Manager Aircraft Registration & Design Control

The IAA are seeking a highly motivated individual with extensive aviation industry experience to lead the Aircraft Registration and Design Control Division of the Airworthiness Division within the IAA. This role will provide the successful candidate with an exciting opportunity to make an influential contribution to a modern Irish aviation regulator with responsibility across the full range of regulatory issues affecting industry and consumers.

The Aircraft Registration and Design Control division deals with the entry and exit of aircraft to and from the system that all matters associated with the registration design manufacture delegation (Article 83bis) modification and repair of aircraft and the associated operating documents. More specifically it includes:

• Aircraft registration (including IDERA and insurance registrations issue of transponder / Unmanned Aircraft Identification codes and registration of ELTs (emergency locator transmitters));

• Article 83 bis agreements and schedules;

• Type acceptance (non-EASA);

• Technical assessments for STCs major modifications and repairs AMCs ADs (EASA partnership agreement) Approval of modifications and repairs (non-EASA);

• Oversight of FSTD devices and Certificates including the EASA partnership agreement

• Assessment/ audit of design organisations (EASA contract);

• Approval / audit of production organisations;

• Exemptions;

• Initial issue of Airworthiness Certificates

• Issue of Noise Certificates;

• Approval and amendment of Aircraft Flight Manuals and MELs;

• Specific Operational Approvals - Airworthiness aspects (e.g. RNAV ADS-B MNPS Datalink etc);

• Issue of Export Airworthiness Certificates;

• Issue of Permits to Fly (except those for sport and vintage aircraft operation);

• Reliability and ETOPS monitoring (Certification aspects).

• Issue of Airworthiness Directives where not covered by the EASA responsibility

• Development of regulations policies and procedures within the scope of the Division.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage the Aircraft Registration & Design Control Division to ensure its effective and efficient operation.

• People management responsibilities including leave management scheduling and ensure the effective performance and development of your direct reports.

• Exercise control by:

1. maintaining the Irish aircraft register (including certified UAS) and Article 83 bis agreements; and granting certificates permits

2. and approvals relating to: aircraft (including certified UAS) aircraft production and aircraft operation (e.g. airworthiness certificates permits to fly MELs RVSM approvals Flight Manuals etc).

• Ensure organisations and individuals comply with the required safety standards by carrying out the surveillance of activities in connection with aircraft design production and repair. This includes audits spot checks inspections and liaising with the industry as well as audits under contract to EASA.

• Ensure the provision of information and support to the owners and operators of aircraft concerning aircraft registration certification modification and repair for the purposes of clarification policy announcements technical information accident information etc. Support includes giving advice on regulations and standards.

• Ensure corrective action (i.e. administrative and if necessary legal measures) is taken to comply with the required airworthiness standards.

• Ensure organisations and individuals comply with the required safety standards by carrying out the surveillance of activities in connection with Flight Simulator Training Devices (FSTDs). This includes audits initial and recurrent evaluations liaising with the industry as well as audits and evaluations conducted under the EASA partnership.

• Advise the Director of Operations/Head of Airworthiness on exit control involving aircraft products parts services facilities procedures or systems regarding the:

1. variation

2. suspension

3. revocation or

4. disqualification

of an approval permit or certificate; as well as seizing the aircraft products parts or facilities; and exercise exit control over those voluntarily leaving the system.

• Advise the Director of Operations/Head of Airworthiness on specific or general matters relating to aircraft registration production certification modifications and repair etc.

• Provide technical advice in the development of safety standards and in the development of regulations concerning aircraft registration production certification modification and repair etc.

• Represent the Director of Operations/Head of Airworthiness on matters relating to the registration and design approval of aircraft.

• Represent the Authority at local and international fora as required to support the interests of the Authority.

• Maintain and preserve records and documents relating to the role and functions of the Division for recording as appropriate in the Civil Aviation Document Register.

• Provide technical advice and support to other IAA departments in the investigation of aircraft accidents incidents and defects.

• Support the implementation of the State Safety Programme (SSP) within Ireland.

• Support the Safety Review Processes within the Authority and lead the sectoral Safety Review Team and develop and maintain the sectoral risk registers.

• Identify and manage the development and promulgation of items to support Safety Promotion within the State particularly in Initial Airworthiness and Registration sector.

• Develop and implement risk-based oversight processes within the Division.

• Identify manage and promulgate Safety Promotion initiatives within the Division.

• Identify and implement process improvements in the Division.

• Support and develop MySRS utilisation within the Division.

