Production Lead - Aircraft Maintenance Operations

Location: Birmingham
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Sector: Aerospace & Defence

Are you an experienced aviation leader with a background in aircraft maintenance, modification programmes, or production operations?

We are recruiting for a Production Lead to oversee complex aircraft maintenance and modification activities within a highly regulated aerospace environment. This is an excellent opportunity to lead multidisciplinary teams, drive operational performance, and play a key role in the successful delivery of a major aircraft programme.

The Role

As Production Lead, you will be responsible for managing daily aircraft maintenance and modification operations, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to schedule. Working closely with engineering, planning, quality, logistics, and programme teams, you will coordinate resources, resolve operational challenges, and ensure delivery objectives are achieved.

This is a leadership position suited to someone who thrives in a busy aviation environment and has a proven record of managing aircraft maintenance or production activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage aircraft maintenance and modification operations.
• Drive daily production activities to ensure programme milestones are achieved.
• Chair operational meetings and coordinate activities across multiple functions.
• Support and develop supervisors, team leaders, certifying staff, and technicians.
• Identify and resolve production issues that could impact quality, safety, or schedule.
• Work closely with planning, engineering, logistics, quality, and supply chain teams.
• Monitor programme performance, workflow, and resource requirements.
• Promote a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Ensure all work is completed to the highest quality standards.
• Communicate progress, risks, and recovery plans to senior stakeholders.

About You

• Significant experience within aircraft maintenance, MRO, aircraft production, or modification programmes.
• Previous experience leading engineering or maintenance teams in a regulated aviation environment.
• Strong understanding of aircraft maintenance and operational delivery processes.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical documents, and maintenance publications.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to manage workload, priorities, and programme schedules.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working on large commercial or military fixed-wing aircraft.
• Background in defence aviation, aerospace manufacturing, or commercial aircraft maintenance.
• Knowledge of CAA, EASA, MAA, or equivalent aviation regulations.
• Experience leading base maintenance, heavy maintenance, hangar operations, or aircraft upgrade programmes.
• Understanding of aviation supply chain and logistics functions.

Qualifications

• Aircraft Maintenance Licence (CAA Part-66, EASA, Military Equivalent, or similar) desirable.
• Engineering Apprenticeship, HNC, HND, or Degree in an Engineering discipline.
• Leadership or Operational Management qualifications advantageous.

What's on Offer?

• Opportunity to lead a high-profile aerospace programme.
• Work alongside highly skilled aviation professionals.
• Exposure to complex aircraft modification and maintenance projects.
• Long-term career development within a growing aerospace and defence environment.

If you're an experienced aircraft maintenance or production leader looking for your next challenge, apply now for a confidential discussion.