[Hiring] Flight Operations Manager @SYOS Aerospace UK

Role Description

As Flight Operations Manager, you will oversee the safe, compliant and effective delivery of SYOS flight operations. You’ll work closely with engineering, trials, certification and programme teams to plan and execute flight trials and demonstrations, while coordinating with customers, regulators, military personnel and industry partners. You’ll also take ownership of key operational and regulatory activities, including our UK regulatory approvals and operational safety management systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Flight Trials & Demonstrations
  • Lead the planning, coordination and execution of UAS flight trials and demonstrations for defence and civil customers.
  • Work closely with engineering teams to ensure trials are aligned with technical and customer requirements.
  • Coordinate with military personnel, government organisations, customers and industry partners for demonstrations and exercises.
  • Coordinate SYOS participation in joint exercises and activities with international customers.
  • Lead pilots, operators, flight-test support teams and other personnel to ensure safe and successful mission execution.
• Flight Planning & Operations
  • Develop and manage effective flight plans, schedules and operational activities.
  • Coordinate resources across engineering, operations and supporting teams to ensure smooth delivery.
  • Lead and support the development of SYOS pilots and operators to achieve strong operational outcomes.
  • Ensure all flight activities are conducted safely and in accordance with applicable regulations and company procedures.
• Operational Performance
  • Monitor operational KPIs and identify opportunities to improve safety, efficiency and delivery.
  • Develop and implement improvements to flight operations, processes and procedures.
  • Optimise operational resources while maintaining high standards of safety and compliance.
• Regulatory & Certification
  • Work closely with the Trials & Certification Engineer to prepare and submit UK CAA and MAA applications and approvals.
  • Take ownership of the operational and Safety Management System components of the relevant regulatory approvals.
  • Act as a key point of contact with regulators for new and ongoing operational approvals.
  • Ensure flight operations remain compliant as our systems, capabilities and operating environments evolve.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience in aviation, engineering or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in flight operations management, ideally within military aviation, defence or UAS environments.
• Strong understanding of aviation regulations, safety standards and operational risk management.
• Experience working with UK CAA requirements and/or MAA regulations.
• Proven ability to lead pilots, operators and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong planning, organisational and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management abilities.
• A practical, solutions-focused approach with strong attention to safety and detail.
• A serious get-up-and-go attitude.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Eligible to live and work in the UK and able to obtain UK Security Clearance.

Nice to Have

• Experience operating or managing UAS programmes.
• Experience with UK CAA operational authorisations or exemptions.
• Experience developing or maintaining a Safety Management System.
• Experience supporting defence trials, exercises or customer demonstrations.
• Previous experience working with international defence customers or partners.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work alongside engineers, pilots and innovators across a growing international team.
• Make a direct impact on real-world autonomous systems.
• Engage in building and deploying autonomous technology that matters.

Security Requirement

To be eligible for this role, you must be able to meet the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). This includes confirming your identity, legal right to work in the UK, recent employment history, and criminal record (unspent convictions only).