363 Strategic Operations jobs in the United Kingdom

Job Description: Strategic Operational Manager

Reporting to: General / Accountable Manager

Location: Castle Air Academy, Gloucestershire

Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent

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Primary Objective of the Role

To support the Accountable Manager in delivering strategic, operational, and financial goals across Castle Air Academy, Gloucester and support the CTKI and FSTD Manager roles. This high-impact role acts as a strategic coordinator, analytical advisor, and operational enabler. It ensures the smooth execution of key initiatives, regulatory compliance, and commercial performance as the Academy scales.

The postholder will be a proactive, analytical individual able to anticipate needs, manage complexity, and contribute meaningfully to strategic initiatives within a dynamic aviation training environment. A strong ability to build trust across stakeholders, both internal and external, is essential.

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Key Competencies & Behaviours

1. Strategic Thinking & Commercial Acumen

Definition: Understands broader business goals, identifies growth opportunities, and supports strategic decision-making.

Behaviours:

• Anticipates business needs and proactively gathers insights (e.g., new courses, training contracts, fleet strategy).

• ynthesises financial data (e.g., course-level breakeven, margin modelling) into executive-ready outputs.

• T acks KPIs for scaling and profitability; identifies cost drivers and margin risks.

• B nchmarks course pricing and supports commercial strategy and decision-making.

• C ntributes data to board briefings, management reviews, and business plans.

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2. Aviation Industry Awareness & Regulatory Insight

Definition: Understands helicopter flight training operations and associated UK CAA regulatory frameworks.

Behaviours:

• P epares documentation and audit materials for CAA inspections and internal reviews.

• I terprets and briefs changes to UK aviation regulations (e.g., Part-FCL, ORA, ORS4/5/9).

• S pports maintenance of CAA-approved manuals (e.g., TM, OM, SMS, CMM).

• L aises with regulators and external ATOs to maintain operational compliance.

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3. Project Coordination & Execution

Definition: Manages Academy strategic and operational projects from planning to completion.

Behaviours:

• C eates and monitors project plans.

• D velops and tracks Gantt charts and dashboards for strategic initiatives.

• T acks and oversees project milestones and risks—e.g., training throughput vs revenue goals.

• Coo dinates project delivery across training, operations, finance, and marketing.

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4. Stakeholder Management, Communication & Relationship Building

Definition: Builds trusted relationships and represents the Academy professionally across internal and external interfaces.

Behaviours:

• D monstrates a personable, professional and customer-oriented approach.

• P ioritises long-term stakeholder and client relationships.

• A ts as liaison for key partners, regulators, prospective clients and cadet sponsors.

• P epares communications, stakeholder briefings, and board papers.

• M nages sensitive communications tactfully (e.g. pricing, complaints, regulatory discussions).

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5. Operational Agility & Problem Solving

Definition: Responds flexibly to changing needs and applies sound judgement under pressure.

Behaviours:

• H ndles critical tasks or escalations discreetly and efficiently.

• S pports continuity of operations while progressing strategic priorities.

• D agnoses operational or compliance gaps and recommends improvements.

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6. Information & Workflow Management

Definition: Structures and manages the flow of communications and data to and from the AM.

Behaviours:

• S reens and prioritises meeting requests and correspondence based on relevance and urgency.

• M intains briefing packs and high-level reporting for strategic meetings.

• O ganises shared digital workspaces and maintains compliance-ready records.

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7. High-Level Discretion & Professional Integrity

Definition: Handles sensitive matters with complete confidentiality and loyalty.

Behaviours:

• A ts as a trusted advisor to the AM, raising concerns respectfully and offering solutions.

• M intains confidentiality on finance, HR, and regulatory matters.

• U holds the Academy’s brand, values, and professionalism in all dealings.

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8. Change Readiness & Growth Mindset

Definition: Embraces change and seeks to improve operations through innovation and feedback.

Behaviours:

• Ide tifies inefficiencies and suggests improvements across departments or processes.

• P omotes a culture of agility, learning, and cross-functional support.

• T kes ownership of internal transformation projects (e.g. onboarding digitisation, simulator expansion programme).

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9. Time Management & Prioritisation

Definition: Plans and executes tasks efficiently in a fast-paced training environment.

Behaviours:

• M intains a forward-looking executive calendar aligned to key Academy cycles.

• P ans ahead for strategic priorities, while handling urgent tasks effectively.

• R solves scheduling and deadline conflicts with foresight and professionalism.

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Desired Qualifications & Experience

• M nimum 5 years’ experience in a senior executive support, operations, or strategy coordination role.

• Pro en ability to learn and adapt quickly in regulated or complex industries.

• S rong business acumen, ideally with relevant postgraduate qualifications (e.g., MSc/MBA in Business, Management, or related field).

• E cellent organisational, written, and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing materials for executive-level meetings.

• H gh proficiency with collaborative digital project management tools and financial modelling platforms (e.g., the complete MS Suite, Smartsheet, Trello, SharePoint, Asana, Notion).

• D monstrated interest in aviation, education, or training sectors and a willingness to develop deeper regulatory and operational understanding.

