Standard Aero logo
Operations Director
full-timeGosport

Summary

Location

Gosport

Type

full-time

Explore Jobs

About this role

Build an Aviation Career You’re Proud Of

Build your career with integrity by working at a company that doesn’t just treat you like a number. You’ll get the tools to do things right in a clean and safe work environment and the trust to fix any issue that comes your way. Our on-the-job training and team of experts mean you’ll be set up for success.

Key responsibilities and duties:

  1. Operational Leadership
  • Lead all day-to-day operations across engine disassembly, inspection, assembly, and test activities.

  • Drive adherence to production schedules, ensuring on-time delivery, throughput, and cost performance.

  • Manage test cell operations, ensuring capacity planning, compliance, and availability to meet customer and OEM demand.

  • Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement throughout the operation.

  1. Performance & Delivery

  • Deliver operational KPIs in safety, quality, cost, delivery, and employee engagement.

  • Develop short and medium-term operational plans to meet program requirements and business objectives.

  • Work in partnership with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program teams to resolve constraints, improve turnaround time, and enhance productivity.

  • Ensure resource planning aligns with workload forecasts and customer demand.

  1. Customer & Stakeholder Management

  2.  

  • Maintain close alignment with the OEM Program Manager to ensure operational performance supports contractual deliverables and strategic program goals.

  • Represent the Engines operation in customer, program, and internal performance reviews.

  • Engage cross-functionally to drive accountability and resolve performance or delivery issues.

  1. People & Culture
  • Lead, coach, and develop production and test cell managers and their teams.
  • Embed tiered visual management and structured performance reviews to drive engagement and accountability.
  • Champion workforce development, technical training, and succession planning to build capability.
  1. Governance & Compliance
  • Ensure all operational activity meets EASA/CAA/FAA and OEM regulatory standards.
  • Maintain readiness for regulatory, customer, and internal audits with zero major findings.
  • Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions to ensure sustained improvement.
  1. Continuous Improvement
  • Drive lean initiatives and standardization across the Engines operation to improve flow, efficiency, and quality.
  • Support digital transformation and data-led decision-making within production operations.
  • Collaborate with the wider Operations leadership team to share best practices and drive consistency across the business.

 

Competencies:

  1. Core Competencies

  • Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire, influence, and deliver through others.
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with a data-driven mindset.
  • Resilient and decisive under pressure with strong operational discipline.
  • Skilled in stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

 

  1. Functional Competencies

  • Strong understanding of customer service processes and transactional management.

  • Familiarity with quality, commercial, and engineering procedures.

  • Financial literacy with the ability to manage budgets, margins, and forecasts.

  • Proficient in MS Office and ERP systems.

Organisational Relationships:

  • Reports directly to VP/GM Engine Services UK

 

Professional Qualifications/Education and Training:

 

Essential   These are vital to be able to perform the role and will be used as selection criteria during recruitment process

  • Degree/equivalent qualification or extensive experience in industry;

  • Previous management experience in a similar role.

  • Experience with LEAN methodologies and continuous improvement.

     

Desirable  These are a good to have but can also be used as selection criteria during recruitment process

  • Leadership, business management, or Lean qualification desirable. 

 

Experience:

  • Minimum 10 years’ experience in aviation or industrial MRO operations, with at least 5 years in a senior production leadership role.

  • Proven success leading engine or component-level MRO operations, including test cell management.

  • Demonstrated ability to deliver performance improvement and transformation.

  • Familiarity with OEM partnership models and customer performance expectations.

  • Working knowledge of EASA/CAA/FAA regulations and Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.

 

Benefits that make life better

  • 206 hours annual leave per year for employees working 37 hours per week, plus 8 public holidays

  • Employer match pension scheme

  • YuLife wellbeing services, including 24/7 virtual GP service, Employee Assistance Program, personalised online fitness programs, and many more!

  • Bonus opportunities

  • Generous paid sick leave

  • Life assurance cover

  • Salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme

  • Onsite gym at both the Fleetlands and Almondbank sites

  • Electric Vehicle Scheme

  • Seasonal flu jabs administered on site each year by Bupa

  • Learning and training opportunities

 


Raising the Standard of Excellence since 1911

With over a century of proven excellence, StandardAero has become an industry leader in MRO services and customized solutions in the aerospace field. Our shared values and learning-based culture inspire our team to exceed their potential and power our customers’ missions worldwide. With on-the-job training, advancement opportunities, and excellent benefits, StandardAero invites you to experience a fulfilling and meaningful career with us.

Inclusivity Is Our Standard

It is StandardAero’s policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including transgender status, sexual orientation, and pregnancy) sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Our supportive environment celebrates diversity with no room for harassment or discrimination of any kind. We invite you to bring your authentic self to our team and experience our welcoming culture.

Other facts

Tech stack
Operational Leadership,Production Management,Safety Management,Quality Assurance,Continuous Improvement,Stakeholder Management,Team Development,Lean Methodologies,Budget Management,Analytical Skills,Problem Solving,Cross-Functional Collaboration,Regulatory Compliance,Performance Improvement,Customer Service,Data-Driven Decision Making

About Standard Aero

StandardAero is organized in two distinctive divisions, Engine Services and Component Repair Services. These two divisions represent the core strengths of StandardAero, our exhaustive engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services capabilities and our significant portfolio of component repair services for business aviation, commercial aviation, military, fixed wing, helicopter and industrial power customers. To deliver our mission, we employ nearly 7,500 talented and experienced professional, administrative and technical employees that work in 49 primary facilities worldwide, with additional strategically located regional service and support centers all across the globe.

StandardAero is OEM authorized and approved for aircraft and rotorcraft engines, auxiliary power units, components; airframe services including major alterations; FAA authorized avionics capabilities; comprehensive engineering services; and custom exterior and interior design, completion, and paint. We provide these capabilities through our network of specialized facilities and mobile service teams.

We’ve solved some of the biggest aviation challenges through ingenuity, teamwork and collaboration. Our culture is built on respect, open communication and recognition for a job well done. We focus on teamwork to create a supportive environment where everyone can bring their skills and perspectives to the table. With over 100 years of experience in the aviation industry, we have the stability, resources and training to help our team achieve their career goals.

Team size: 5,001-10,000 employees
LinkedIn: Visit
Industry: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
Founding Year: 1911

What you'll do

  • The Operations Director will lead day-to-day operations in engine disassembly, inspection, assembly, and testing, ensuring adherence to production schedules and operational KPIs. They will also promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement while managing test cell operations and resource planning.

Ready to join Standard Aero?

Take the next step in your career journey

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Operations Director do at Standard Aero?

As a Operations Director at Standard Aero, you will: the Operations Director will lead day-to-day operations in engine disassembly, inspection, assembly, and testing, ensuring adherence to production schedules and operational KPIs. They will also promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement while managing test cell operations and resource planning..

Why join Standard Aero as a Operations Director?

Standard Aero is a leading Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing company.

Is the Operations Director position at Standard Aero remote?

The Operations Director position at Standard Aero is based in Gosport, England, United Kingdom. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.

How do I apply for the Operations Director position at Standard Aero?

You can apply for the Operations Director position at Standard Aero directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process. You can also learn more about Standard Aero on their website.