Head of Cabin Services - #191082

Head of Cabin Services

We are looking for a Head of Cabin Services to lead and shape our Cabin Services operation. You will set clear standards, lead a high-performing team, and ensure safe and consistent delivery of the onboard experience.

Taking ownership of civilian cabin crew welfare, performance, engagement, and development, you will ensure all activity meets safety and regulatory requirements while delivering a strong customer experience. In addition, you will set and maintain cabin safety, service and operating standards for military operations. The incumbent is also responsible for departmental budgeting matters.

You will work closely with colleagues across the business to drive alignment and improve outcomes.

Why AirTanker?

AirTanker is a vital part of the UK’s defence capability, delivering air-to-air refuelling and air transport services to the RAF and MOD. We operate at the intersection of military precision and commercial innovation. As Head of Cabin Services, you will lead and coordinate all civilian cabin crew operations to ensure safe, compliant, and consistent delivery of the onboard experience. You will set priorities, align people and resources, and work with internal and external stakeholders to deliver high standards while minimising operational disruption.

What's in it for you

• Operational Leadership: Lead Cabin Services across the operation and shape how onboard service and safety standards are delivered
• Strategic Impact: Influence Cabin Services strategy and align service delivery with wider business goals
• Change Leadership: Lead initiatives that improve service delivery, crew engagement, and operational performance
• Regulatory Leadership: Ensure full compliance with aviation safety and regulatory requirements
• Comprehensive Benefits: Including private medical insurance, bonus scheme, EV scheme, contributory pension, and more.
• Adventure & Belonging: Battlefield tours, adventure training, and family fun days.
• AirTanker supports flexible working to help employees achieve a healthy work-life balance. We recognise the importance of balancing work with personal commitments, and are committed to agreeing arrangements that meet both individual and business needs.

What you'll be doing

• Lead day-to-day Cabin Services operations across the network including delivery of our leasing activities
• Set and maintain service, safety, and compliance standards
• Manage civilian cabin crew performance, engagement, and development
• Manage the relationship and conduct negotiations with the Cabin Crew Union.
• In co-ordination with the Head of Training and relevant managers, be responsible for the development and compliance of cabin crew training programmes
• Responsible for development and compliance of both core and non core training programmes
• Ensuring an effective and efficient compliance monitoring system is in place within Cabin Services which includes an oversight and audit schedule
• Ensuring planned compliance activities are completed, observations recorded and acted upon in accordance with regulatory requirements and company SMS
• Own Cabin Services policies, manuals, and procedures
• Conduct audits, compliance checks, and risk assessments
• Analyse performance data and address trends or gaps
• Build relationships with clients, suppliers, and partners
• Manage, lead, empower and develop Cabin Crew Management team in their roles ensuring consistent delivery of all safety procedures, operational performance and personal responsibilities
• Responsible for the calculation, submission and control of departmental budget, ensuring costs within the department are controlled whilst optimising resource allocation
• Establish and maintain relationships with relevant personnel from our military colleagues ensuring a positive interface
• Assist in the development of the AirTanker Services business strategy and relevant sections of the AirTanker business plan
• Responsible for departmental projects, whether as the stakeholder or when delegated
• In partnership with the Senior Leadership Team, ensure company strategic objectives are achieved

What you'll bring

• Previous experience and working knowledge of UK CAA regulations and other relevant regulatory bodies
• Experience in leading, managing and motivating multi-disciplinary teams, including implementation of change and performance management initiatives
• Ability to set standards and drive accountability
• A data-led approach to decision making
• A focus on customer experience and service delivery
• Demonstrable knowledge of Safety Management Systems
• Proven ability to create, manage and develop departmental processes and procedures, ensuring a culture of continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills, with ability to direct, develop and inspire confidence and high-performance in others; an excellent communicator with well-developed verbal, written and presentation skills