Head of Flight Operations

IRISH AVIATION AUTHORITY

VACANCY

HEAD OF FLIGHT OPERATIONS

Role: Head of Flight Operations

Salary Scale: The salary for this role is 165908.

Reports to: Chief Operations Officer

Location: The Times Building 11-12 DOlier Street Dublin 2.

Position:Full time

Duration: Permanent

THE IRISH AVIATION AUTHORITY

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is the single aviation regulator for Ireland. We are responsible for the regulation of safety security and consumer interests. For more information please visit our website: About the Irish Aviation Authority ().

Mission: The Irish Aviation Authority regulates to the highest professional standards to ensure a safe secure and consumer-focused aviation environment. Through regulations we support word class performance and innovation in Irish and global aviation.

Values: Our values reflect what we believe in and how we behave when engaging with each other our clients and partners and the society in which we live.

• Safety defines us: We are the industry experts and the authority in our field.

• The passenger is central: We protect the interests of passengers in everything we do.

• We champion excellence: Individually and collectively we ensure that our practices and performance are of the highest standard in global aviation and consistently implemented.

• Our value is in our people: Our professionalism and commitment are at the heart of everything we do.

• Clear and responsive: We are accessible. We meet and surpass our public service commitments and strive to provide clarity and promote understanding in all aspects of regulation.

• Collaborative: We promote teamwork within the Authority and work with stakeholders and clients to find solutions.

• We promote sustainable and responsible practices: Aiming to promote the development of aviation in a sustainable and responsible way meeting the imperative to protect our shared environment.

DESCRIPTION OF ROLE OF THE HEAD OF FLIGHT OPERATIONS

The Head of Flight Operations reports to the Chief Operations Officer (COO) and leads the Authoritys certification oversight and enforcement functions for Air Operations across all applicable sectors including commercial air transport nonscheduled operations general aviation training organisations Specialised Operations (SPO) Coastguard Aviation Unmanned Aviation Systems and other flight operational categories under the European Union and National frameworks.

The Head of Flight Operations provides strategic and operational leadership for a riskbased and performancedriven oversight programme in the Air Operations function ensuring standardisation of inspectorate processes consistent and effective regulatory decisionmaking and effective engagement with Accountable Managers Nominated Postholders and stakeholders.

The Head of Flight Operations is responsible for delivering the relevant IAA strategic priorities set out in the Statement of Strategy and for implementing the applicable actions under the Irish State Plan for Aviation Safety (SPAS). This includes directing resources in line with State Safety Programme objectives to enhance safety performance and providing flight operations input to the IAAs safety management processes.

The role maintains a structured interface with the Head of Airworthiness where operational and continuing airworthiness issues intersect and interfaces with the Head of Aviation Infrastructure and Head of Aviation Security along with other departments in the IAA to ensure coherent regulatory safety outcomes as required.

The Head of Flight Operations represents the IAA as appropriate at ICAO EASA and other international and government forums.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Strategic & Operational Leadership (Air Operations Regulation). Provide strategic and operational leadership for Air Operations regulation translating organisational priorities into an integrated programme of certification oversight and enforcement across Air OPS sectors.

1. RiskBased Oversight Planning & Resource Prioritisation. Lead riskbased oversight planning for operators including annual/quarterly surveillance programmes prioritisation criteria and resource allocation aligned to safety risk operational complexity and performance including responsibilities as part of the IAA Safety and Security Review Panel.

1. Certification Approvals & Lifecycle Regulatory Control. Lead and govern certification and approvals activities within scope ensuring consistent evidencebased regulatory decisions and appropriate lifecycle regulatory control.

1. Surveillance Inspection Audit & Flight Standards Assurance. Manage the overall surveillance of aircraft operations to ensure that entities/ operators comply with required safety standards including audits inspections (announced and unannounced) periodic meetings with operators collection and analysis of data flight checks route checks and liaison with industry.

1. Enforcement Governance & Robust Administrative DecisionMaking. Ensure proportionate enforcement and robust administrative decisionmaking including evidence handling and records that stand up to appeal/review. Advise the COO / CEO on enforcement actions (variation suspension revocation or disqualification).

1. Safety Intelligence Trend Analysis & Safety Performance (SPIs). Maintain an ongoing analysis of aircraft operations to determine flight safety trends including establishment and monitoring of safety performance indicators (SPIs) and drive targeted interventions informed by safety data and oversight outcomes.

1. Oversight Quality Standardisation & Continuous Improvement. Ensure inspector standardisation consistent decisionmaking internal peer review and audit/ inspection quality. Lead change initiatives to improve oversight effectiveness and service delivery. Support internal/external training EASA partnership task allocation and consultancy projects through IAAi safety promotion and partnership with other competent authorities.

