At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational strategy and execution across EMEA for training centres.
- Company: Join CAE, a leader in simulation and training innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a purpose-driven organisation focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and training in a global context.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in operations leadership with strong strategic planning skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We’re seeking a Director of Operations – EMEA to lead the region’s operational strategy and day‑to‑day execution—building the infrastructure, systems, and teams that enable safe, compliant, and profitable growth. You’ll oversee core operational functions across our training centres, including training delivery support, asset reliability and lifecycle strategy, supplier management and procurement, IT/business systems, sales strategy support, and talent development. Working closely with regional and global leaders, you’ll turn growth plans into scalable, high‑performing operations that deliver an exceptional customer experience.
Key accountabilities
- Operational strategy and execution
- Define and deliver the EMEA operations strategy aligned to business growth plans and global standards.
- Ensure operational readiness to meet current demand—and scale for future training growth.
- Embed scalable processes, systems, and governance across the region.
- Drive accountability for performance against EMEA Operations KPIs and success metrics.
- Partner with Sales Leadership on go‑to‑market priorities and maintain strong relationships with key customer stakeholders.
- Asset and infrastructure management
- Own the regional asset strategy for simulators and training devices (acquisition, deployment, upgrades, relocation, and lifecycle optimisation).
- Deliver CAPEX allocation for facilities, equipment, and upgrades—ensuring investment is targeted and value‑driven.
- Optimise asset positioning to maximise utilisation, customer satisfaction, and financial return.
- Build robust business cases for capital investments and infrastructure initiatives.
- Ensure assets meet or exceed reliability and quality targets; act quickly where performance falls short.
- Service delivery and performance
- Enable consistent, high‑quality service delivery for internal stakeholders and customers.
- Partner with Commercial and Training Centre leaders to identify and deliver growth opportunities.
- Ensure IT and business systems meet operational needs and align with group strategy.
- Ensure wet training delivery meets all regulatory requirements and supports both current courseware and future development.
- People leadership
- Lead and develop a high‑performing regional operations leadership team.
- Build capability, engagement, and succession across operational disciplines.
- Champion a strong safety, quality, and continuous improvement culture.
- Promote cross‑regional collaboration to break down operational silos and share best practices.
- Suppliers, safety, and compliance
- Own supplier strategy, contracts, and performance management across the region.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety, regulatory, legal, and quality standards.
- Act as the senior escalation point for operational risk and resilience.
Scope and impact
- Geographical Scope: EMEA – we have operational training sites in most key countries across EMEA
- Direct Reports: Functional and regional operations leaders (circa 400 heads in total org chart)
- Financial Accountability: Significant operating and capital budgets
- Assets: High‑value training devices and infrastructure
Experience and capabilities
- Minimum Qualifications
- 10+ years leading multi‑disciplinary teams, with senior operations leadership experience in aviation, training, engineering, or other asset‑intensive environments.
- Strong strategic planning and execution skills, with a track record of delivering results at pace.
- Proven experience managing complex supplier ecosystems and high‑value capital assets.
- Demonstrated people leadership across multiple countries and cultures.
- Comfortable operating in a global, matrixed organisation and influencing senior stakeholders.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in regulated training and/or other safety‑critical environments.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Advanced or postgraduate qualification is desirable.
About CAE: At CAE, our mission is clear: to help make the world a safer place. For nearly 80 years, we’ve driven innovation in simulation, training, and mission readiness to support critical operations worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies, we empower our customers to operate smarter, faster, and more sustainably. Join a purpose‑driven organization where bold ideas are encouraged, collaboration drives progress, and your growth fuels our shared success.
Position Type: Regular
Equal Opportunity
Director of Operations: CAE employer: Manor Royal Business District
Elekta is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets collaboration in the MedTech sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive benefits including paid vacation, private medical insurance, and a competitive pension scheme, all while fostering a culture that values strategic thinking and teamwork. Join us in our office-based role to make a meaningful impact in global radiotherapy solutions and advance your career in a supportive setting.
Contact Details:
Manor Royal Business District Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations: CAE
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those already working at CAE. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research CAE’s operations in EMEA and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the CAE team!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations: CAE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operations leadership, especially in aviation or training. We want to see how your skills align with our mission and the specific requirements of the Director of Operations role.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use metrics and examples to demonstrate how you’ve driven operational excellence and delivered results in previous roles. This helps us see the impact you can bring to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what’s most relevant to the position. This makes it easier for us to understand your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application is reviewed promptly and gives you the best chance to stand out in the process. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manor Royal Business District
✨Know Your Operations Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operational strategy and how it aligns with their growth plans. Be ready to discuss how your experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams can contribute to defining and delivering a robust operations strategy for the EMEA region.
✨Showcase Your People Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead and develop high-performing teams. Discuss how you've built capability and engagement in previous roles, especially in diverse cultural settings, as this will resonate well with their focus on people leadership.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Brush up on your knowledge of managing significant operating and capital budgets. Be prepared to discuss how you've optimised asset positioning and delivered value-driven CAPEX allocations in past roles, as this is crucial for the Director of Operations position.
✨Understand Compliance and Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations relevant to the aviation and training sectors. Be ready to articulate how you've ensured compliance in previous roles, as this will be key in demonstrating your fit for overseeing supplier strategy and operational risk management.
