Mechanical Trade Lead

Overview

This role is for an experienced Mechanical Technician and Supervisor who reports directly to the Forward Deputy Maintenance Manager (FDMM). The position requires a thorough understanding of approved maintenance data and the capability to supervise staff executing maintenance tasks within the organisation’s regulatory framework. The individual will also deputise for both the FDMM and Rectification Controllers when necessary.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations managing Mechanical trade personnel and equipment efficiently to ensure safe and serviceable aircraft availability aligned with flight schedules.
• Inform the FDMM promptly of any engineering or supply issues that could compromise flight safety or affect scheduled flights significantly.
• Report any practices, procedures, or systems potentially jeopardizing safety or quality of forward maintenance logistics.
• Guarantee that all team members are properly trained, authorized, and maintain currency for their core responsibilities, updating records accordingly.
• Ensure comprehensive technical and management handovers between shifts through proper use of the Trade Diary.
• Supervise the completion of mandatory training modules, including Human Factors and Codes of Conduct.
• Manage onboarding of new Mechanical trade staff, ensuring timely completion of all training and authorisations needed to perform their duties.
• Coordinate and maintain adequate Mechanical maintenance incident team coverage during flight operations.
• Administer manpower shift schedules to meet flying program demands and manage all associated personnel administrative tasks like leave planning.
• Monitor and validate Mechanical Technical Performance Reports to maintain correct approved data.
• Ensure Mechanical facilities meet standards and report defects to relevant management.
• Assess mechanical personnel performance standards within forward maintenance.
• Verify Mechanical staff adherence to approved maintenance data for accuracy.
• Facilitate effective communication between Mechanical Trade Desks and maintenance operations, squadron operations, and fleet planning to integrate flight scheduling and maintenance activities seamlessly.
• Conduct scheduled oversight inspections of Mechanical maintenance areas and report findings to FDMM.
• Perform weekly quality assurance checks of Mechanical trade standards and practices in physical and electronic systems.

Additional Duties

• Serve as Mechanical trade’s point of contact for internal and external bodies.
• Carry out duties as assigned by the FDMM.
• Participate with FDMM in strategic Mechanical reviews to challenge existing processes and recommend improvements for efficiency and continuous advancement.
• Coordinate the compilation and timely dissemination of Mechanical flight safety and ground incident reports, along with follow-ups.
• Collaborate with training and support management to ensure Mechanical quality assurance audit reports are completed within deadlines.
• Identify and report any Mechanical malpractice that may impact aircraft airworthiness to the FDMM or appropriate authorities.

Key Performance Areas

• Establish and monitor performance targets for Mechanical regulatory activities, develop improvement programs, and ensure prioritization to maximize efficiency.
• Manage compliance with Part 145 maintenance procedures and company standards, proposing necessary changes while maintaining adherence.
• Promote human factors, error management, risk mitigation, and safety assurance within the Mechanical team to ensure a robust Safety Management System.
• Ensure all Part 145 Mechanical work is documented properly and performed only by qualified and authorized personnel, supporting integration with broader business processes.
• Support the Mechanical maintenance governance framework through process confirmations, audits, and timely responses to non-compliance issues.
• Maintain knowledge and application of regulatory requirements, including ITAR, EaPW, and ISO standards, ensuring regulatory-driven changes are implemented effectively.
• Adhere to all contractual obligations connected to the role.

Qualifications and Experience

• Must hold mandatory authorisations such as Asset Manager, Aircraft and MWO Coordination, PMDS upload/download and issue resolution, Independent Inspections, Typhoon Tow, and be an assessor for general and trade-specific authorisations.
• Completion of Engineering Apprenticeship preferably in Aeronautical Engineering or equivalent military qualifications; minimum academic qualification is City & Guilds 2675/2661 or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years in a supervisory capacity before undertaking this role.
• Training in On-the-Job Instructional Techniques.
• Comprehensive product knowledge and competency in the technical area, with an understanding of continuous improvement practices.
• Completion of the Typhoon Mechanical Trade 'Q' Course or equivalent.
• Compliance with risk assessments, and adherence to Safety, Health, and Environment policies.
• Completion of Human Factors, E&PW Awareness, and ITAR Awareness standard courses.
• Proficient with IT systems and valid driving license.