Job title: Head of Planning
Job type: Permanent
Emp type: Full-time
Industry: Business Administration
Salary type: Annual
Location: Christchurch, UK
Job published: 2026-04-13
Job ID: 44464
Contact name: Shanna-Rose Calrlo
Phone number: +447785400158
Contact email: shanna-rose@volantesrecruitment.com

Job Description

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.