1. CrossFunctional Regulatory Integration Maintain structured interfaces with Airworthiness and other relevant functions (e.g. Aviation Infrastructure Aviation Security Economic Regulation) to ensure coherent regulatory safety outcomes across intersecting domains.

1. Stakeholder Industry & International Engagement. Maintain liaison with appropriate international authorities and organisations aircraft manufacturers and industry bodies concerned with the operation of aircraft. Represent the IAA as appropriate at ICAO EASA and other international and government committees conferences and working parties.

1. People Leadership Capability Budget & Workforce Planning

   Provide effective people leadership and management responsibilities including performance management coaching and development of direct reports workforce planning and oversight of leave management and scheduling. Manage the functions budget including planning forecasting monitoring expenditure and ensuring value for money and compliance with financial governance requirements. Build and sustain the competence and capability required to deliver risk-based oversight and consistent regulatory outcomes. Lead change management and champion culture and values including operational excellence inclusivity and continuous improvement.

This job description is not exhaustive; other items may be added from time to time at the discretion of the Chief Operations Officer

QUALIFICATIONS EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCE:

The successful candidate shall be able to demonstrate the following qualifications and skills:

• Demonstrable experience in a management role with either:

  • Minimum of 5 years as a civil aviation safety regulator; or

  • At least 15 years experience: as a pilot including experience as pilot-in-command of transport category aircraft; significant experience in international operations; or equivalent; including significant experience at a senior level; or

  • A degree in aeronautical engineering or equivalent with a minimum of 15 years experience working in an airline operational environment including significant experience at a senior level; or

  • At least 15 years experience in Air Traffic Control Air Navigation Service/ Air Traffic Management Service Provision; or equivalent; including significant experience at a senior level.

• Excellent understanding of aviation safety management systems.

• Demonstrable experience in safety management EASA oversight framework implementation audit/inspection methodology risk management safety performance monitoring and enforcement governance.

• Have an excellent working knowledge of ICAO EASA and other relevant international agreements and requirements and National policies and regulations.

• Evidence of leading multi-disciplinary teams.

• Excellent leadership communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business objectives into operational priorities.

• Experience representing an organisation in international or multi-stakeholder technical forums and engagement with social partners and other aviation stakeholders.

Key Competencies Required For Effective Performance:

For assessment of applicants the following competency model will be used. This model reflects the changing and more complex environment in which those at this level operate. Each competency is supported by a list of key performance indicators set out below.

Leadership & People Management:

• Proven capability to lead motivate and develop multidisciplinary teams setting clear direction fostering accountability and ensuring high levels of performance professionalism and engagement.

Performance Management & Coaching:

• Provide clear guidance constructive feedback and timely intervention to address performance issues and support employee development.

Leadership Effectiveness

• Demonstrated effectiveness in chairing and leading meetings ensuring clear purpose structured decision-making and timely followthrough on agreed actions.

Planning Organisation & Delivery of Results:

• Strong strategic and operational planning capability including the ability to set clear objectives prioritise resources manage competing demands and deliver outcomes aligned to organisational goals.

Decision Making Problem Solving & Strategic Awareness:

• Make sound evidence-based decisions considering organisational policy and stakeholder impacts and take responsibility for outcomes.

Change & Continuous Improvement:

• Identify and support opportunities to improve processes performance and service delivery contributing positively to change initiatives.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Highly developed communication and influencing skills with the ability to engage persuasively and confidently with a wide range of stakeholders including senior executives industry representatives international bodies and internal teams.

Strategic Stakeholder Management

• Demonstrated ability to negotiate at senior level achieving balanced outcomes with internal and external stakeholders in complex regulatory and operational environments.

Specialist Knowledge and Self-Development:

• Demonstrates specialist expertise in Flight Operations appropriate to leading the Authoritys Air Operations certification oversight and enforcement responsibilities across applicable Air OPS domain.

• Maintains professional currency through continuous development staying abreast of regulatory change evolving operational risk and oversight methodologies and actively applying learning to strengthen regulatory effectiveness and team capability.

• Is considered an expert by stakeholders in own field/ area.

• Demonstrate commitment to continuous professional development to enhance capability and effectiveness in the role.

Selection Process

The Selection Process may include:

• Shortlisting of candidates based on the information contained in their application.

• A competitive preliminary interview which may include a presentation.

• Psychometric testing.

• Work sample/role play/media exercise and any other tests or exercises that may be deemed appropriate.

• A second competitive interview which may include a presentation.

• Garda Vetting

Shortlisting

The number of applications received for a position generally exceeds that required to fill the position. While a candidate may meet the eligibility requirements of the competition if the numbers applying for the position are such that it would not be practical to interview everyone we may decide that a smaller number will be called to the next stage of the selection this respect we provide for the employment of a shortlisting process to select a group who based on an examination of the application forms appear to be the most suitable for the position.

