At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise planning in a dynamic aviation engineering environment.
- Company: Global leader in aviation services with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus incentives, private medical insurance, and electric car scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aviation operations and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong aviation background with experience in maintenance and production planning.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Bournemouth | Permanent | Salary: £65,000–£70,000 + Excellent Benefits
We are partnering with a leading global aviation services organisation to recruit a Head of Planning. This is a critical leadership role within a high-performing engineering environment, offering the opportunity to shape and optimise planning across complex aviation operations.
About the Role
As Head of Planning, you will lead and develop the planning function across Part 145, Part 21G and BCAR A8-23 organisations. You will be responsible for driving efficiency, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering predictable aircraft availability to support Flight Operations. This is a highly visible role where your expertise will directly influence operational performance, maintenance delivery, and production planning across the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement standardised planning processes across maintenance and manufacturing operations
- Ensure compliance with Part 145, Part 21G and MOE requirements
- Lead workload scheduling and production planning across:
- Engine Overhaul
- Aerostructures
- EW Maintenance
- Deliver consistent output aligned to Time, Cost and Quality (TCQ) targets
- Collaborate closely with CAMO, Engineering Delivery Managers, and wider teams to maintain effective maintenance schedules
- Manage forward demand planning with Procurement and resolve supply chain challenges
- Support AOG (Aircraft on Ground) requirements and reactive maintenance
- Oversee fleet modification planning and configuration control (Part 21G)
- Drive continuous improvement across planning KPIs, reporting, and processes
- Provide SME input into system integration and planning tools (e.g. Aerotrac)
- Lead, coach, and develop the planning team while ensuring compliance with H&S and aviation regulations
About You
We’re looking for a strategic and hands-on planning leader with a strong aviation background. You will have:
- Proven experience in aviation maintenance and production planning
- Strong knowledge of Part 145, Part 21G, and BCAR A8-23 regulatory frameworks
- Experience using planning tools such as MS Project and Excel
- A track record of delivering results in fast-paced, high-compliance environments
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary (£65,000–£70,000)
- Up to 12% matched pension contributions
- Bonus incentives
- Private medical insurance (discounted)
- Electric car scheme
- Tech vouchers
- Wellbeing programmes
- Ongoing professional development and career progression
About the Company
Our client is a globally recognised provider of advanced aviation services, supporting defence and allied organisations with specialist training, engineering, and operational capabilities. With a diverse fleet, cutting-edge technology, and highly experienced teams, they play a key role in delivering mission readiness across the UK, US, and NATO regions.
Diversity & Inclusion
Our client is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. As an Armed Forces-friendly organisation, they actively encourage applications from veterans, service leavers, and military families. They are also committed to the Disability Confident scheme and will provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process where required.
If you’re ready to take ownership of a critical planning function and make a real impact within a leading aviation organisation, we’d love to hear from you.
Head Of Planning (Aviation) in Bournemouth employer: DCS Engineering
Join a leading global aviation services organisation in Bournemouth as the Head of Planning, where you will thrive in a high-performing engineering environment that prioritises innovation and efficiency. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including up to 12% matched pension contributions, private medical insurance, and a commitment to ongoing professional development, this role offers not just a job but a pathway to meaningful career growth. Embrace a diverse and inclusive work culture that values your contributions and supports your journey in the dynamic field of aviation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Planning (Aviation) in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the aviation industry, especially those who work in planning or engineering. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Part 145 and Part 21G regulations. We want you to show off your expertise and how it can drive efficiency in planning. Practice common interview questions and have your own ready to ask!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've led teams in high-compliance environments before. Use specific examples to illustrate how you’ve driven results and improved processes in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Planning (Aviation) in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Planning role. Highlight your experience in aviation maintenance and production planning, and don’t forget to mention your knowledge of Part 145 and Part 21G regulations. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
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 leadership role. Share specific examples of how you've driven efficiency and compliance in previous positions. We love a good story that showcases your expertise!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Planning, strong leadership is key. In your application, highlight your experience in leading teams and managing stakeholder relationships. We want to know how you’ve coached and developed others in high-compliance environments!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at DCS Engineering
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on Part 145, Part 21G, and BCAR A8-23 regulations. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show that you understand the compliance landscape and can navigate it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your experience in coaching and developing planning teams, as this role requires strong leadership to drive efficiency and performance.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Planning Tools
Get comfortable with tools like MS Project and Excel. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past roles to optimise planning processes and manage workloads effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Think about how you would approach developing standardised planning processes. Be prepared to share your ideas on driving continuous improvement and how you would align outputs with Time, Cost, and Quality targets.
