Head of Maintenance Operational Control – LHR

Head of Maintenance Operational Control – LHRAll potential candidates should read through the following details of this job with care before making an application.Join to apply for the Head of Maintenance Operational Control – LHR role at DiverseJobsMatterLocation: Heathrow (LHR), Hounslow, UKSector: Engineering / OperationsEmployment Type: Full TimeOverviewOur client is a leading global aviation organisation with a long-standing history of connecting people, places, and industries. As their fleet expands and operational demands rise, they are investing heavily in systems, infrastructure, and leadership to ensure engineering excellence and world‑class operational control.The Head of LHR Maintenance Operational Control will play a central role in coordinating on‑the‑day maintenance activity across one of the world’s busiest airport hubs. This senior leadership position requires a decisive, strategic, and operationally astute individual who can align people, resources, and processes to deliver aircraft availability, safety, and reliability.This role sits at the heart of daily operational delivery—driving real‑time decision‑making, mitigating disruption, and ensuring maintenance operations run seamlessly.Key ResponsibilitiesOperational LeadershipLead the real‑time coordination of all maintenance operations at LHR, ensuring the maintenance plan is executed with precision, safety, and adaptability.Guide teams through time‑critical scenarios, ensuring continuity of service and minimal operational disruption.People & Resource ManagementDesign and implement a flexible, integrated workforce model that supports maintenance production areas across LHR.Manage a central control team of Operational Duty Managers and a dedicated engineering resource pool to ensure resilience and surge capacity.Workshops & PlanningOversee Aircraft Workshops, ensuring capability, planning, and prioritisation align with operational needs.Ensure workshop activity remains cost‑effective and performance‑driven.Risk & Performance ManagementIdentify, monitor, and mitigate operational risks, leading interventions that protect aircraft availability and programme delivery.Govern performance using execution frameworks, operational data, and compliance standards.Collaboration & Stakeholder ManagementWork collaboratively across Engineering, Maintenance Planning, Supply Chain, and Technical teams to drive shared accountability.Embed modern, collaborative ways of working across all maintenance functions.Inspire a culture of operational excellence, high performance, and safety‑first decision‑making.Lead change initiatives that strengthen operational resilience and enhance team capability.What You Will BringA confident leadership style with a strong operational and safety focus.The ability to remain calm, solutions‑oriented, and decisive under pressure.Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to align diverse teams.Strategic thinking with the ability to translate long‑term objectives into daily operational activity.A passion for continuous improvement and empowering teams in a complex environment.Experience & QualificationsProven success in managing large‑scale operational teams and/or complex maintenance environments.Experience driving operational resilience and overseeing real‑time operational performance.Experience within a regulated environment.Demonstrated ability to lead change in a unionised, industrial, or high‑complexity setting.Knowledge of maintenance processes, integrated systems, and operational engineering.Strong understanding of health & safety legislation and regulatory compliance.Relevant engineering qualifications or a degree in a related discipline.What Our Client OffersCompetitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.Travel‑related benefits for employees and eligible dependants.Access to internal mobility, career pathways, and broader organisational development opportunities.Continuous learning resources and career growth support.A culture that values innovation, collaboration, and personal development.Inclusion & DiversityOur client is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where individuality is celebrated and everyone feels empowered to be themselves. xpwpeyx They welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, ensuring fair processes and equitable opportunities.