At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering operations to ensure safe and efficient aircraft performance.
- Company: Join Virgin Atlantic, a leader in exceptional flying experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and thrive in an inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aviation while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in aviation engineering and strong decision-making skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: The VHQ, Crawley
Shift Pattern: 4x 07:00 – 19:00, 4x off, 4x 19:00 – 07:00
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Competitive
Closing Date: 5th May 2026
In a nutshell
At Virgin Atlantic, we’re driven by a passion for delivering safe, reliable, and exceptional flying experiences. We’re looking for an Engineering Operations Manager to play a critical role in ensuring our aircraft operate safely and efficiently across our global network. As a key member of the Engineering Operations leadership team, you will oversee day-to-day engineering operations, ensuring aircraft depart safely and on time. You’ll lead operational decision-making, manage technical teams, and provide oversight of short-term maintenance planning while driving performance, safety and customer experience. You’ll also lead and develop a high‑performing Technical Operations team, ensuring world‑class standards across engineering operations worldwide.
Key responsibilities
- Lead operational control and decision‑making, including AOG (Aircraft on Ground) recovery and disruption management
- Oversee the immediate maintenance planning window, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency
- Provide 24/7 technical and operational leadership, including crisis management support
- Drive safety, regulatory compliance, and risk‑based decision‑making
- Collaborate cross‑functionally with Engineering, Flight Operations, and wider business teams
- Manage team performance, development, and engagement
- Drive continuous improvement through root cause analysis and reliability initiatives
- Ensure accurate reporting, delay attribution, and cost control
About you
- Proven leadership experience in an aviation engineering or technical operations environment
- Strong knowledge of EASA, CAA, and airworthiness regulations
- Skilled in operational decision‑making under pressure, with a focus on safety and customer impact
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex data and drive insights
- EASA Part 66 B1/B2 Licence or Degree/HND in a relevant engineering discipline
Our differences make us stronger
Our customers come from all walks of life and so do our colleagues. That’s why we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. At Virgin Atlantic, we believe everyone can take on the world – no matter your age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion or beliefs. We celebrate difference and everything that makes our colleagues unique by upholding an inclusive environment in which we can all thrive. So that everyone at Virgin Atlantic can be themselves and know they belong.
Engineering Operations Manager in Crawley employer: Virgin holidays
At Virgin Atlantic, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at The VHQ in Crawley. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our focus on developing high-performing teams and providing continuous improvement opportunities. With a strong emphasis on safety, inclusivity, and collaboration, we ensure that every team member can thrive while contributing to delivering outstanding flying experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Operations Manager in Crawley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the aviation industry, especially those who work at Virgin Atlantic. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Brush up on EASA and CAA regulations, and be ready to discuss how you've handled operational challenges in the past. Show them you're the go-to person for crisis management!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you’ve led teams or improved processes. We want to see how you can drive performance and safety in a high-pressure environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Virgin Atlantic family. Let’s get you flying high!
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Operations Manager in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Engineering Operations Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience in aviation engineering and any relevant qualifications, like your EASA Part 66 Licence. We want to see how your skills match 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 passionate about aviation and how you can contribute to our mission of delivering exceptional flying experiences. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your operational decision-making skills and ability to drive safety and compliance. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t be shy about sharing them with us!
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, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin holidays
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of EASA, CAA, and airworthiness regulations. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules but can also apply them in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully led a team through challenging situations, especially in aviation engineering. Highlight how you managed operational decision-making under pressure and drove performance improvements.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your analytical mindset and ability to interpret complex data. Brush up on recent trends in aviation operations and think about how you would approach crisis management or AOG recovery scenarios.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t forget that interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s culture, team dynamics, and their approach to continuous improvement. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
