Head of operations

Airbus Defence and Space SAU

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Riyadh Until 9/15/2026 H-1B sponsor history First posted July 17, 2026 Last posted July 17, 2026
Job description

Job Description:

Job summary:

The Head of Operations (HO Operations) is responsible for the end-to-end operational performance of the subsidiary, covering spares distribution, technical support, training, Part 145 maintenance/repair activities, equipment repair, and contract management. The role ensures operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and a strong safety culture while supporting the development of multi-service support offers to customers across the region.

Job Responsibilities:

Operations Leadership

  • Lead and coordinate all operational functions: spares distribution, technical support, Part 145 workshop, equipment repair, and training delivery

  • Ensure operational plans are aligned with the subsidiary's business objectives and customer commitments

  • Drive performance through clear KPIs, structured governance, and regular operational reviews

Part 145 & Technical Support

  • Ensure the Part 145 maintenance organization operates in full compliance with applicable civil/military airworthiness regulations

  • Oversee technical support activities, ensuring timely and quality resolution of customer technical requests

  • Maintain strong relationships with airworthiness authorities and Airbus Helicopters engineering support

Spares & Equipment Repair

  • Ensure efficient spares distribution processes, inventory accuracy, and on-time delivery performance

  • Oversee equipment repair operations, ensuring turnaround times and quality standards are met

Training

  • Ensure training programs (technical, operational) are delivered to required standards and support customer capability development

  • Coordinate with training partners/academies as relevant

Contract Management & Support Offers

  • Oversee contract execution, ensuring deliverables, SLAs, and commercial terms are met

  • Support the development and structuring of multi-service support offers (bundled MRO, training, spares, technical support packages) in collaboration with Sales/Business Development

Safety Culture & Structure

  • Champion a strong, visible safety culture across all operational activities — technical, workshop, and training environments

  • Ensure robust risk management, incident reporting, and continuous improvement processes are in place

  • Build and maintain structured, documented processes and procedures across all operational domains, ensuring consistency, auditability, and scalability as the organization grows

  • Lead by example on compliance, discipline, and rigor in day-to-day operations

People Management

  • Manage, coach, and develop operational team leads and their teams

  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Requirements:

  • Strong experience in Support & Services ideally in Aeronautics.

  • Significant experience in MRO/aviation operations management, ideally in a helicopter or complex technical environment

  • Strong knowledge of Part 145 requirements and airworthiness regulatory frameworks

  • Proven track record leading multi-disciplinary operational teams (technical, logistics, training)

  • Experience in contract management and support of commercial/service offer development

  • Demonstrated commitment to safety culture and structured operational management

  • Strong leadership, organizational, and stakeholder management skills

  • Good Communication skills

  • Strong network internal and external

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:

Airbus Helicopters Arabia for Aircraft Maintenance

Employment Type:

Fixed term

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Experience Level:

Professional

Job Family:

Leadership <JF-FA-EM>

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Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com.

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.

About this role

Summary

Oversee Airbus Helicopters Arabia's operational performance, safety, compliance, and team leadership.

Job title

Head of operations

Experience level

professional

Industry

aerospace

Location requirements

Based in Riyadh, regional operations support accepted.

Salary

Not specified

Visa sponsorship

H-1B sponsor history

Management role

Yes

Skills & keywords

Required skills

aerospaceaviation operationsMROPart 145leadershipcontract managementsafety culturestakeholder managementregulatory compliance

Preferred skills

None specified

Specializations

aviationMROsupport and servicesPart 145airworthiness
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Riyadh Saudi Arabia

Work arrangement unknown City