Aircraft Modifications Manager

UK South based | Hybrid working considered

Remuneration Package Details Available on Request

A leading aviation organisation operating in a highly regulated, mission-critical environment is seeking an experienced Aircraft Modifications Manager to take ownership of a growing portfolio of aircraft upgrade and modification programmes.

This is a senior delivery role for someone who understands the realities of aircraft modification — balancing engineering complexity, certification, safety, schedule, and stakeholder expectations — and who can lead teams through change from concept to operational service.

As Aircraft Modifications Manager, you will be accountable for the end-to-end delivery of aircraft modification and upgrade programmes, covering:

• Aircraft structural, avionics, and mission system modifications
• Integration of new technologies and capability upgrades
• Transition from development and embodiment into live operations
• Multiple concurrent work packages across aircraft and system

You will lead a small team of Project Managers and technical contributors, providing clear direction, governance, and pace, while acting as the senior focal point for modification delivery across the business.

• Own and deliver a portfolio of aircraft modification programmes against agreed time, cost, quality, and safety objectives
• Lead and develop a team responsible for modification planning, execution, and reporting
• Establish robust governance, metrics, and performance visibility across all modification activity
• Manage technical, schedule, and commercial risk associated with aircraft upgrades
• Coordinate cross-functional input from engineering, operations, supply chain, and external partners
• Act as a senior interface with internal sponsors, customers, regulators, and suppliers
• Lead the organisation through change as modified aircraft transition into service
• Ensure modification activity aligns with longer-term capability and technology roadmaps
• Provide clear, structured reporting to senior technical leadership
• Drive continuous improvement in modification delivery, processes, and ways of working

• Aircraft modifications delivered safely, compliantly, and to plan
• Clear understanding of modification risks, dependencies, and mitigations
• Strong engagement across engineering, operational, and leadership teams
• A high-performing delivery team with clear accountability and ownership
• Improved predictability, maturity, and confidence in modification delivery

• Significant experience delivering aircraft modification or upgrade programmes within aviation or aerospace
• Strong background in regulated, safety-critical environments
• Proven leadership of multi-disciplinary teams delivering complex technical change
• Deep understanding of delivery governance, risk management, and cost control

• Credible, confident communicator with the ability to influence at all levels
• Highly organised, delivery-focused, and comfortable managing ambiguity
• Strong working knowledge of project and programme management tools and methods
• Advanced user of Microsoft 365 for planning, reporting, and stakeholder engagement
• High levels of integrity, accountability, and professional judgement

• Must be eligible to obtain UK Ministry of Defence security clearance

• Lead meaningful aircraft modification programmes with operational relevance
• Work at the intersection of engineering, technology, and aviation operations
• Influence how advanced aviation capability is delivered and brought into service
• Join a technically ambitious organisation where delivery quality truly matters