Head of Flight Operations - Maidenhead | £80,000–£90,000 | Onsite
This isn’t a role where you inherit a steady-state operation.
You’ll be leading flight operations for a business building next-generation autonomous aircraft. These are platforms already deployed in real-world defence and logistics environments.
Everything is moving quickly. The aircraft, the programmes, the demand.
What they need now is someone who can bring structure, safety and regulatory control to match that pace.
You’ll take ownership of all flight operations - from test and development through to customer trials and deployed activity - ensuring everything is delivered safely, compliantly and at scale.
This is as much about leadership and governance as it is aviation.
You’ll:
- Lead and develop a team of pilots and flight ops specialists
- Own all regulatory engagement (CAA, MAA and others)
- Build and maintain operational frameworks (OSC, SORA, OA etc.)
- Implement and evolve safety management systems
- Oversee flight test planning, approvals and execution
- Act as the accountable figure for aviation operations across the business
What they’re looking for
- Strong background in aviation flight operations leadership
- Deep understanding of UK aviation regulation (CAA essential)
- Experience across UAS and ideally manned aviation environments
- Proven track record implementing safety and governance frameworks
- Comfortable operating in fast-moving, high-accountability environments
An RPAS / UAV licence or pilot background would add strong credibility, but leadership and regulatory expertise are the priority.
Why this role stands out
- Real ownership of flight operations in a rapidly scaling business
- Work on platforms already deployed in live operational environments
- Opportunity to shape how flight operations are run as the company grows
- High-impact leadership role with direct influence on safety and delivery
This isn’t for someone looking to maintain. It’s for someone who wants to build, lead and take accountability for flight operations in a business where the stakes are real.