At AALTO, we offer an exceptional work environment that values your well-being and rewards your dedication. As part of our team, you'll experience the freedom of flexible working that enable you to achieve a healthy work-life balance. We believe in recognizing your hard work and commitment, which is why we provide a fantastic bonus scheme that rewards your contributions. Additionally, we understand the importance of financial security and support your future with a competitive pension plan. When you join us, you become part of a workplace that not only encourages your professional growth but also cares about your personal fulfilment and financial stability.

AALTO HAPS Ltd. is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.

Welcome to AALTO, a global leader in the stratosphere. We design, manufacture and offer connectivity and Earth observation services using the record-breaking Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS).

HAPS is one of the world’s leading emerging technologies, which operate above air traffic and weather to offer new capabilities within our communications ecosystem. As the world’s most advanced HAPS, AALTO’s Zephyr is blazing a trail at the cutting-edge of technology, design and services.

Powered entirely by the sun as an emission less aircraft in-flight – Zephyr flies at the speed of a bicycle above 60,000+ feet for days, weeks and even months at a time.

As a payload agnostic platform, Zephyr can transform into a multi-functional tower in the sky to provide low latency 5G direct-to-device mobile connectivity services. Zephyr can also be used to fulfil a range of monitoring, tracking, sensing and detection applications.

Join as we create a new frontier for services from the stratosphere. You’ll be part of a highly-skilled, innovative and passionate group of people – Team AALTO. Together, we can make sure ‘The Future is Stratospheric’.

Job Description:

The Director, Aviation Operations is a key executive leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of flight operations to ensure the safety, efficiency, and compliance of the company’s crew. This role includes strategic planning, regulatory compliance, operational leadership, and team development, with a strong emphasis on achieving the highest standards of safety, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. This person will collaborate closely with AALTOPort Operations, Meteorology, Programme Management, and the CTO organisation in supporting the company’s goals and performance objectives.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and execute the overall strategy to deliver Aviation Operations.
• Lead and mentor the Aviation Operations team, including pilots, and mission planners fostering a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Build a manpower strategy to solve for local talent in the Farnborough and Kenya site to reduce reliance on the deployment model.
• Ability to inspire, influence, and drive cross-functional collaboration, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Collaborate with other executives to ensure that Aviation Operations are integrated with broader company initiatives, such as fleet management, safety protocols, customer experience, and sustainability.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee daily flight operations, ensuring all flights are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Monitor and optimise flight scheduling, crew availability, and resource allocation to maximise operational efficiency and minimise delays or disruptions.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices in operations, technology, and resource management. This could include remote launch and landing technology.
• Resilience: Capacity to thrive in high-stakes environments, effectively managing stress and remaining focused under pressure.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant aviation regulations and standards (e.g., CAA, KCAA) and maintain high standards of safety across all flight operations.
• Develop, implement, and manage policies and procedures to enhance operational safety and reduce risk.
• Lead efforts in safety management systems (SMS) and act as a primary liaison with regulatory bodies, addressing all aspects of safety audits, inspections, and compliance reporting.

Performance Management

• Set and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for flight operations, using data-driven approaches to track performance and drive improvement.
• Prepare and present regular performance reports to the executive team, identifying areas for improvement and recommending strategic adjustments as needed.
• Oversee budget planning and cost management for the flight operations department, ensuring cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality and safety standards.

Innovation & Technology Integration

• Evaluate and implement new technologies and systems to improve flight operations, enhance safety, and streamline processes.
• Stay informed on industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes to keep the company at the forefront of innovation.
• Ability to anticipate industry changes and operational challenges, adapting strategies to address them effectively.

Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including maintenance, sales, finance, IT, and HR, to align on company-wide initiatives.

Requirements/Experience:

• Solid experience in flight operations, with an exceptional track record in a senior leadership role. Experience with uncrewed aircraft or HAPS preferred.
• Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of national and international aviation regulations (e.g., KCAA, CAA).
• Proven track record of operational excellence and strategic leadership in Aviation Operations.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively at all organisational levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.

At AALTO, we offer an exceptional work environment that values your well-being and rewards your dedication. As part of our team, you'll experience the freedom of flexible working that enable you to achieve a healthy work-life balance. We believe in recognizing your hard work and commitment, which is why we provide a fantastic bonus scheme that rewards your contributions. Additionally, we understand the importance of financial security and support your future with a competitive pension plan. When you join us, you become part of a workplace that not only encourages your professional growth but also cares about your personal fulfilment and financial stability.

AALTO HAPS Ltd. is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.

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