This is not to suggest that other candidates are necessarily unsuitable or incapable of undertaking the job rather that there are some candidates who based on their application appear to be better qualified and/or have more relevant experience.

Application documents will be reviewed against shortlisting criteria. The shortlisting criteria may include both the essential and desirable criteria specified for the position. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your qualifications/ experience in your application.

References

It would be useful if you would begin to consider names of people who would be suitable referees and that we might consult (2 names and contact details). The referees do not have to include your current employer but should be able to provide a reference for you. The referees should be able to provide relatively recent information on your performance and behaviour in a work context.

You may wish to select referees that can provide such information from different perspectives or in different work contexts. Please be assured that we will only contact referees should you come under consideration after preliminary interview stage. Please note should you be successful at final interview we will require a reference from your current employer prior to recommendation for appointment.

Successful candidates may be required to complete several clearance processes such as Health and Character Declaration and any other relevant checks required for the particular role.

Other Important Information

The IAA will not be responsible for refunding any expenses incurred by candidates.

The admission of a person to a competition or invitation to attend interview or a successful result letter is not to be taken as implying that the IAA is satisfied that such a person fulfils the requirements or is not disqualified by law from holding the position.

Prior to recommending any candidate for appointment to this position the IAA will make all such enquiries that are deemed necessary to determine the suitability of that candidate. Until all stages of the recruitment process have been fully completed a final determination cannot be made nor can it be deemed or inferred that such a determination has been made. Should the person recommended for appointment decline or having accepted it relinquish it the IAA may at its discretion select and recommend the candidate who came second for appointment on the results of this selection process.

Applications will be treated in strict confidence. Deeming of candidature to be withdrawn - Candidates who do not attend for interview when and where required or who do not when requested furnish such evidence as the IAA require in regard to any matter relevant to their candidature will have no further claim to consideration.

Candidates Obligations

Candidates should note that canvassing will disqualify and will result in their exclusion from the process.

Candidates must not:

• knowingly or recklessly provide false information

• canvass any person with or without inducements

• interfere with or compromise the process in any way

In addition where a person found guilty of an offence was or is a candidate at a recruitment process then:

• where they have not been appointed to a post they will be disqualified as a candidate and

• where they have been appointed after the recruitment process in question they shall forfeit their appointment.

Salary Rate

The salary for this role is 165908.

Probationary Period

The position is subject to a probationary period of 6 months from the date of actual commencement and is subject to the provision of satisfactory performance during that period.

Hours Of Attendance

Hours of attendance will be fixed from time to time but will amount to not less than 41 hours gross per week. The successful candidate will be required to work additional hours from time to time as may be reasonable and necessary for the proper performance of their duties subject to the limits set down in the working time regulations.

Annual Leave

Annual Leave excluding public holidays is 30days per annum.

Pension

The successful candidate will on date of joining become a member of the Irish Aviation Authority pension scheme details of which will be communicated to the successful candidate on offer of appointment.

Other Benefits

• Access to cycle to work scheme

• Tax free Bus/ Luas/ Rail to assist with travel costs to and from work

• Access to Employee Assistance Programme

• Access to IAA health and wellbeing initiatives

• Learning and Development opportunities

Location

The IAA is based in the Times Building 11-12 DOlier Street Dublin 2 near Trinity College. We are convenient to all Luas lines; several Dublin Bus routes and are about 5 minutes from Tara Street Railway Station. We are also just minutes from OConnell Street and St. Stephens Green.

Hybrid working arrangements may be agreed in line with IAA Flexible Working policy.

Application

Applications must consist of the following to be considered for shortlisting:

• A letter of motivation (max. two A4 pages) outlining why you wish to be considered for the post and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements of the position.

• A comprehensive CV.

Complete applications including a CV and letter of motivation should be received no later than 9am Monday 15th June 2026.

It is anticipated that interviews for this post will take place on week commencing 13th July 2026.

Eligibility

Candidates should note that eligibility to compete is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) Switzerland the UK and those with an IRP with stamp 4. To qualify candidates must be citizens of the EEA Switzerland the UK or have an IRP with stamp 4 on the date of application.

Please click this link to view current member states in the EEA:

Countries European Environment Agencys home page

The IAA are not in the position to offer sponsorship for this role.

The IAA promotes equity diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people from diverse backgrounds and under-represented groups including but not limited to ethnic minority and people with disabilities. IAA firmly believes that such diversity enriches our workplace culture and drives innovation.

If you have a disability or need any specific accommodations during the application or selection process please let us know. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to ensure all candidates have an equal opportunity to participate fully in the recruitment process. You can contact us at .