General Manager (Aviation)

Our client is looking to recruit a General Manager to join their growing team. Reporting to the Global Operations, the chosen candidate will:

Business Leadership & Financial Performance

• Assume full accountability for the site's Profit & Loss (P&L), delivering agreed financial targets including revenue, profitability, productivity and cash performance.
• Develop and execute operational and business plans aligned with the company's strategic objectives.
• Prepare, manage and control annual operating budgets and capital expenditure.
• Monitor operational and financial KPIs, implementing corrective actions to drive sustainable performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, optimise costs and enhance profitability without compromising safety, quality or customer service.
• Support commercial activities by working closely with Sales and senior leadership to maximise hangar utilisation, customer retention and business growth.

Operational Leadership

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the Malta facility, ensuring the safe, efficient and effective delivery of all aircraft maintenance and painting activities.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget and in accordance with customer expectations.
• Establish and maintain robust operational processes that maximise productivity, quality and customer satisfaction.
• Chair operational performance meetings, driving accountability through clear metrics, action plans and follow-up.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean principles and industry best practices to enhance operational performance.
• Ensure the effective maintenance of facilities, equipment and infrastructure to maximise operational availability.

Safety, Quality & Regulatory Compliance

• Champion a proactive safety culture where safety remains the highest operational priority.
• Ensure full compliance with EASA regulations, local aviation authority requirements, company approvals and customer standards.
• Maintain the highest standards of quality, ensuring all work is performed in accordance with approved procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Environmental and Fire Safety legislation, permits and company policies.
• Maintain effective relationships with aviation authorities, regulatory bodies, customers and external auditors.

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Develop and maintain strong customer relationships to ensure consistently high levels of service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Act as the senior operational representative during customer visits, audits, business reviews and key stakeholder meetings.
• Work collaboratively with Quality, Supply Chain, Sales, HR and Finance to ensure integrated operational delivery.
• Build productive relationships with suppliers, contractors, regulatory agencies and other external stakeholders.

Leadership & People Development

• Provide visible, inspirational leadership that promotes accountability, collaboration, engagement and continuous improvement.
• Build, develop and retain a high-performing workforce through effective recruitment, succession planning and talent development.
• Lead, coach and develop the management team through regular performance reviews, mentoring and individual development plans.
• Set clear objectives and performance expectations, providing regular coaching, recognition and constructive feedback.
• Promote employee engagement through effective communication, leadership visibility and recognition of achievement.
• Foster positive employee relations while ensuring the fair and consistent application of company policies, employment legislation and collective agreements where applicable.
• Promote an inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with dignity, fairness and respect.

Governance & Risk Management

• Ensure effective operational governance through robust reporting, internal controls and risk management processes.
• Monitor operational risks and implement mitigation strategies to protect people, customers, assets and business continuity.
• Ensure all statutory inspections, certifications, permits and service contracts remain current and compliant.
• Continuous Improvement
• Drive a culture of operational excellence, innovation and continuous improvement across the facility.
• Lead business transformation initiatives that improve competitiveness, efficiency, quality and customer experience.
• Benchmark operational performance against industry best practice and implement improvements where appropriate.
• Undertake any additional responsibilities reasonably required to support the successful operation of the business.

Requirements

• Ability to build, motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• Resilient and able to perform effectively in a dynamic operational environment.
• Strong planning, organisational and project management capability.
• Strong customer focus with a commitment to service excellence.
• Excellent leadership, influencing and decision-making skills.

Education and Experience

• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrable P&L management experience.
• Minimum of 7 years senior operational leadership experience within the aviation industry, preferably in an MRO, aircraft painting or aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing a complex operational facility with full P&L responsibility.
• Strong understanding of EASA regulations, aviation quality systems and safety management principles.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary operational teams in a customer-focused environment.
• Sound understanding of employment legislation together with Health & Safety and Environmental regulations.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Accounting, Business or a related discipline is preferred.
• Project Management qualification (PRINCE2, PMP or equivalent) would be advantageous.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal.

Benefits

• Health Insurance