Please click apply

• Develop and implement operational strategies that support the institution's mission and objectives, ensuring alignment with academic and research priorities.
• Oversee the management of various operational departments, including facilities, IT infrastructure, procurement, and administrative services, ensuring high standards of service delivery.
• Lead and manage budgets for operational expenditures, identifying cost-saving opportunities and ensuring efficient resource allocation.
• Drive process improvement initiatives, leveraging data analysis and best practices to enhance efficiency, productivity, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Manage relationships with key external suppliers and service providers, negotiating contracts and ensuring service level agreements are met.
• Develop and implement robust risk management strategies and ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of operational staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Support the development and implementation of new projects and initiatives, ensuring smooth operational integration and success.
• Act as a key liaison between operational teams and senior leadership, providing regular updates and strategic insights.
• Champion the adoption of new technologies and systems to streamline operations and improve overall effectiveness.

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Management, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Significant experience (8+ years) in a senior management or operational leadership role, preferably within a large-scale organisation, academic institution, or research environment.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic operational plans.
• Strong financial acumen, with proven experience in budget management and cost control.
• Expertise in process optimisation methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) and change management.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in relevant operational software and systems.
• A strategic mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving.

• Develop and implement long-term operational strategies aligned with the company's overall business goals.
• Oversee and optimize day-to-day operations across departments such as supply chain, logistics, customer service, and project management.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement best practices to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operational team, fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and monitor operational performance, reporting on progress to executive leadership.
• Manage operational budgets, ensuring financial targets are met and resources are allocated effectively.
• Drive innovation in operational processes and technologies to maintain a competitive edge.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations and company policies.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, partners, and clients.
• Champion a culture of excellence, quality, and customer satisfaction throughout the organisation.

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Extensive experience (10+ years) in senior management roles with a strong track record of success in operational leadership.
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective operational strategies in a complex environment.
• Expertise in process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and inspire at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Experience managing significant budgets and P&L responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience in change management and driving organisational transformation.
• Familiarity with modern ERP systems and operational software.

• Develop and execute strategic operational plans to achieve business objectives.
• Oversee daily operations, ensuring efficiency and quality standards are met.
• Manage and optimise supply chain, logistics, and inventory management.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational excellence.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and foster a culture of innovation.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the operational management team.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure integrated business processes.
• Manage operational budgets and control costs effectively.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and identify areas for strategic intervention.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in operations management.
• Proven success in strategic planning and execution.
• Strong knowledge of operational best practices, lean methodologies, and Six Sigma.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability in financial management and budgeting.
• Experience with ERP systems and operational software.
• Proficiency in data analysis and performance metric reporting.

• Develop, implement, and monitor operational strategies to enhance efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of operational staff, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
• Oversee all aspects of daily operations, including resource allocation, workflow management, and performance monitoring.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and implement best practices to streamline operations.
• Manage budgets, forecast operational needs, and ensure financial targets are met.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, suppliers, and partners.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations and company policies.
• Drive innovation and implement new technologies or systems to improve operational capabilities.
• Prepare regular reports on operational performance, key metrics, and strategic initiatives for senior leadership.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues as they arise, ensuring minimal disruption to business continuity.

• Proven experience (7+ years) in a senior operations management or similar leadership role.
• Demonstrable success in implementing operational improvements and driving efficiency gains.
• Strong understanding of business principles and management practices.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management experience.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field. Master's degree or MBA preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems and operational software is a plus.

• Develop and implement comprehensive operational strategies that align with the company's long-term goals, with a strong emphasis on remote work enablement.
• Oversee the day-to-day management of all operational departments, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement in a remote setting.
• Identify and address operational bottlenecks and inefficiencies, implementing innovative solutions and best practices to streamline processes and enhance productivity.
• Lead the development and execution of key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor operational effectiveness, providing regular reports and insights to senior leadership.
• Manage departmental budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and resource optimization without compromising quality or service delivery.
• Drive the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance operational capabilities and support remote team collaboration.
• Cultivate strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners, ensuring seamless integration and communication across all levels.
• Mentor, coach, and develop a high-performing remote team, fostering professional growth and engagement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and company policies, adapting them for a remote operational context.
• Champion a culture of innovation and continuous learning, staying abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies relevant to remote operations.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in designing and implementing operational strategies, particularly within fully remote or distributed work environments.
• Expertise in process improvement methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate remote teams.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management.
• Proficiency in relevant operational software and collaboration tools.
• Proven ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Experience in managing change and driving organizational transformation.
• Must be based in the UK, with the ability to work autonomously and effectively from a remote location.

• Develop and implement long-term strategic operational plans aligned with company goals.
• Oversee daily operations across multiple departments and geographic regions.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive operational excellence.
• Identify and implement strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.
• Lead and mentor a diverse team of operational managers and staff in a remote setting.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, ensuring financial targets are met.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization.
• Manage risk assessment and mitigation strategies for operational activities.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and industry standards.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to set strategic objectives and priorities.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance.
• Prepare regular reports on operational performance for the board of directors.

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in operations management and strategic leadership.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex operations and driving significant business growth.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management.
• Exceptional leadership, team-building, and motivational skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in utilizing digital collaboration tools and managing remote teams effectively.
• Experience in the energy sector or a related technology-driven industry is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.