At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Contracts team and drive performance across EMEA West.
- Company: Join a dynamic aviation company with a focus on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and significant influence in operations.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and visibility in a complex operational landscape.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-stakes environment with strong customer engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
We're Hiring: Head of Contract Operations UK-based | Travel to customer sites across EMEA West may be required.
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
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
- Effective and timely customer governance delivery
- 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.
Eligibility
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK and meet any clearance requirements relevant to the role.
Head of Contract Operations employer: CHC Helicopter
Join a dynamic and innovative company that values leadership and collaboration, offering the Head of Contract Operations role a unique opportunity to drive commercial performance across EMEA West. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide robust training and development programmes, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability. Our UK-based location ensures a vibrant work environment, complemented by the chance to engage with diverse teams and customers across the region, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Contract Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Head of Contract Operations role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its contracts. Understand their operational challenges and think about how your experience can help them drive performance. Tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed contract teams in the past. Highlight your financial acumen and ability to influence stakeholders – these are key for the role.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team and making an impact in the EMEA West region.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Contract Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Contract Operations. Highlight your experience in contract management and any leadership roles you've held, especially in complex operational environments like aviation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your financial acumen and stakeholder management skills.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We want to see how you lead! In your application, share examples of how you've developed teams and driven performance. Highlight your collaborative approach and how you've built strong relationships across functions.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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, financial performance metrics, and governance frameworks. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams, especially in contract management. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you successfully navigated them. This will help illustrate your collaborative leadership style and ability to influence across matrix organisations.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your financial and analytical skills. Bring examples of how you've driven contract financial performance in line with budget expectations. This will reassure the interviewers of your capability to manage performance-based customer contracts effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your experience in stakeholder management and customer engagement. Think of instances where you’ve built strong relationships or resolved conflicts. This will showcase your ability to foster collaboration across Operations, Commercial, Finance, and Maintenance.
