At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to optimise crew rostering and training schedules for seamless operations.
- Company: Join Virgin Atlantic, the most loved travel company with a spirit of innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports individual needs.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the airline industry while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in crew rostering and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid - 3 days at VHQ, Crawley
Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week. Monday to Friday
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Competitive
Closing Date: 8th March 2026
At Virgin Atlantic Airways, we believe that everyone can take on the world, and it’s our vision to become the most loved travel company. As we embark on this next exciting stage of our journey, we’re harnessing our spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation to challenge the status quo.
We are looking for a Rostering and Training Optimisation Lead to join Virgin Atlantic’s Crew Logistics team, a vital part of our operations, responsible for leading the complex logistics of crew rostering, training, and scheduling. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Training and Roster Planning, you’ll lead a high-performing team and play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless operations that support our Pilot and Cabin Crew Establishment budget.
In this role, you will guide a dedicated team of specialists to optimise crew rosters and training schedules while balancing regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and crew satisfaction. Your expertise will drive continuous improvement across our planning processes, ensure alignment with industry standards, and enhance crew resource management. This is an exciting opportunity to lead, innovate, and contribute to Virgin Atlantic's success.
- Lead a team of Specialists in Training Planning and Rostering, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning.
- Oversee long- and short-term crew scheduling, ensuring compliance with Flight Time Limitations (FTL), Fatigue Risk Management (FRM), and company policies.
- Analyse data, identify trends, and implement best practices to enhance rostering efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Ensure accurate records, conduct audits, and maintain training syllabi to meet regulatory and competency standards.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve scheduling issues, share updates, and deliver seamless roster solutions.
About You
Are you a dynamic leader with a strong analytical mindset and excellent communication skills? To succeed in this role, you will need:
- Proven experience in crew rostering, scheduling, or operational planning within the airline industry, including supervisory responsibilities.
- Expertise in crew management systems (AIMS, Jeppesen) and a strong understanding of FTL, FRM, and UK-CAA regulations.
- Excellent leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a high-performing team.
- Strong problem-solving and data analysis abilities to drive informed decision-making and identify optimisation opportunities.
- Exceptional attention to detail and a proactive approach to managing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
If this sounds like you, and you would like to unlock your potential with us, we would love to hear from you!
Be yourself – 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. To make your journey with us accessible and individual to you, we encourage you to let us know if you’d like a little extra help with your application, or if you have any individual requirements at any stage along your recruitment journey. We are here to support you, so please reach out to our team, recruitment@fly.virgin.com, feeling confident that we’ve got your individual considerations covered.
Our recipe for Leadership
At Virgin Atlantic, our leaders empower teams to thrive through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Explore our Leadership Recipe and discover the 20 core ingredients that define what it means to lead with us, driving our mission to be the most loved travel company and achieve sustainable profit.
Rostering and Training Optimisation Lead in Crawley employer: Virgin holidays
At Virgin Atlantic Airways, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions innovation and inclusivity. Located in Crawley, our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while fostering collaboration within our Crew Logistics team. We are committed to employee growth, providing opportunities for continuous learning and development, ensuring that every team member can thrive and contribute to our mission of becoming the most loved travel company.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rostering and Training Optimisation Lead in Crawley
✨Get Involved in Local Travel Events
Join local tourism fairs or travel expos in your area. These events are a treasure trove for networking, and you can often meet hiring managers from companies like Virgin holidays who are looking for fresh talent for roles like Rostering and Training Optimisation Lead.
✨Showcase Your Travel Know-How
Create a travel blog or use social media to share your experiences and insights about different destinations. This can help you stand out to recruiters in the travel industry, demonstrating your passion for the sector and your ability to engage with an audience.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your School
Check out alumni groups linked to the travel and tourism sectors. Often, these connections can lead to inside info about opportunities at companies like Virgin holidays and give you a leg up for your Rostering and Training Optimisation Lead application.
✨Don’t Shy Away from Cold Emails
If there's a dream company you want to join, don’t hesitate to send a friendly email to their HR or recruitment team. Express your interest in their vision and mention that you’re keen on any Rostering and Training Optimisation Lead openings they might have. It's a bold move, but it might just pay off!
We think you need these skills to ace Rostering and Training Optimisation Lead in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Travel:In the travel and tourism industry, your love for exploration and different cultures should shine through in your application. Make sure to share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for travel—this can really set you apart when applying for the Rostering and Training Optimisation Lead role at Virgin holidays.
Highlight Your Customer Service Skills:Customer service is king in travel and tourism. When detailing your work experience, focus on situations where you provided outstanding service or resolved customer issues, as this demonstrates your ability to ensure client satisfaction. Include specific examples in your CV to show that you're ready to face the challenges of the Rostering and Training Optimisation Lead position at Virgin holidays.
Keep Your CV Travel-Themed:When it comes to CV conventions in the travel industry, think of including any relevant certifications or training you've completed, like first aid or tour guiding courses. If you've travelled widely yourself, don't hesitate to mention that—it's all about showing your background fits the globetrotting vibe of Virgin holidays.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not only explain why you're a great fit but also reflect your personality! Use this space to express what excites you about the travel sector and how you can contribute to Virgin holidays's adventures. Share any unique perspectives or ideas you have to enhance the travel experience, especially as a full-time Rostering and Training Optimisation Lead.
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin holidays
✨Show Off Your Travel Knowledge
For a role in travel and tourism, it’s vital to demonstrate your knowledge of different destinations, cultures, and travel trends. Brush up on popular destinations and recent changes in travel restrictions. We suggest bringing some interesting travel stories or experiences to share—this can help you connect personally with the interviewer!
✨Prepare for Customer Scenarios
Expect to be hit with customer service scenarios during the interview. They might ask how you'd handle a challenging traveller or resolve a booking issue. Think of a few real-life examples from your experiences, even if they’re just from customer service roles. This will show that you're ready for the field and have the right mindset to tackle on-the-ground challenges!
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Passion
In a full-time travel position, there are often irregular hours and spontaneous travel opportunities. Be sure to convey your flexibility and willingness to embrace the unpredictable nature of this industry. Let’s showcase that enthusiasm for travel and how it drives your decision-making!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Get familiar with travel booking systems and tools, such as Amadeus or Sabre. If you have experience using any specific software or even social media for travel promotions, bring that up! We want to show that you can hit the ground running and adapt quickly to their processes at Virgin holidays.