• Engage with and develop relationships with the leasing industry

• Monitor identify and implement ICAO SARPS DOCs etc that are relevant to ARDC but not within the scope of EU regulations.

• Develop and implement effective communication channels between Division and industry.

• Provide advice and policy proposals regarding selection career development and management/staff training for Aircraft Registration and Design Control personnel.

• Identity and support training needs within the Sub-Directorate including management of the relevant elements of the Authoritys Training Resource and Management System (TRMS).

• Implement the Authoritys Performance Management System providing direction guidance and motivation to direct reports and dealing with employee relations issues in the Aircraft Registration and Design Control Division.

• Implement and monitor effective two-way communications including Team Briefing.

• Manage health and safety issues in accordance with the Company Safety Statement.

• Monitor maintain and develop ISO 9001:2015 quality standards.

• Ensure equality of opportunity for all employees in area of responsibility in accordance with Company Equality Policies.

Relationships:

Internal

In addition to the direct reporting relationships at 3 and 4 above liaise with functional line management as follows:

• Aeronautical Services Department

• Airworthiness (Scheduled) Division

• Airworthiness (Unscheduled) Division

• Flight Operations Division

• Human Resources Directorate

• Strategy Regulatory Performance and Innovation Directorate

• Finance Directorate

• Economic Regulation Consumer Affairs and Licensing Directorate

• Aviation Security Department

• Company Secretary /Legal Section

• Compliance Monitoring Function

• Corporate Communications Manager

• Other Authority functional units as may be established.

External

• Individual air operators general aviation operators etc

• Maintenance and repair organisations design organisations etc

• Aircraft manufacturers

• Leasing industry

• Industry bodies aviation sports bodies etc

• Department of Transport and other State bodies EU ICAO

• Other civil aviation authorities and appropriate international organisations

This job description is not exhaustive other items may be added from time to time at the discretion of the Head of Airworthiness.

The successful candidate should have the following qualifications and skills:

• Degree in aeronautical engineering or equivalent.

• Proven management experience with working in the civil aviation industry or in a regulatory organisation or in industry.

• A minimum of 8 years industry experience in aircraft technical services design services or fleet maintenance with significant experience at a senior level.

• A thorough knowledge of regulatory requirements and standards in both Ireland and countries with which the Department interacts.

• A thorough knowledge of ICAO EASA and other relevant international agreements and requirements.

• An ability to manage technical and non-technical staff in a modern matrix management system.

• An ability and willingness to manage clients and their expectations.

• Sound understanding of aviation safety management systems.

• Good negotiation skills

• Good management organisational and interpersonal skills

• Well-developed communication skills including verbal written and presentation.

• Excellent report writing skills

• Excellent verbal and written reasoning ability

• Excellent numerical reasoning ability

• Excellent IT skills including the full range of O365 is a prerequisite. Ability to familiarise and become proficient with specialist software is also required.

Desirable

• 5 or more years experience in a safety regulatory environment.

• 5 or more years experience in an aircraft design organisation at a design signatory level

• A higher-level degree qualification in a management or technical field

• A proven track record in a management position

• A good understanding of the financial principals that apply to aviation and in particular aviation regulation

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.

EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• TeamLeadership

• Judgement Analysis & Decision Making

• Management & Delivery of Results

• Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• SpecialistKnowledgeExpertise and Self-Development

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

Salary Rate

The salary is aligned with the Divisional Manager Level 2 scale.

Probationary Period

An internal movement probationary period of six months will apply for assessment within the specific role outlined in an Offer of Appointment. This probationary period shall not apply for the assessment of the Employees suitability in the Authority. The Authority reserves the right to re-deploy an employee during and at the end of this period and it may also be extended at the Authoritys discretion.

Hours of Work

The hours of work are 36 hours per week. Standard working hours at the IAA are:

Monday to Thursday: 9:15am to 5:30pm with 1-hour lunch break

Friday: 9:15am to 5:15pm with 1-hour lunch break

Annual Leave

Annual Leave excluding public holidays is 30 days per annum.

Pension

A successful internal candidate that is currently a member of an Irish Aviation Authority pension scheme will remain in that scheme.

The successful candidate will on date of joining become a member of the Irish Aviation Authority Defined Contribution Plan 2023.

Employee and matching employer contribution rates are:

Employee Employer

4% 8%

5% 10%

6% 12%

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 5pm Friday 19th September 2025.

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.

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.

Accommodations during the application and interview process may be requested directly to .