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- Tasks: Lead RPAS operations, ensuring safety and compliance while managing teams and resources.
- Company: Join Cubic, a leader in innovative technology solutions for transportation and defence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and development in a global company.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of RPAS technology and contribute to mission success and safety.
- Qualifications: Experience in RPAS operations and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Business Unit: Cubic Defense
Company Details: When you join Cubic, you become part of a company that creates and delivers technology solutions in transportation to make people’s lives easier by simplifying their daily journeys, and defense capabilities to help promote mission success and safety for those who serve their nation. Led by our talented teams around the world, Cubic is committed to solving global issues through innovation and service to our customers and partners. We have a top-tier portfolio of businesses, including Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) and Cubic Defense (CD).
Job Details:
SUMMARY: The RPAS Accountable Manager (AM) is the CDUK single point of accountability to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for all Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) operations conducted under the Specific Category, including PDRA01 and BVLOS activities. The post holder receives objective-based assignments aligned to business and regulatory outcomes and determines the resources, structures, and operational processes required to meet agreed schedules, safety targets, and commercial goals. The AM holds overall responsibility for ensuring that RPAS operations are safe, compliant, adequately resourced, and conducted in accordance with the approved Operations Manual, Safety Management System (SMS), and applicable CAA permissions. In addition, the role provides operational leadership for commercial RPAS delivery and training activities across CDUK programmes.
The role has two main aspects:
- Office-based for planning, governance, and assurance.
- Field Based Delivery and Operational Oversight. This requires UK and overseas travel and irregular hours in support of live operations.
ROLE SCOPE AND MANAGEMENT LEVEL: Receives objective-based regulatory and commercial assignments. Determines resource allocation to meet schedules and safety objectives. Establishes and refines procedures affecting multiple operational sections. Executes financial planning, business priorities, and workforce planning for the RPAS function. Manages activities across pilots, support staff, and specialist contractors. Influences operational methods and techniques across programmes. Decisions directly impact regulatory compliance posture, operational safety, cost performance, and delivery timelines.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Accountable to the CDUK Management Team for compliance with UK ANO 2016 (as amended), UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (retained), PDRA01/OSC operational requirements.
- Ensure the organisation has sufficient personnel, equipment, funding, and systems to conduct RPAS operations safely.
- Approve and maintain the Operations Manual for PDRA01 and Operational Safety Case for BVLOS.
- Establish, maintain, and continuously improve an effective Safety Management System (SMS) proportionate to PDRA01 / BVLOS risk.
- Ensure hazards are identified, risks are assessed and mitigated, and safety occurrences are reported and investigated.
- Act as the primary interface with the CAA for all RPAS regulatory matters, audits, and oversight activities.
- Provide operational oversight of all commercial RPAS activities.
- Ensure all operations conducted under PDRA01/OSC remain within defined operational limitations.
- Liaison with Training Area Air Operations in order to understand requirements, restrictions and book airspace.
- Liaison with Authority (Military Customer) to understand current military capabilities and doctrine. Understand delivery requirements of planned supported activity, giving advice on CDUK capabilities where needed.
- Lead and manage RPAS delivery teams, including pilots, support staff, and specialist contractors including competency, currency, training and authorisation.
- Coordinate UK and overseas deployments, ensuring compliance with host-nation UAS regulations and equipment movement requirements.
- Oversee RPAS platform selection, maintenance oversight, and lifecycle management.
- Advise senior management and programme teams on RPAS regulatory compliance, Safe system of work for drone operations and integration of RPAS into wider land, training, Joint Fires, and ISTAR activities.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Demonstrable experience as a senior RPAS operational lead or Accountable Manager.
- Proven delivery under CAA Specific Category (PDRA01 and/or BVLOS desirable).
- Strong working knowledge of UK RPAS regulatory framework and SMS principles.
- GVC Certified RPAS pilot (essential).
- Experience managing multi-disciplinary operational teams.
- Experience with operational budgeting and governance frameworks.
- Military aviation or Defence Collective Training background advantageous.
RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE:
- Typically 8+ years relevant operational experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (Desirable).
- Demonstrated leadership across multiple operational sections or disciplines.
- Experience translating regulatory objectives into operational processes.
PERSONAL QUALITIES:
- Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work with minimal supervision.
- Strong relationship-building and influencing skills.
- Effective communicator with stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to lead teams and quickly acquire new skills.
- Willingness to travel.
Worker Type: Employee
RPAS Accountable Manager & Operations Team Leader employer: Cubic
Contact Detail:
Cubic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land RPAS Accountable Manager & Operations Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Cubic and understanding their mission. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in RPAS operations. Confidence is key, so practice common interview questions!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Be proactive and reach out directly to hiring managers or teams at Cubic. Express your interest in the RPAS Accountable Manager role and share how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you email. It’s a great way to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and remind them of your qualifications. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining their team!
We think you need these skills to ace RPAS Accountable Manager & Operations Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the RPAS Accountable Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in RPAS operations and any specific achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading teams and managing operations, don’t forget to emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams or projects in the past. We love to see strong leaders in action!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your skills and experiences stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to see why you're a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be good to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cubic
✨Know Your RPAS Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the UK RPAS regulatory framework and specific categories like PDRA01 and BVLOS. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also committed to compliance and safety.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Prepare examples of your past leadership roles, especially in managing multi-disciplinary teams. Highlight how you've successfully translated regulatory objectives into operational processes, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves liaising with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships and influenced decisions in previous roles, as effective communication is key.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to operational oversight and safety management. Think through how you would handle challenges, such as ensuring compliance during overseas deployments or managing unexpected risks.