limit others - and come home safely. We are dedicated to our purpose of getting our customers where they need to be, when they need to be there, anywhere in the world - safely and reliably. All you have to do is get on board!
At CHC, we pride ourselves on our values and culture:
- Accountability: Take pride and ownership of our actions and results.
- Collaboration: Working together with transparency and trust to drive continuous improvement.
- Care: Creating a safe and sustainable environment for all.
- Integrity: Doing what's right and fostering a culture of respect.
- Excellence: Prioritizing quality services and setting industry standards.
Role Summary
We're Hiring: Manager Flight Operations UK (MFO) Aberdeen, UK | Leadership | Travel within the UK | UK CAA Post Holder
CHC Helicopter is seeking an exceptional aviation leader to join our UK Leadership Team as Manager Flight Operations. This is one of the most senior operational leadership roles within our UK business, combining strategic leadership with regulatory accountability as the nominated UK Flight Operations Post Holder. Leading one of the UK's most respected helicopter operations, you will shape the future of Flight Operations, drive operational excellence, and ensure the highest standards of safety, compliance and customer delivery across our UK AOC.
Reporting to the Operations Director (UK Accountable Manager), you will provide strategic leadership for all UK Flight Operations, balancing operational performance, regulatory compliance, commercial delivery and people leadership. The role also has a dotted line to the Director Flight Standards. Working closely with the leadership team, you will influence business strategy whilst maintaining strong relationships with customers, regulators, employee representatives and global stakeholders. This role offers significant visibility across the organisation and the opportunity to directly influence operational performance within a complex, safety-critical aviation environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for all UK Flight Operations.
- Fulfil the responsibilities of the UK Flight Operations Post Holder.
- Lead the delivery of safe, compliant and efficient flying operations.
- Drive operational performance, resource planning and cost effectiveness.
- Build strong relationships with customers, regulators and industry stakeholders.
- Lead engagement with pilot groups, including industrial relations matters.
- Develop and mentor a high-performing leadership team.
- Implement and uphold CHC’s global Flight Standards within the UK AOC and contribute to their development as a member of the global Flight Standards Team.
- Champion continuous improvement, innovation and safety performance.
- Represent CHC with credibility both internally and externally.
Qualifications, Skills & Attributes
What You'll Bring
- Extensive senior leadership experience within commercial helicopter or aviation operations.
- Eligibility to satisfy UK CAA Flight Operations Post Holder requirements.
- Strong commercial awareness alongside an uncompromising commitment to safety.
- Experience leading large operational teams within complex, regulated environments.
- Demonstrated success influencing stakeholders and leading organisational change.
- Outstanding communication, relationship-building and leadership capability.
- Experience engaging with customers, regulators and employee representative (union) groups.
- A collaborative leadership style and ability to make difficult decisions confidently.
Personal Attributes
- Calm under pressure
- Strong technical leadership
- Collaborative approach
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Commercial awareness
Eligibility
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK and meet any clearance requirements relevant to the role.
Why Join Us?
This is an outstanding opportunity to lead Flight Operations for one of the world's most recognised helicopter operators. You will join a business where safety, operational excellence and customer service sit at the heart of everything we do, while working alongside an experienced executive leadership team with the opportunity to make a lasting impact on our UK operation. If you are an experienced aviation executive looking for your next leadership challenge, we would welcome your application.
Closing Date 14th August 2026
Manager Flight Operations - UK employer: CHC Group Ltd.
CHC Helicopter is an exceptional employer located in Aberdeen, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, competitive compensation, and a commitment to maintaining robust governance standards. Join us to be part of a global team dedicated to excellence in aviation services, where your expertise in fixed assets and inventory management will be valued and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager Flight Operations - UK
✨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 CHC Group Ltd. for a Manager Flight Operations - UK. 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 Manager Flight Operations - UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at CHC Group Ltd., 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 CHC Group Ltd., 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 CHC Group Ltd.
✨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 CHC Group Ltd..
✨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 CHC Group Ltd.. 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 CHC Group Ltd. love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
