Chief Pilot

Position Summary

This executive leadership role is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient delivery of flight operations across two jet fleets, and for preparing the business for future growth, including the integration of new aircraft and the launch of new routes.

The position holds regulatory responsibilities requiring applicable national aviation authority approval to act as Head of Flight Operations. Responsibilities also include leadership of flight crew and support staff, oversight of training, and management of flight safety.

This role is part of the executive leadership team and shares in overall business accountability. It includes alternate responsibility as an Accountable Manager for the company’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and as a delegate for the Chief Operating Officer.

Key Responsibilities

1. Executive Reporting

• Directly report to the Chief Operating Officer on regulatory compliance, safety, and operational risks
• Provide strategic and operational documentation for internal safety governance bodies
• Deliver reports on safety trends, training effectiveness, and incident outcomes

2. Regulatory Compliance

Ensure full compliance with the applicable national aviation regulations and operator requirements, including:

• Crew rostering, licensing, and qualifications tracking
• Flight and duty time monitoring
• Training standards and checking
• Emergency procedure evaluations
• Dangerous goods training
• Operational documentation management
• Aircraft allocation for operational use

3. Safety Management

• Lead Flight Operations within the Safety Management System (SMS)
• Manage investigations, assurance data, and monitoring programs (e.g., LOSA, FOQA)
• Promote a proactive safety culture
• Support safety incident investigations and corrective action plans

4. People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop the Flight Operations and Flight Crew teams
• Foster an inclusive, high-performance culture
• Drive employee engagement and support industrial relations in alignment with company strategy

5. Systems & Process Management

• Develop systems ensuring quality, compliance, efficiency, and safety
• Champion technology solutions for performance and cost-effectiveness
• Ensure systems meet internal audit and continuous improvement standards

6. Strategic Growth and Commercial Delivery

• Identify opportunities for growth through fleet and route development
• Drive transformation projects in fuel savings, scheduling, and capability building
• Ensure operational readiness for new market entry

7. Assurance & Continuous Improvement

• Oversee assurance programs to track pilot standards and training needs
• Use analytics and monitoring tools (e.g., FOQA, LOSA) to inform development
• Maintain high operational and safety standards

8. Compliance with Management Systems and Policy

• Act as a safety leader within the organisation
• Promote and model compliance with company safety management policies
• Ensure staff training and workplace health and safety standards are met
• Proactively manage risks through audits and hazard mitigation

Key Challenges

1. Leading distributed, cross-functional teams in a highly regulated operational environment
2. Driving structural improvements to reduce flight delays
3. Representing operational needs across regulatory, safety, and technical stakeholders

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Experience: 10+ years in flight operations, with executive leadership experience
• Education: Bachelor of Science in Aviation (preferred but not required)
• Certifications:
• Valid commercial pilot licence

Expertise:

• Deep regulatory and operational understanding
• Knowledge of aircraft types and technical systems in operation
• Strong business and strategic skills

Key Skills

• Strategic thinking and operational decision-making
• Leadership and people development
• Stakeholder engagement and change management
• Strong project and time management
• Proven commercial and industrial relations awareness
• Ability to build and maintain high-performing teams and training standards