Manager Flight Operations - UK in Aberdeen

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: 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.

About the Role

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

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. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us following the closing date, please consider that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. We thank you for your interest and wish you every success in your future career endeavours.

Recruitment Agencies

We manage this vacancy directly and do not engage recruitment agencies for this role. We kindly request that agencies do not contact us in relation to this position or submit unsolicited candidate CVs. Any CVs submitted without prior written agreement will be treated as direct applications, and no agency fees will be payable. Thank you for your understanding.