Helicopter Operations Manager/Chief Pilot - Rotary

Chief Pilot / Flight Ops Manager - Rotary

Company: JMC Aviation
Location: London Area, United Kingdom
Posted: 1 week ago

Description

• Location - Greater London
• Salary - Very competitive
• Fleet - Various AW and Airbus types

We are representing an established UK AOC helicopter operator in the appointment of an experienced Chief Pilot / Flight Ops Manager to lead flight operations from the South East of England.

This senior leadership role will suit a commercially aware aviation professional with the operational judgement, regulatory understanding and leadership capability to maintain the highest standards of safety, compliance, service delivery and crew performance across a multi-type rotary-wing fleet.

Role Overview

Reporting into senior leadership, the Chief Pilot / Flight Operations Manager will provide operational direction, ensure robust regulatory oversight and act as a key interface between crews, management, customers and the UK CAA.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and support flight crew, flying standards and day-to-day operational performance.
• Ensure all flying activity is conducted safely and in full compliance with UK CAA requirements, company procedures and the Operations Manual.
• Maintain and promote a proactive safety culture, setting consistently high standards across the operation.
• Develop trusted working relationships with customers, regulators, senior management and internal stakeholders.
• Convert customer requirements into safe, effective and commercially responsive operational delivery.
• Oversee pilot recruitment, induction, development, standardisation and operational readiness.
• Collaborate with training, safety and compliance teams to support continuous improvement.
• Act as a key point of contact with the UK CAA on operational matters, audits, inspections and regulatory oversight.
• Support internal and external audits, regulatory visits and the timely closure of findings and corrective actions.
• Contribute to manual development, operational procedures, approvals and regulatory submissions.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive rotary-wing operational experience within a commercial helicopter environment.
• Previous exposure to postholder responsibilities or close support to AOC management functions.
• Strong working knowledge of UK CAA, AOC and Air Operations requirements.
• Experience engaging with regulators, audits and compliance processes.
• Confident and credible leadership style, with strong communication, judgement and stakeholder-management skills.
• Commercially aware, professional and customer-focused approach.
• Experience on AW139, AW169, H145 or AW109 aircraft types.
• HEMS and/or charter experience would be advantageous.
• UK CAA CPL(H) or ATPL(H).
• Valid Class 1 Medical.
• Eligibility to live and work in the UK.
• Ability to hold the position of Nominated Person Flight Operations Manager within a UK AOC structure.