Flight Operations Manager

Headquartered in Atlantic Canada with a global presence in over 60 countries and a dedication to special missions excellence for over 50 years, the PAL Aerospace team thrives at the forefront of aviation technology and expert crew skills. As a rapidly growing company, we’ve built a reputation for delivering airborne special mission solutions that enable our customers to address today’s complex security, safety, economic, and environmental threats. On the PAL Aerospace team, you’re working alongside a tight-knit group of talented professionals who help make the world a safer and more sustainable place.

PAL Aerospace Europe is a leader in international aerospace and defense design, development, and operation of airborne surveillance aircraft, heavy maintenance checks, and modifications. We provide a wide range of aviation and related services to domestic and international markets.

We are actively recruiting for a Flight Operations Manager who would be responsible for the day-to-day operational oversight and coordination of the Force Multiplier (FM) Program within the UK. This role serves as the central point of contact for all operational activities, ensuring mission readiness, regulatory compliance, effective stakeholder coordination, and seamless execution of ISR operations in support of Client requirements. Due to our operational requirements and the flexibility of the UK operations, we are open on location for this position as travel is included to and from work and the successful candidate would work an equal time on and off schedule not exceeding 5 weeks.

• Operational Coordination & Execution
• Conduct daily Meteorological (MET) and Intelligence (INTEL) briefings (7 days per week).
• Attend ISR planning meetings (Monday/Wednesday/Friday) with client assets.
• Participate in TDA98 deconfliction meetings to ensure operational alignment.
• Lead daily coordination with Prevail to adjust schedules as operationally required.
• Provide PAL Dispatch with daily updated rosters and flight times.
• Maintain and distribute current crew rosters to all relevant stakeholders.
• Assess and approve new mission requests, including airspace and FIR considerations, refueling options, NOTAMs and danger area notifications, special use airspace and required permissions.
• Conduct or support initial flights for complex missions to establish operational profiles.
• Act as the primary point of contact (POC) for the Client, managing all operational requests and in-country coordination.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Program Director for all FM operational matters.
• Coordinate and deliver operational briefings to Client as required.
• Chair monthly FM Program divisional meetings.
• Crew Management & Support
• Act as the first point of contact for reactive callouts and activations, ensuring crew availability and compliance with rest requirements, aircraft airworthiness confirmation with maintenance, and proper documentation and notification to Canada prior to launch.
• Coordinate crew travel, accommodations, and vehicle arrangements for rotations.
• Resolve crew issues related to scheduling conflicts, accommodation concerns, and transportation requirements.
• Provide updated Fly Pro documentation to Prevail for all crew members.
• Safety & Regulatory Compliance
• Investigate and manage safety issues and SMS reports, ensuring proper documentation and tracking, coordination with UK CAA and Transport Canada for resolution, and implementation of corrective actions.
• Participate in safety events and Safety Days at the JCR.
• Ensure continuous compliance with applicable aviation regulations and standards.
• Maintenance & Logistics Coordination
• Coordinate with maintenance teams regarding planned maintenance schedules and AOG (Aircraft on Ground) response and support.
• Facilitate parts delivery and logistics coordination, including engagement with accounts payable.
• Coordinate in-country support services, including integration and specialized system maintenance (e.g., IRIS).
• Coordinate with utility providers, shipping, and receiving to ensure timely service delivery and payment processing.
• Manage logistical and vendor relationships required to support operational continuity.
• Additional Duties
• Support flight operations and training activities as required.
• Provide operational expertise to improve mission efficiency and effectiveness.
• Maintain flexibility to respond to evolving operational requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Extensive experience in aviation operations, preferably within ISR or special mission environments.
• Ideal candidate will be an experienced Captain with 5,000+ total flight hours across diverse operating environments.
• Strong knowledge of UK CAA and Transport Canada regulatory frameworks.
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-agency operations.
• Experience in crew rostering, dispatch, and mission planning.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to operate effectively and thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure tight deadline environments.
• Leadership style that is collaborative, calm and decisive with the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Eligibility to obtain a UK Security Clearance.

PAL Aerospace is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that celebrates and encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion whereby individuals are recognized, supported, and respected. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you.