Accountable Manager

Zenon is working with an established and growing international corporate aviation organisation, operating a diverse fleet of VIP and corporate aircraft. Their diverse portfolio of services provides aircraft management, private charter and VIP aviation services to aircraft owners, private clients, corporations, and charter customers.

They are seeking an experienced, commercially astute Chief Operating Officer and Accountable Manager to lead the organisation’s aviation activities. Working closely with the Board and senior leadership team, the successful candidate will shape operational strategy and ensure the highest standards of safety, regulatory compliance, customer service, and commercial performance.

This is an opportunity to influence the next phase of development within a respected corporate aviation organisation, with meaningful responsibility for operational strategy, safety culture, regulatory compliance, aircraft management, charter performance and long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership.
• Fulfil formal Accountable Manager responsibilities and ensure sufficient financial, human and operational resources support safe, compliant operations.
• Champion a proactive safety culture and maintain effective oversight of the Safety Management System, compliance framework, audits and regulatory relationships.
• Lead flight operations, crew, technical and CAMO, ground operations, aircraft management and charter functions through an experienced senior team.
• Improve aircraft utilisation, operational reliability, customer service, cost control and charter profitability while protecting regulatory and operational integrity.
• Maintain trusted relationships with aircraft owners, VIP clients, regulators, suppliers and strategic partners, and support sustainable international growth.

Candidate Profile

• Substantial senior leadership experience in business aviation, corporate jet operations, VIP aviation, aircraft management or private charter.
• Previous experience as an Accountable Manager, COO, Director of Operations or equivalent senior postholder within an AOC environment.
• Strong knowledge of aviation regulation, safety management, compliance monitoring and engagement with Civil Aviation Authorities.
• Proven commercial and financial judgement, with experience leading senior operational teams and managing high-value stakeholder and client relationships.
• Experience overseeing international operations, large-cabin or VIP aircraft, and aircraft induction or acquisition would be advantageous.

Leadership Style

• You will combine regulatory credibility and an uncompromising commitment to safety with commercial acumen, clear decision-making, and the ability to lead at both strategic and operational levels.
• You will be resilient, internationally minded and comfortable working with Board members, shareholders, regulators, aircraft owners and VIP clients.

All applications will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence.

Why Choose Zenon Aviation?

In the ever-changing and dynamic marketplace, Zenon Aviation knows that the support and care we provide to our contract workers is vital in assisting you in achieving your career aspirations. Our team of dedicated consultants will deal with your application efficiently and more importantly confidentially, providing a professional and reliable service.

To apply for this position in confidence please send your CV through to our Managing Director Andrew Middleton in confidence.

Zenon Recruitment Ltd is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.