Flight Operations Manager

The Royal International Air Tattoo has been running for over 50 years and is staged in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust is dedicated to inspiring future generations of young minds to achieve their full potential and to building a brighter, more sustainable future for the defence, national security, and space and aviation industries.

We are seeking a highly capable and driven Flight Operations Manager to play a pivotal role at the heart of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the world’s largest military airshow. Based at Douglas Bader House, Fairford, this is a rare opportunity to join the small team who deliver Air Operations at one of the most complex and prestigious aviation operations in the global events calendar.

This is a role for someone who thrives in high-stakes, highly regulated industry, with a significant track record within an operational aviation environment, including knowledge of airfield operations, airspace and aircraft operations, with commitment for safety. You will be an integral part of the Air Operations Department with responsibility for airfield operations, regulatory compliance and aviation safety, working closely with UK and international military partners, aviation regulators, other key stakeholders, as well as leading a large cadre of volunteers.

We are seeking someone with a passion for aviation, excellence and who finds genuine satisfaction in delivering under pressure.

This is a permanent, full-time role. Working hours will increase significantly in the lead-up to and delivery of RIAT, including some weekend and extended-hours working, reflecting the operational nature of the event.

• Responsible to the Head of Air Operations for all airfield operational matters, including safety, regulatory compliance and assurance for the Royal International Air Tattoo, and any other relevant RAFCTE events.
• Ensuring regulatory compliance with all relevant MAA/CAA regulations to ensure delivery of a safe aviation operating environment. Accountable to the Head of Air Operations for all regulatory body (MAA and CAA) assurance, acting as the prime Air Operations contact with the MAA and CAA.
• Own, Review, Update & Publish the Air Safety Management Plan and associated documents within RAFCTE’s Air Safety Management System (ASMS). Including the communication of aviation safety matters to company personnel, chairing of Air Safety Working Group meetings and helping to foster an environment of open questioning and reporting on all safety across the company.
• Responsible for the provision of all airspace requirements for RIAT. This includes liaison with RAF Brize Norton, Civil Aviation Authority and other agencies (such as NATS/Swanwick) and submission of Restricted Airspace (Temporary) requests. Also including provision of diversion airfields and establishment of RIAT specific airspace routings.
• Responsible for all aviation incident/occurrence investigations related to RIAT, including filing of DASORs, interviews, investigation and subsequent reporting.
• Responsible for Airfield Driving Policies & Training, including as the RAFCTE approved Airfield Driving Programme Instructor (in cooperation with the USAF) and providing subject matter expert advice to the bespoke RIAT Airfield Driving Regulations.
• Responsible for the management of all Flying Display administration, including liaison with the Military Aviation Authority, paperwork scrutiny, regulatory compliance, participant liaison and administration.
• Responsible for the planning of the aircraft arrival and departure schedules, flying display rehearsal schedule and other associated aircraft movement plans.
• Responsible for administration of both military & civilian aircraft participation at the event. Including submission of application forms for military aircraft participation (RAF, JAC, RN & selected international partners), reviewing of civilian aircraft proposal forms (including cost estimation), completing of contracts, raising of purchase orders and other required activities.
• Responsible for oversight of all aviation related insurance, including confirmation that…