At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the Contracts team, ensuring strong governance and commercial performance.
- Company: Join CHC, a leader in helicopter services with a commitment to safety and reliability.
- Benefits: High-impact leadership role with significant visibility and influence across operations.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a collaborative and accountable culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a complex operational environment while driving excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong financial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
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.
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: Prioritising quality services and setting industry standards.
Role Summary
We're Hiring: Head of Contract Operations
UK-based | Travel to customer sites across EMEA West may be required
We are seeking an experienced operational and commercial leader to oversee our Contract Operations function across EMEA West. This role is critical to ensuring strong contract governance, commercial performance, operational alignment, and effective customer partnership across a complex portfolio of aviation contracts.
About the Role
Reporting to the Operations Director, you will lead the regional Contracts function, with responsibility for the governance, performance, and commercial oversight of all live contracts across EMEA West. You will lead a team of Contracts Managers, ensuring robust commercial governance, effective cost control, disciplined change management, and strong customer engagement. Operating at the interface of Operations, Commercial, Finance, and Maintenance, this role plays a key part in driving operational delivery and commercial performance across the region.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the regional Contracts team across EMEA West
- Drive contract financial performance in line with budget and “as sold” expectations
- Maximise achievement of contractual incentives
- Ensure robust overtime governance and commercial discipline
- Own and govern the end-to-end contract change management process
- Lead customer governance activities, including monthly, quarterly, and strategic reviews
- Ensure effective alignment between operational delivery, aircraft utilisation, and maintenance planning
- Act as the senior escalation point for contractual risk, governance, and compliance matters
- Foster strong cross-functional collaboration across Operations, Commercial, Finance, and Maintenance
Qualifications, Skills & Attributes
What You'll Bring
- Significant operational, commercial, or contract management experience within a complex operational environment
- Proven experience leading commercial or contract management teams
- Strong financial, analytical, and commercial acumen
- Experience managing performance-based customer contracts and governance frameworks
- Ability to influence and challenge effectively across matrix organisations
- Strong stakeholder management and customer engagement skills
- Experience within aviation or other safety-critical operational environments would be beneficial.
Personal Attributes
- Strong commercial judgement with a strategic and portfolio-focused mindset
- Credible and confident, with the ability to challenge constructively
- Accountable, resilient, and delivery-focused
- Collaborative leadership style with strong relationship-building capability
Key Success Measures
- Contract margin versus budget
- Percentage of contractual incentives achieved
- Zero unauthorised contract changes
- Effective and timely customer governance delivery
- On-time departure performance
- Aircraft delivered to maintenance on time and within allocated hours
Why Join Us?
This is a high-impact leadership opportunity within a complex operational environment, offering significant visibility and influence across both customer relationships and regional operational performance. If this opportunity aligns with your experience and aspirations, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Eligibility
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK and meet any clearance requirements relevant to the role. The successful applicant may be required to complete pre-employment checks, including criminal history and employment verification. Information collected will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Recruitment Process
We may commence interviews or close applications prior to the advertised closing date if suitable candidates are identified. We therefore encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. Closing Date 30 May 2026. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only candidates whose skills and experience closely match our requirements will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 14 days of your application, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Recruitment Agencies
We are managing this vacancy directly and are not engaging the services of recruitment agencies for this role. We kindly request that agencies do not contact us regarding this position or submit unsolicited candidate CVs. Any CVs sent without prior written agreement will be treated as direct applications and no agency fees will be payable. Thank you for your understanding.
Head of Contract Operations in Aberdeen employer: CHC Helicopter
At CHC, we are committed to fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and care, making us an exceptional employer for the Head of Contract Operations role. Our UK-based team thrives in a dynamic environment where employee growth is encouraged through strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact while working with industry leaders in aviation. Join us to be part of a company that prioritises excellence and offers unique opportunities to work in challenging environments across EMEA West.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Contract Operations in Aberdeen
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aviation industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching CHC and its values. Understand their commitment to safety, collaboration, and excellence. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for and show that you’re a great fit for their culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in contract management and operational leadership can drive performance at CHC. Keep it concise and impactful – you want to leave a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at CHC.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Contract Operations in Aberdeen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operational and commercial leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our values and the specific requirements of the Head of Contract Operations role.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use metrics and examples to demonstrate how you've driven contract performance and customer engagement in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you can bring to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free from jargon. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Early!:We encourage you to submit your application through our website as soon as possible. Given the high volume of applications, applying early increases your chances of being considered. Don’t wait until the closing date!
How to prepare for a job interview at CHC Helicopter
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the contracts relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with key terms, performance metrics, and governance frameworks. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to accountability and excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach, especially in managing teams across complex operational environments. Highlight examples of how you've fostered collaboration and built strong relationships, as these are crucial for driving continuous improvement and effective customer engagement.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and commercial judgement. Think of specific scenarios where you've successfully navigated contractual risks or managed change effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Align with Company Values
CHC values accountability, collaboration, care, integrity, and excellence. During the interview, weave these values into your answers. Share experiences that reflect these principles, showing that you not only fit the role but also the company culture.
