Chief Operating Officer Full Time

• Employment type: Permanent
• Employment basis: Full Time
• Salary: Competitive Salary and Excellent Benefits
• Standard Hours: Flexible start / 40 hours per week
• Location: Lee-on-the-Solent or Bembridge

Britten-Norman is the UK’s only sovereign commercial aircraft manufacturer. With a proud heritage of engineering innovation and operational reliability, Britten-Norman designs and manufactures aircraft that serve global markets across regional aviation, defence, and special missions.

As the company enters a period of industrial scaling and strategic growth, it is focused on increasing the production and delivery of new aircraft while sharpening its competitive edge against other global manufacturers. Britten-Norman is investing in operational transformation, improved delivery performance, and cost competitiveness, underpinned by robust compliance with UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations.

We are seeking a transformational Chief Operating Officer to lead these efforts across aircraft production, aircraft maintenance, programme execution, supply chain optimisation, scheduling, and customer delivery.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key executive leader responsible for all operational domains of Britten-Norman — including aircraft manufacturing, engineering support, supply chain, quality, programme delivery, and regulatory compliance.

The COO’s mandate includes scaling and optimising aircraft production, driving on-time and on-budget programme execution, ensuring seamless supply chain integration, and enabling Britten-Norman to compete globally on cost, quality, and delivery.

This role requires strategic leadership, cross-functional execution, and a deep understanding of aerospace supply chains, project governance, and operational excellence.

Aircraft Production & Delivery 

• Oversee end-to-end aircraft manufacturing from component sourcing through to final assembly and customer handover.
• Ensure scaling of output in production and aircraft maintenance to meet strategic volume goals while upholding safety and quality standards.
• Improve build lead and turn-around times and establish reliable, repeatable production and delivery models.
• Continuously improve efficiency and aircraft delivery lead times.

• Direct all project management functions related to aircraft build/re-build, customisation, upgrade, certification and delivery.
• Implement robust programme governance frameworks and integrated master schedules.
• Establish clear milestone-based delivery governance to meet customer and internal deadlines.
• Manage risks, milestones, and dependencies across engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing functions.
• Monitor critical path activities and proactively manage risks to avoid delays.
• Drive cross-functional alignment through project reviews, status reporting, and issue escalation protocols.

Supply Chain Strategy & Execution

• Own the global supply chain function, including sourcing strategy, supplier performance, and materials management.
• Develop resilient supplier networks and mitigate supply chain risks that impact delivery performance.
• Improve material availability and reduce inventory lead times through strategic planning and digital tools.
• Collaborate with procurement and engineering teams to support design-for-supply-chain initiatives.

Cost Competitiveness & Operational Efficiency

• Reduce aircraft unit cost via lean operations, value stream mapping, and supply chain optimisation.
• Benchmark performance against peer OEMs to ensure competitive advantage.
• Leverage supplier relationships to drive cost transparency, negotiation, and performance-based contracting.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality

• Ensure full compliance with UK CAA and EASA requirements, especially Part 21G and Part 145 certification and serve as Accountable Manager across all approvals.
• Oversee quality systems, audits, inspections, and non-conformance management.
• Embed a culture of quality and compliance from suppliers through to customer delivery.
• Drive a zero-defect, safety-first culture across the operational areas and ensure that a just culture is adopted throughout the business.

Customer-Centric Delivery & Support

• Align production and delivery planning with customer expectations and mission profiles.
• Drive predictable, transparent delivery and performance metrics.
• Manage customer configuration requirements and ensure customer satisfaction remains at the core of the delivery plan.
• Support aircraft entry into service with coordinated aftersales planning and technical support readiness.

Strategic Execution & Leadership

• Translate strategic business goals into tactical operational plans, KPIs, and measurable outcomes.
• Build and lead integrated teams across production, maintenance, supply chain, engineering support, and delivery.
• Drive accountability, agility, and continuous improvement at all levels.
• Ensure organisational readiness for future aircraft platforms, digital transformation, and sustainability goals.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Previous tenure as Accountable Manager or Form 4 holder in a UK CAA or EASA regulated business.
• Proven operations and supply chain leader within aerospace or similarly regulated, complex industries.
• Experience delivering complex hardware or aircraft systems with full project and supplier oversight.
• Familiarity with UK CAA or EASA regulations, especially Production Organisation Approvals (Part 21G).
• Strong commercial awareness and acumen.
• Effective communication and influencing skills.
• Delegation and team management at a senior level.
• Ability to achieve a UK security clearance.
• Full UK driving Licence

Benefits

• 36 annual leave days (inclusive of Bank and Public Holidays)
• Contributory pension scheme with a salary sacrifice option
• Private healthcare scheme
• Flu vaccination
• Dental and optical cover
• Employee Assistance Program
• Support with learning and professional development (courses and licenses)
• Health screening and therapies
• Digital GP
• Referral bonus

About Britten-Norman

Britten-Norman is a leading aircraft manufacturer that has been building aircraft continuously for over 70 years. The company is world renowned for its iconic BN2 Islander Series. The Islander is one of the most successful civil aircraft ever produced in the UK. Available in both piston and turboprop variants, Islander aircraft offer exceptional Short Take-off and Landing capabilities and the ability to operate from unprepared surfaces, including both grass and sand. It has been manufactured continuously since 1965, with 1,299 aircraft built to date. Islander aircraft provide adaptable, low-cost solutions that are currently in daily use with some 200 companies and organisations in over 70 countries worldwide. Britten-Norman also provides comprehensive support to its customers, with field servicing, training, and modifications/upgrades available. They have a dedicated training department that offers expert OEM approved training for pilots, mission operators, and technicians. Additionally, they prioritise innovation and are currently involved in various Research and Development programs. With facilities in the UK and USA, Britten-Norman is able to cater to customers globally. Their commitment to excellence and their passion for pushing boundaries in aircraft design make them a top choice for those in the aviation industry.

C1OO