Deputy Head Flight Operations

Draken Europe offers exciting careers that matter. We believe that mission success does not start with the mission itself. It begins with our people.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Deputy Head of Flight Operations to join our team. This pivotal role provides direct leadership of Flight Operations Support functions and overall management of the FWMAS and DA42 fleets. Working alongside the Deputy Director of Flight Operations, you will support the DFO/Nominated Person Flight Operations to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient flying activity across all Draken contracts while contributing to broader company objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Oversight

• Lead Flight Operations Support functions, including Programmes, Crew Resource, Systems, and Technical Publications.
• Act as the primary liaison between FWMAS and DA42 fleets, regulatory authorities, and the DFO.
• Oversee development and maintenance of Operations Manuals, SOPs, Risk Assessments, and Fleet Notices.
• Ensure all operations comply with regulatory approvals and company standards.
• Provide operational reports, risk assessments, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Represent Draken in programme, operational, and regulatory forums.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a proactive safety culture and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with FR Aviation Ltd operating approvals.
• Support audits and resolve findings promptly.
• Act as SME for third-party operator oversight and operational risk assessments.
• Monitor and implement legislative and regulatory changes.
• Oversee training policy updates and recurrent training programmes.

Leadership & People Management

• Provide leadership to Fleet Captains and operational teams.
• Support recruitment, mentoring, and performance management of pilots.
• Enable succession planning and foster a collaborative, high-performance culture across dispersed teams.

Strategic Development

• Contribute to operational strategies that support business growth.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure operational readiness.
• Provide SME input to capability development and future service delivery models.

Core Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Valid UK ATPL(A).
• Extensive operational experience in complex environments.
• Proven senior leadership in flight operations management.
• In-depth knowledge of UK CAA regulations and SMS principles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to travel frequently across Draken operating locations.
• Excellent analytical and decision-making capabilities.

Highly Desirable:

• Military aviation background.
• Previous senior flight operations leadership experience.
• Experience with compliance, HR, programmes, and bid teams.
• Familiarity with military/government aviation stakeholders.
• Potential to progress into a Nominated Person Flight Operations role.
• Special Mission operations experience.
• Proficiency in flight operations management systems and digital tools.
• Ability to maintain flying status on a Draken-operated aircraft type.

Why Join Us?

At Draken Europe, you'll be part of a team that values safety, professionalism, and innovation. We offer competitive benefits, opportunities for career progression, and the chance to work on unique and challenging aviation projects.

Ready to take the next step?

Apply now and help shape the future of specialist aviation operations at Draken Europe.

 Our employee values

Draken is committed to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination and we celebrate the differences that a diverse workforce brings. A range of perspective and talent supports our values and drives our success, with a mix of voices generating better discussions, business decisions and outcomes for all.

To us, diversity means bringing your own perspective to the conversation; inclusion means having a voice - and equality means that your voice is heard.

At all our sites internationally, every member of the Draken Europe team is accountable to ensure that we are all treated fairly and with respect.

Intolerance has no place in our Company. We condemn it outright. Instead, we strive to create a culture where each person who joins our team feels they have the opportunity to succeed, to grow, and to work within an environment where they can be themselves.

We are also an Armed Forces friendly organisation, and as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, welcome applications from veterans and services spouses and partners who met the criteria in our job specifications.

In line with our Disability Confident Commitments, we provide reasonable adjustments to facilitate our interview process, please liaise with us if any reasonable adjustments are required.

About You

About Us

Whether it is adversarial support, electronic attack or customised rotary-wing training, we offer the most accurate and advanced readiness training in the industry. Our vast, differentiated fleet, cutting edge hardware and experienced instructors are engaged to help your mission take off.
 
Being ready is not only a matter of when. But where. We provide services in the UK, US and across the NATO countries. Making sure that our allies can manoeuvre around defeat and prepare to prevail.

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