Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety (IQuESt)
Engineering Operations Manager
Location: The VHQ, Crawley
Shift Pattern: 4x 07:00 – 19:00, 4x off, 4x 19:00 – 07:00
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Competitive
Closing Date: 10th July 2026
At Virgin Atlantic, we believe in the extraordinary power of people to reshape what’s possible.
With our bold ambition to become the most loved travel company, we’re redefining aviation through innovation, inclusivity, and a culture that puts people first. Individuality isn't just welcomed — it’s celebrated.
In a nutshell
At Virgin Atlantic, we’re driven by a passion for delivering safe, reliable, and exceptional flying experiences. We’re looking for an Engineering Operations Manager to play a critical role in ensuring our aircraft operate safely and efficiently across our global network.
As a key member of the Engineering Operations leadership team, you will oversee day-to-day engineering operations, ensuring aircraft depart safely and on time. You’ll lead operational decision-making, manage technical teams, and provide oversight of short-term maintenance planning while driving performance, safety, and customer experience.
You’ll also lead and develop a high-performing Technical Operations team, ensuring world-class standards across engineering operations worldwide.
Key responsibilities
Lead operational control and decision-making, including AOG (Aircraft on Ground) recovery and disruption management
Oversee the immediate maintenance planning window, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency
Provide 24/7 technical and operational leadership, including crisis management support
Drive safety, regulatory compliance, and risk-based decision-making
Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Flight Operations, and wider business teams
Manage team performance, development, and engagement
Drive continuous improvement through root cause analysis and reliability initiatives
Ensure accurate reporting, delay attribution, and cost control
About you
Proven leadership experience in an aviation engineering or technical operations environment
Strong knowledge of EASA, CAA, and airworthiness regulations
Skilled in operational decision-making under pressure, with a focus on safety and customer impact
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex data and drive insights
EASA Part 66 B1/B2 Licence or Degree/HND in a relevant engineering discipline
Our differences make us stronger
Our customers come from all walks of life and so do our colleagues. That’s why we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. At Virgin Atlantic, we believe everyone can take on the world - no matter your age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs. We celebrate difference and everything that makes our colleagues unique by upholding an inclusive environment in which we can all thrive. So that everyone at Virgin Atlantic can be themselves and know they belong.
To make your journey with us accessible and individual to you, we encourage you to let us know if you’d like a little extra help with your application, or if you have any individual requirements at any stage along your recruitment journey. We are here to support you, so please reach out to our team, ([email protected]) feeling confident that we’ve got your individual considerations covered.
