Operations Manager - Air Safety & Engineering

Job Title: Operations Manager – Air Safety & Engineering Industry: Aviation / Defence Location: Hybrid – remote working with regular travel to Bristol as required, plus limited UK-wide travel (predominantly South West). AACE HQ is based in Bristol. Salary: Competitive salary, negotiable based on background, qualifications and experience.

Job description AACE has an opportunity for an Operations Manager (Air Safety) to lead and grow our Air Safety capability, supporting programmes across the highly regulated Defence Air Environment. Applicants will ideally have a background in Defence (or supporting industry) and proven experience in aviation safety and/or engineering management, with knowledge of Military Aviation Authority Regulatory Publications (MRP) and associated Defence Standards. You will bring a strong track record of leading high-performing technical teams.

In this role you will manage, develop and grow a team of experienced Air Safety Engineers, ensuring safe, compliant and high-quality delivery to our customers. You will be a proactive and credible leader who can engage stakeholders at all levels, spot opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement, and inspire others to deliver. As part of the AACE management team, you will provide strategic input to support the maintenance and growth of the company, reporting directly to the Head of Operations .

Key responsibilities Line management of the Air Safety team, managing team competence, development and capacity planning. Lead on Air Safety business development opportunities and recruitment activities to identify and attract suitable candidates, supporting the continued growth of the Air Safety team. Provide technical input, estimates and resourcing to support contract bids and proposals.

Provide technical assurance of safety deliverables. Oversee project delivery to time, cost and quality. Deliver Air Safety tasks in support of customer contracts, either independently or through the leadership of a team of safety engineers.

Build and develop existing customer relationships Develop new customer relationships and identify growth opportunities. Maintain awareness of market opportunities to identify business opportunities and risks. Key skills and experience Essential : Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Safety, or a related discipline.

Essential : Professional registration - ideally chartered status with a relevant professional institution (e.g. RAeS, IMechE, IET). Essential : Significant experience in aviation safety and/or engineering.

Essential : Experience working with Defence and/or supporting industries, and the associated ways of working. Essential : Eligible to obtain and maintain SC security clearance. Essential : Strong leadership, communication and relationship-building skills, with credibility at senior client levels.

Desirable : Previous experience of working in MOD (DE&S), and the associated ways of working. Desirable : Previous experience with generating proposals, winning bids, technical consultancy, business development and/or recruitment. Desirable : Safety and engineering qualifications/training, such as: Formal safety and environmental management training.

Formal air safety management training. ISO 9001 quality management training/experience. Why join AACE?

AACE is a Bristol-based, family-owned company and an established small-to-medium enterprise (SME), with valued employees working in close-knit teams: Industry-competitive salary based on experience/qualifications Flexible and hybrid working. Full-time or part-time positions may be available. 28 days annual holiday plus public holidays. Company pension and private healthcare.

Support to continual professional development (CPD), including training, qualifications, and peer-to-peer learning and development. Contact information The appointment is subject to the successful applicant gaining security clearance at the required level. For more information about AACE and the work we do, please visit www.aace.co.uk For further details, please contact [email protected].

To apply, please email a tailored covering letter explaining your suitability for the role, along with your CV. Name : Matthew Read Tel : 0117 370 7750 Email: [email protected]