Head of Air Unit

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) are seeking a Head of Air Unit to join our senior leadership team in Polar Operations. This critical role will oversee the regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and strategic direction of our air operations, ensuring safety and performance are at the core of our business.

With a proven track record of leadership and management within an aviation environment, you will lead and inspire a multi-disciplinary team of pilots and specialists in engineering, airworthiness, safety, compliance and operational planning.

Operationally experienced with a strategic mindset, you will oversee the delivery of complex air operations across the globe in support of world-class science.

Working at BAS is rewarding. Our skilled science, operational and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through our extensive logistic capability and know how BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure help sustain a world leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs. British Antarctic Survey is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation

Main Purpose of Job

The Head of Air Unit is responsible to the Head of Polar Operations for the safe and efficient day-to-day operation of the functions of the Air Unit. The postholder is the Accountable Manager to the UKRI Accountable Executive (COO), Aviation Authorities and IS-BAO for aircraft operation and continuing airworthiness, and for any other aviation-related, regulated activities. The Head of Air Unit manages the strategic and operational development of both the aircrew and aircraft requirements to meet the needs of relevant science and research community stakeholders using the Survey assets. They have responsibility and oversight for the safe operation of Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems and provide oversight of the Rothera Aerodrome activities that support aviation.

To ensure the BAS aircraft operation including RPAS is safe and efficient and to be proactive in leading and strengthening existing BAS Safety culture and processes. The Head of the BAS Air Unit is the Chair of the Flight Safety Review Group and responsible for ensuring the delivery of any recommendations.

To hold approval as Accountable Manager ( ) and to ensure that, as a minimum, the organisation continues to maintain the necessary approvals with relevant aviation authorities for:

aircraft operations (OTAR 125)

continuing airworthiness (OTAR 39)

crew training (UK Reg (EU) No 1178/2011)

To advise Head of Polar Operations and the Director of Operations on all aspects of the Air Units operations, including routine day-to-day management of, and long-term strategy for, the Air Unit.

Represent the BAS Air Unit and aviation operation at the UKRI Aviation Assurance Panel, Regulatory meetings and audits as required.

As a valued member of our team, you'll be eligible for the following benefits:

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days
• Excellent civil service pension (with 26% or more employer contribution, depending on your band)
• 24 hours/365 days access to employee assistance programme (EAP - including support with physical, mental, social, health and financial issues)
• Flexible and family friendly working opportunities
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to discounted shopping on a range of retail, leisure and lifestyle categories and much more.

If we've just described you, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now at bas.ac.uk/vacancies.

What experiences can we offer you?

At BAS we believe everyone plays a vital role, is unique and valued, therefore, we embrace diversity as well as equality of opportunity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming working environment where everyone's unique perspectives are valued.

Different perspectives and collaborative working help us achieve our best work and come together to form a high performing team which makes positive changes in the business. That's the power of every individual. Our cultural values are built on mutual respect, inclusion, commitment and excellence.

If you are looking for an opportunity to work with world class and amazing people in one of the most unique places in the world, then British Antarctic Survey could be for you.

If you require the job information in an alternative format (i.e. email, audio or video), or would like any further information or support, please do not hesitate to get in touch at or alternatively you can call us on .