Were seeking a Director of Operations EMEA to lead the regions operational strategy and day-to-day executionbuilding the infrastructure systems and teams that enable safe compliant and profitable growth. Youll oversee core operational functions across our training centres including training delivery support asset reliability and lifecycle strategy supplier management and procurement IT/business systems sales strategy support and talent development. Working closely with regional and global leaders youll turn growth plans into scalable high-performing operations that deliver an exceptional customer experience.

Key accountabilities

Operational strategy and execution

• Define and deliver the EMEA operations strategy aligned to business growth plans and global standards.

• Ensure operational readiness to meet current demandand scale for future training growth.

• Embed scalable processes systems and governance across the region.

• Drive accountability for performance against EMEA Operations KPIs and success metrics.

• Partner with Sales Leadership on go-to-market priorities and maintain strong relationships with key customer stakeholders.

Asset and infrastructure management

• Own the regional asset strategy for simulators and training devices (acquisition deployment upgrades relocation and lifecycle optimisation).

• Deliver CAPEX allocation for facilities equipment and upgradesensuring investment is targeted and value-driven.

• Optimise asset positioning to maximise utilisation customer satisfaction and financial return.

• Build robust business cases for capital investments and infrastructure initiatives.

• Ensure assets meet or exceed reliability and quality targets; act quickly where performance falls short.

Service delivery and performance

• Enable consistent high-quality service delivery for internal stakeholders and customers.

• Partner with Commercial and Training Centre leaders to identify and deliver growth opportunities.

• Ensure IT and business systems meet operational needs and align with group strategy.

• Ensure wet training delivery meets all regulatory requirements and supports both current courseware and future development.

People leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing regional operations leadership team.

• Build capability engagement and succession across operational disciplines.

• Champion a strong safety quality and continuous improvement culture.

• Promote cross-regional collaboration to break down operational silos and share best practices.

Suppliers safety and compliance

• Own supplier strategy contracts and performance management across the region.

• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulatory legal and quality standards.

• Act as the senior escalation point for operational risk and resilience.

Scope and impact

Geographical Scope: EMEA (current sites: UK Spain Netherlands UAE and KSA)

Direct Reports: Functional and regional operations leaders (circa 400 heads in total org chart)

Financial Accountability: Significant operating and capital budgets

Assets: Highvalue training devices and infrastructure

Experience and capabilities

Minimum Qualifications

• 10 years leading multi-disciplinary teams with senior operations leadership experience in aviation training engineering or other asset-intensive environments.

• Strong strategic planning and execution skills with a track record of delivering results at pace.

• Proven experience managing complex supplier ecosystems and high-value capital assets.

• Demonstrated people leadership across multiple countries and cultures.

• Comfortable operating in a global matrixed organisation and influencing senior stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in regulated training and/or other safety-critical environments.

• Bachelors degree in Engineering Operations Business or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).

• Advanced or postgraduate qualification is desirable.

** We are not accepting agency submissions for this role**

About CAE

At CAE our mission is clear: to help make the world a safer place. For nearly 80 years weve driven innovation in simulation training and mission readiness to support critical operations worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies we empower our customers to operate smarter faster and more sustainably. Join a purpose-driven organization where bold ideas are encouraged collaboration drives progress and your growth fuels our shared success.

Position Type

Equal Opportunity & Accommodations

CAE is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants regardless of race nationality color religion sex gender identity or expression sexual orientation disability neurodiversity veteran status age or other characteristics protected by law. We encourage applicants who may not meet every qualification to apply. Reasonable accommodations are availablecontact your recruiter or email if needed.

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