At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead flight operations and ensure safe, effective air support for policing across England and Wales.
- Company: National Police Air Service, dedicated to public safety and community protection.
- Benefits: Agile working, national visibility, and the chance to shape police aviation's future.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to reflecting the communities we serve.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public safety and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.
- Qualifications: Extensive rotary aviation experience and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 81000 - 99000 £ per year.
This is a national role that requires regular travel and offers the flexibility of agile working.
Few aviation leadership positions offer the chance to influence outcomes that matter so directly to people's lives. When a vulnerable missing person is found, when police officers are supported in pursuing dangerous criminals or when communities are protected through the effective deployment of specialist air assets, the decisions, standards and leadership you provide will have helped make that possible. Every day, the National Police Air Service provides critical support to policing operations across England and Wales. As Head of Flight Operations, you will lead the flying operation behind that mission. This is an opportunity for an accomplished aviation professional to apply their expertise to something that truly makes a difference and help shape the future of police aviation for years to come.
A role with genuine purpose
- A chance to make a significant contribution to public safety across England and Wales.
- The ability to influence how police air support evolves over the coming decade and beyond.
- National responsibility and visibility within policing and aviation.
- The opportunity to develop and inspire the next generation of police aviation professionals.
- The satisfaction of knowing your leadership contributes directly to protecting communities and saving lives.
About the role
Reporting to the Accountable Manager, you will provide strategic and professional leadership for all flight operations across NPAS. You will oversee a highly skilled pilot workforce operating from 15 bases across England and Wales, ensuring the safe, effective and compliant delivery of operational air support. As the Head of Flight Operations, you will work closely with policing leaders, regulators and government stakeholders, helping to shape future capability, operational resilience and aviation strategy. You will also act as a key ambassador for police aviation, championing the value of air support and ensuring NPAS remains at the forefront of operational excellence and innovation.
Who we're looking for
We're seeking an exceptional leader with extensive rotary aviation experience, strong regulatory knowledge and the ability to inspire confidence at every level. You will be someone who understands that leadership is about more than operational delivery. You will be motivated by service, committed to high professional standards and passionate about developing people and capability. You may come from an emergency services, military or commercial aviation background, but you will share a desire to use your experience in a role where the impact extends far beyond aviation.
The role of Head of Flight Operations is a rare opportunity. Opportunities to lead a nationally recognised aviation operation of this scale and complexity do not arise often. Fewer still provide the chance to combine strategic leadership, operational excellence and public service in a role that genuinely makes a difference.
West Yorkshire Police is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) is proud to serve all communities across England and Wales. We are committed to building a service that reflects a wide variety of skills, perspectives and backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Backgrounds, females, and those with disabilities who are currently under-represented within West Yorkshire Police and NPAS. Disability is not necessarily a bar to application or success in this role and all applications are assessed individually. By addressing and improving our representation we can better reflect all the communities we strive to serve.
Please contact our Resourcing team if you have any questions relating to this, or you wish to discuss reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process or beyond into role. All applications will be fairly and rigorously assessed by West Yorkshire Police / NPAS. Applicants should be aware that it is not always possible to carry out adequate vetting checks on persons who have not been resident within the UK for the last five years. Therefore, where this applies, applicants may be refused because it was not possible to vet them to the appropriate standard.
NPAS (XP355) Head of Flight Operations employer: West Yorkshire Police
West Yorkshire Police is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where collaboration with various agencies is at the forefront of our mission to combat counter-terrorism and organized crime. With flexible working hours and a strong commitment to employee development, we provide opportunities for growth and meaningful contributions to community safety in the York area.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPAS (XP355) Head of Flight Operations
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with West Yorkshire Police for a NPAS (XP355) Head of Flight Operations. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace NPAS (XP355) Head of Flight Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at West Yorkshire Police, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At West Yorkshire Police, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Yorkshire Police
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with West Yorkshire Police.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with West Yorkshire Police. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like West Yorkshire Police love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
