Operations Manager, Remote in Maidenhead

Malloy Aeronautics Limited specializes in the development of heavy lift unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) for both civilian and military uses. Located in Berkshire, our operations are notable for their focus on in-house design and manufacturing. This vertical integration means we control the production of most aircraft components on-site, enhancing our ability to innovate and maintain high standards across all stages of development.

The Head of Flight Test Operations leads all flying activities at Malloy, overseeing a team delivering both deployed and domestic UAV operations across production, training, test and customer trials domains. Ensures operational safety, efficient operations and regulatory compliance across all flying activities. The Head of Flight Test Operations is the owner of all regulatory and governance documentation for UK flying operations—including civil and military contexts—covering OSC, OA, SORA, CFAOS and OFCOM, acting as the primary regulatory liaison with authorities such as the CAA, MAA, AAIB, and NATS.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Flight Ops (FLOPS) strategy and aviation governance across all flight operations, including production, test, demonstration, and development activities.
• Ensure compliance with internal procedures and external regulations governing UAV flight safety, airworthiness, airspace use, and crew qualifications.
• Oversee the readiness, provision and safety of aircraft, ground equipment, personnel, and facilities used in flight operations.
• Act as the primary liaison with regulatory bodies.
• Conduct or supervise aviation risk assessments, pre-flight briefings, pre-trials briefs, post-flight reviews, and airworthiness inspections.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation of aircraft status, flight logs, maintenance records, and operational approvals.
• Support pilot training, authorisation management, and crew certification processes.
• Drive continuous improvement in aviation safety culture, operational efficiency, and compliance processes.
• Ensure adherence to SHE (Safety, Health & Environment) policy across all aviation activities.
• Coordinate crew, aircraft, support equipment and T&S activities in collaboration with the Chief Operations Pilot.
• Communicate and contextualise flow down of business strategy for your business area and lead the delivery of that strategy whilst managing organisational change.
• Engage and collaborate with stakeholders across the wider business.

Qualifications:

• Ability to hold Security Clearance – 5 years residence in the UK.
• Formal training in aviation safety, risk management, or quality assurance.
• Deep understanding of (UK & international) Aviation & UAS Regulatory Frameworks.
• Knowledge of UAV systems, flight operations, and risk-based operating models.
• Strong understanding of flying, Mission Planning, and Air Operations Execution.
• Understanding of flight test planning, data capture, and test team roles/responsibilities.
• Desirable: PPL – Private Pilot Licence.

Benefits:

• Company Pension Scheme.
• Discretionary Employee Incentive Bonus Scheme.
• Employee Share Incentive Plan (BAE Systems).
• Company Sick Pay.
• Maternity and Paternity Enhanced Leave.
• Healthcare Cash Plan including Virtual GP, Dental Cover, Vision Cover, Discounted Gym Membership, and much more!
• Employee Assistance Programme (24hr Helpline).
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Casual Dress.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in certain assessments or interviewing, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.