Flight Operations Manager

Location: Fairford

DETAILS

We are seeking a highly capable and driven Flight Operations Manager to play a pivotal role at the heart of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the world’s largest military airshow. Based at Douglas Bader House, Fairford, this is a rare opportunity to join the small team who deliver Air Operations at one of the most complex and prestigious aviation operations in the global events calendar.

This is a permanent, full-time role. Working hours will increase significantly in the lead-up to and delivery of RIAT, including some weekend and extended-hours working, reflecting the operational nature of the event.

role responsibilities

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Responsible to the Head of Air Operations for all airfield operational matters, including safety, regulatory compliance and assurance for the Royal International Air Tattoo, and any other relevant RAFCTE events.
• Ensuring regulatory compliance with all relevant MAA/CAA regulations to ensure delivery of a safe aviation operating environment. Accountable to the Head of Air Operations for all regulatory body (MAA and CAA) assurance, acting as the prime Air Operations contact with the MAA and CAA.
• Own, Review, Update & Publish the Air Safety Management Plan and associated documents within RAFCTE’s Air Safety Management System (ASMS). Including the communication of aviation safety matters to company personnel, chairing of Air Safety Working Group meetings and helping to foster an environment of open questioning and reporting on all safety across the company.
• Responsible for the provision of all airspace requirements for RIAT. This includes liaison with RAF Brize Norton, Civil Aviation Authority and other agencies (such as NATS/Swanwick) and submission of Restricted Airspace (Temporary) requests. Also including provision of diversion airfields and establishment of RIAT specific airspace routings.
• Responsible for all aviation incident/occurrence investigations related to RIAT, including filing of DASORs, interviews, investigation and subsequent reporting.
• Responsible for Airfield Driving Policies & Training, including as the RAFCTE approved Airfield Driving Programme Instructor (in cooperation with the USAF) and providing subject matter expert advice to the bespoke RIAT Airfield Driving Regulations.
• Responsible for the management of all Flying Display administration, including liaison with the Military Aviation Authority, paperwork scrutiny, regulatory compliance, participant liaison and administration.
• Responsible for the planning of the aircraft arrival and departure schedules, flying display rehearsal schedule and other associated aircraft movement plans.
• Responsible for administration of both military & civilian aircraft participation at the event. Including submission of application forms for military aircraft participation (RAF, JAC, RN & selected international partners), reviewing of civilian aircraft proposal forms (including cost estimation), completing of contracts, raising of purchase orders and other required activities.
• Responsible for oversight of all aviation related insurance, including confirmation that all participating aircraft have suitable aviation liability insurance arrangements in place.
• Analysis of aviation fuel used by all participating aircraft at RIAT, to generate more accurate data to support the event’s carbon data report, including creation of a system to measure fuel burn rates vs carbon footprint, with a view to identify efficiencies and track improvements over time.
• Responsible for the management of participation of external agencies who are key enablers within Air Operations, including UK Border Force, Met Office & Airfield Wildlife Control contractor.
• Responsible for the management of volunteer teams within the RIAT Aerodrome Group namely the ATC Fairford, ATC Brize, Airside Operations & Flying Operations teams.
• Contribute to the production and provision of all Air Operations documentation, such as the Air Operation Order, Aerodrome Charts and other bespoke publications as required.
• Responsible to the Head of Air Operations (who retains overall budget responsibility) for the budget management for all relevant areas of Air Operation budgets, including accurate forecasting and monitoring of relevant budget lines (such as Airfield Management and Air Traffic Control).
• Air Operations member of the Safety Management Committee.

the ideal candidate will have...

• 'A' Level or equivalent (essential)
• Qualified Aviation Occurrence Investigator (desirable)
• MAA/CAA Accredited Flying Display Director (desirable)

knowledge

• Significant track record within an operational aviation environment (essential)
• Strong understanding of military aviation regulations and operating frameworks (essential)
• Strong understanding of airfield operations, airspace and aircraft operations (essential)
• IT literate with the Microsoft Office suite of programmes (essential)
• Aviation Occurrence Investigator, including use of ASIMS (desirable)

Skills

• Ability to plan own work and manage competing priorities
• Ability to prioritise tasks and work under pressure
• Effective communicator, adaptable to various audiences, including strong briefing skills in both written and oral formats
• Negotiation skills and relationship building with external stakeholders
• Calm under pressure, deadline-driven, and solutions-focused
• Ability to manage multiple resources and operate in a dynamic setting
• Ability to manage resources within a set budget

qualities

• Team player
• Commitment to excellence
• Self-starter
• Tact, discretion & pragmatism
• Ambition and pride
• Passion for aviation

how to apply

To apply, please submit a comprehensive CV together with a covering letter outlining your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the requirements.

Closing date: 4th February 2026.