Operations Director - Gosport, England

Company/Organization: StandardAero

Position: Management

Job Type: Permanent

Posted: 3/9/2026 6:37:47 PM

Description:

Build an Aviation Career You’re Proud Of

Build your career with integrity by working at a company that doesn’t just treat you like a number. You’ll get the tools to do things right in a clean and safe work environment and the trust to fix any issue that comes your way. Our on-the-job training and team of experts mean you’ll be set up for success.

Key responsibilities and duties:

1. Operational Leadership

• Lead all day-to-day operations across engine disassembly, inspection, assembly, and test activities.

• Drive adherence to production schedules, ensuring on-time delivery, throughput, and cost performance.

• Manage test cell operations, ensuring capacity planning, compliance, and availability to meet customer and OEM demand.

• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement throughout the operation.

1. Performance & Delivery

• Deliver operational KPIs in safety, quality, cost, delivery, and employee engagement.

• Develop short and medium-term operational plans to meet program requirements and business objectives.

• Work in partnership with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program teams to resolve constraints, improve turnaround time, and enhance productivity.

• Ensure resource planning aligns with workload forecasts and customer demand.

1. Customer & Stakeholder Management

2.  

• Maintain close alignment with the OEM Program Manager to ensure operational performance supports contractual deliverables and strategic program goals.

• Represent the Engines operation in customer, program, and internal performance reviews.

• Engage cross-functionally to drive accountability and resolve performance or delivery issues.

1. People & Culture

• Lead, coach, and develop production and test cell managers and their teams.
• Embed tiered visual management and structured performance reviews to drive engagement and accountability.
• Champion workforce development, technical training, and succession planning to build capability.

1. Governance & Compliance

• Ensure all operational activity meets EASA/CAA/FAA and OEM regulatory standards.
• Maintain readiness for regulatory, customer, and internal audits with zero major findings.
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions to ensure sustained improvement.

1. Continuous Improvement

• Drive lean initiatives and standardization across the Engines operation to improve flow, efficiency, and quality.
• Support digital transformation and data-led decision-making within production operations.
• Collaborate with the wider Operations leadership team to share best practices and drive consistency across the business.

Competencies:

1. Core Competencies

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire, influence, and deliver through others.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with a data-driven mindset.
• Resilient and decisive under pressure with strong operational discipline.
• Skilled in stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

1. Functional Competencies

• Strong understanding of customer service processes and transactional management.

• Familiarity with quality, commercial, and engineering procedures.

• Financial literacy with the ability to manage budgets, margins, and forecasts.

• Proficient in MS Office and ERP systems.

Organisational Relationships:

• Reports directly to VP/GM Engine Services UK

Professional Qualifications/Education and Training:

Essential   These are vital to be able to perform the role and will be used as selection criteria during recruitment process

• Degree/equivalent qualification or extensive experience in industry;

• Previous management experience in a similar role.

• Experience with LEAN methodologies and continuous improvement.

   

Desirable  These are a good to have but can also be used as selection criteria during recruitment process

• Leadership, business management, or Lean qualification desirable. 

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in aviation or industrial MRO operations, with at least 5 years in a senior production leadership role.

• Proven success leading engine or component-level MRO operations, including test cell management.

• Demonstrated ability to deliver performance improvement and transformation.

• Familiarity with OEM partnership models and customer performance expectations.

• Working knowledge of EASA/CAA/FAA regulations and Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.

Benefits that make life better

• 206 hours annual leave per year for employees working 37 hours per week, plus 8 public holidays

• Employer match pension scheme

• YuLife wellbeing services, including 24/7 virtual GP service, Employee Assistance Program, personalised online fitness programs, and many more!

• Bonus opportunities

• Generous paid sick leave

• Life assurance cover

• Salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme

• Onsite gym at both the Fleetlands and Almondbank sites

• Electric Vehicle Scheme

• Seasonal flu jabs administered on site each year by Bupa

• Learning and training opportunities

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