Director, Flight Operations

The Director of Flight Operations is a key leadership role, supporting the Accountable Manager and Chief Operating Officer in broad operational and strategic management across the certificated organisation. The key function of this role is the supervision of safe and efficient Flight Operations, leading and supporting the Flight Operations management team and overseeing and developing safety, regulatory, operational and business performance. Effective collaboration with key stakeholders, leading by good example, managing conflicting priorities and communicating across the broader organisation, alongside promoting the development of company culture and driving strategic business direction and ensuring new strategies and company initiatives are implemented.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Hold the Nominated Person for Flight Operations for the respective regulatory authority as required.
• Liaison with the Competent Authority on all operational and regulatory matters and ensuring compliance with current legislation and the terms of the AOC; including attendance at regulatory audits and that a constructive regulatory relationship is always maintained.
• Ensure accurate document control and exposition of the Management System for regulatory oversight purposes.
• Ensure the Flight Operations department is correctly resourced and schedules are managed to adequately and efficiently supervise flight operations and ensure robust Operational Control, within the agreed Annual Operating Plan.
• Supervise, develop and oversee the performance of flight crew and a team of Flight Operations technical and people managers and support staff, including regular communications and that welfare is considered at all times.
• Guidance and direction with respect to the selection and allocation of suitable Flight Crew to meet Flexjet requirements.
• Chair the Command Review Board, support objective judgements and that feedback is always given to support Flight Crew development.
• Deliver command development pathways and ensure robust command assessment and training is provided.
• Oversee the development of standard operating procedures and standard practices, ensuring implementation of any change is appropriately managed.
• Co-ordination with the Ground Operations Manager, ensuring adequate Operational Control and trip feasibility processes are efficient and effective.
• Co-ordination with the Director of Training and Standards, contributing to flight crew training programs, operational and training standards and developmental pathways are maintained and improved.
• Co-ordination with the Continuing Airworthiness Manager, contributing to efficient practices in the maintenance of airworthiness standards.
• Co-ordination with Compliance, Safety and Security, ensuring robust compliance and safe practices are adhered to both internally and with our contracted organisations and any deficiencies that affect the compliance or safety of operations are acted upon.
• Participation and chairmanship of required team meetings and timely attendance at business related meetings as required.
• Attendance Safety Review Board (SRB) meetings to monitor the safety performance of the Company and to implement improvement actions as required.
• Attend or chair Safety Action Groups, FDM and event review groups, assessing hazards, identifying and implementing risk mitigation as required and support decision making regarding acceptable levels of risk and actions in accordance with just culture.
• Maintain Key Performance Indicators and routinely report to the Accountable Manager and the Chief Operating Officer on performance and metrics from Flight Operations.
• Work with finance on an Annual Operating Plan and ensure efficient Flight Operations are delivered within its constraints.
• Operate on a designated fleet as a Captain and maintain recency as required.
• Deputise for other management staff as required.
• Perform other reasonable work-related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• An above average knowledge of applicable regulations (UK and EASA), Flight Operations Manuals, Operations Specifications, Standard Operating Procedures, Aircraft Systems and Performance, and Company Policies.
• Broad operational experience, including large cabin and worldwide operations.
• Proven experience as a senior manager in a large flight operations department, leading and developing Flight Operations Procedures, Flight Crew Management, Operational Control and operational standards.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Hold a UK and EASA Licence and/or Class 1 medical.
• Must possess the legal ability to work in Europe and/or the UK and have the ability to travel in and out of the UK/EU and US and to all cities/countries where Flexjet serves.
• Proven above average technical knowledge and operational skills.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal/written, listening, and being comfortable presenting at board level and in public.
• Successful candidate must be able to keep accurate records, complete proper paperwork and submit required documents to the company in a timely manner.
• Must be able to function well in a high demand environment while maintaining a positive attitude and image and work well with others.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience as a Nominated Person for Flight Operations.
• Experience in Training, e.g. Line Training, TRI/TRE.