Volantes Technical Recruitment are delighted to be supporting a leading aviation operator in the search for an experienced Head of Planning to lead and develop their planning function across regulated maintenance and production environments.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a proven planning professional who can drive efficiency, compliance, and predictable aircraft availability across a complex multi-disciplinary operation.

The Role

As Head of Planning, you will take ownership of planning activities across Part 145, Part 21G and BCAR-regulated operations, ensuring maintenance, overhaul and production schedules are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with business objectives.

You will play a key role in aligning operational demand, resource planning, supply chain activity and engineering delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the planning function across maintenance and production operations
• Implement standardised planning processes and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure compliance with relevant aviation regulations and internal procedures
• Deliver maintenance and production output to Time, Cost & Quality (TCQ) targets
• Oversee workload scheduling for workshop activity including engines, structures and specialist maintenance areas
• Manage aircraft maintenance schedules in collaboration with CAMO, engineering and operational teams
• Support reactive maintenance and AOG recovery planning
• Drive forward demand planning with Procurement and resolve supply chain constraints
• Provide planning expertise for system and process integration projects
• Develop KPI reporting, forecasting tools and management dashboards

Requirements

• Significant experience in aviation planning within maintenance and/or manufacturing environments
• Strong knowledge of Part 145, Part 21G and BCAR frameworks
• Proven leadership experience managing planning teams
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to balance operational priorities
• High level proficiency in planning systems, Excel and project tools
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, highly regulated aviation environment

What’s On Offer

• Senior leadership role within a respected aviation organisation
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Career progression opportunities
• Chance to influence operational performance and future growth strategy

Apply Now

If you are an experienced aviation planning leader looking for your next challenge, we’d love to hear from you.

The Role

We are currently recruiting for an A Licensed Aircraft Engineer. This position is to assist the Crew Chief and reports to the Chief Engineer, contributing to the safety, regulatory compliance, and operational effectiveness of all Part‑145/A8‑23 aircraft maintenance activities. You will play a key role in ensuring that maintenance carried out within the Aircraft Maintenance Department, and at detached locations, is delivered to the highest standards to meet customer contractual requirements.

Key Responsibilities

The Role

We are currently recruiting for an Operations Manager – Aircraft Maintenance. This role reports to to the Aircraft Maintenance Manager and is responsible for the professional coordination of the Operations and variation to the Integrated Delivery Team plan and customer demand from the Integrated Delivery Team (IDT). All activities are delivered on behalf of the AMM in accordance with all applicable Aviation Regulations, International Standards and Maintenance Organisation Exposition (MOE).

Key Responsibilities

Experience / skills / qualifications

The OMAM will have knowledge and experience of the following documents and regulations:
Applicable Aviation Regulation Regulators, including but not limited to:
• UK CAA
• UK MAA
• EASA

Applicable International Standards, including but not limited to:
• ISO 9001 – Quality (Business) Management System
• ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System
• ISO 45001 – Occupational Health Management System
• ISO 27001 – Information Security Management System

Ensuring that all areas under the responsibility and ownership of the Company’s AMO always comply with all applicable Aviation Regulations and International Standards.

Ensuring that the Maintenance Organisation Expositions, including all relevant mandatory and/or supporting procedures and documentation, are maintained to reflect best industry practice and the maintenance activities being performed.

Ensuring that a robust First and Second Lines of Defence Compliance (Quality) monitoring system is always maintained across all areas of the AMO.

Ensuring effective, efficient, and proactive guidance and support to the AMM and Chief Engineers.
Ensuring all Chief Engineers are adequately equipped, trained, and competent with respect to their roles and responsibilities.
Across all areas under the responsibility and ownership of the AMO and POA:
• Driving, ensuring, and assuring an enhanced safety (Operational and SHE) and compliance culture.
• Driving a culture of excellence through active coaching, mentoring, motivating, and engagement to achieve individual and business objectives.
• Driving a culture of continuous improvement.
• Driving a culture of unquestionable, ethical, and professional behaviour.
• Identifying and developing personnel goals, nurturing, engaging, and developing talent.
• Supporting the AMM to manage succession planning, building resilience and depth across the AMO and POA.

• Operational performance – Driving and supporting the efficient, effective, and on‑time delivery of the maintenance programme.
• Financial performance – Driving and supporting the efficient, effective, and on‑budget delivery of aircraft maintenance programmes and contractual delivery KPIs.
• Supporting efficient and effective internal and external customer management and engagement.
• Change Management – Driving and supporting efficient, effective, ethical, and sustainable change management programmes.
• Contract & Commercial Bid Activity – Providing support and expertise during contract and commercial bid activity.
• Procurement & Supply Chain – Providing support and guidance to the Head of Procurement & Supply Chain, ensuring compliant aircraft parts procurement.

Providing a focal point for all Chief Engineers for advice, support, and guidance regarding aviation regulatory requirements, process development, and procedure development.

• Deputising for the AMM during absence.
• Ad hoc / out‑of‑hours work during urgent or unforeseen business requirements.
• Domestic and international travel, as required.
• Any other reasonable duties requested that fall within the scope and capability of the incumbent.

• Expert knowledge of Commercial Aircraft Management principles and practices – Required
• Extensive proven experience in a similar role – Required
• Expert theoretical and practical application-level knowledge of UK CAA, EASA, and MAA Regulations – Required
• UK CAA Part 66 B1 or B2 Licensed Aircraft Engineer – Advantageous
• Practical knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 14001 & ISO 27001 in an aviation environment – Required
• Practical knowledge of Safety Management System (SMS) principles and requirements in an aviation environment – Required
• Demonstrable experience in people and cultural change management – Required
• Tertiary-level Business and/or Management Qualification – Advantageous
• Able to hold an SC‑Level security clearance – Required

• Excellent at nurturing, mentoring, guiding, and influencing personnel.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills at all levels and across all boundaries, internally and externally.
• Strong business acumen.
• Highly self‑motivated, assertive, and resilient with the ability to hold their own.
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills, able to meet tight deadlines in challenging environments.
• Excellent use of MS Office and other Company software.
• Ability to maintain high levels of integrity, work ethic, confidentiality, and discretion.

About the Role

We are recruiting an experienced Bid Manager to join a high-performing business operating in a complex, regulated aviation and defence environment.

This is a key role within the Business Development function, responsible for leading the delivery of high-quality, compelling bids that secure and retain long-term contracts across a diverse customer base.

This opportunity suits a proactive, detail-driven professional who thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys owning the full bid lifecycle — from early qualification through to contract award.

A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are offered, including enhanced pension contributions, bonus incentives, private medical options, electric vehicle schemes, wellbeing programmes, and additional flexible benefits.

The Role

Reporting into senior leadership, the Bid Manager will take responsibility for the end-to-end management of complex bids and proposals.

You will work closely with cross-functional teams to develop winning strategies, ensure governance compliance, and deliver high-impact submissions to deadline.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full bid lifecycle, from opportunity qualification through to submission and contract award

• Develop clear bid strategies, plans, and win themes aligned to customer and commercial objectives

• Coordinate and lead multi-disciplinary bid teams, working closely with sales, delivery, finance, legal, and external partners

• Act as the central point of contact for all bid-related activity, ensuring quality, consistency, and timely progress through reviews and approvals

• Ensure compliance with internal bid governance frameworks and recognised bid-management best practice (e.g. Shipley methodology)

• Continuously improve bid processes, governance, and knowledge-sharing across the business

Experience, Skills & Qualifications

• Proven experience in bid and proposal management, ideally within aviation, aerospace, defence, or similarly regulated sectors

• Minimum 5 years’ experience managing complex, high-value bids

• Strong leadership and stakeholder-management skills with commercial awareness

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce persuasive, high-quality proposals

• Advanced MS Office capability and outstanding organisational skills

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities in a high-pressure environment

Values & Inclusion

The organisation is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful working environment. Different perspectives and experiences are actively encouraged, recognising that diversity strengthens decision-making and business outcomes.

Applications are welcomed from veterans, service leavers, and armed forces spouses or partners, and reasonable adjustments will be made to support candidates throughout the recruitment process.

About the Organisation

The business delivers highly specialised aviation and operational training services, supporting complex missions across the UK and internationally. With a modern and diverse fleet, advanced technology, and highly experienced personnel, the organisation provides mission-critical capability to customers operating in demanding environments across allied and NATO regions.