Part 145 Base Planning Manager

We are seeking a highly experienced Base Part 145 Planning Manager to lead our Base Maintenance Planning function. This is a senior leadership role responsible for production planning, capacity planning, resource management, task card control, and technical data management in support of heavy maintenance operations.

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 Base Part 145 Planning Manager, you will play a key role in leading the planning and delivery of aircraft heavy maintenance activities across the business. You will be responsible for production planning, capacity management, resource forecasting, and maintenance scheduling, ensuring maintenance inputs are delivered safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. Working closely with Base Maintenance, CAMO, Engineering, and operational stakeholders, you will provide strategic direction, drive continuous improvement, and ensure the resources, data, and plans are in place to support successful maintenance delivery and the long-term performance of the fleet

What's in it for you?

• Team Leadership: Manage, coach, and develop a skilled planning team, helping individuals grow and perform at their best.
• Operational Impact: Lead the planning and delivery of major aircraft maintenance programmes that keep the fleet operating safely and efficiently.
• Variety and Challenge: Work across complex maintenance inputs, balancing operational priorities, customer requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• 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 the Base Maintenance Planning team and provide day-to-day management, development, and mentoring.
• Oversee planning activities for all scheduled heavy maintenance inputs.
• Develop and manage the rolling 12-month capacity plan to ensure sufficient resources are available.
• Coordinate maintenance bay scheduling alongside CAMO colleagues.
• Ensure approved maintenance data, task cards, tooling, materials, and manpower are available to support maintenance activities.
• Represent Base Maintenance during planning and scheduling meetings with customers and key stakeholders.
• Manage relationships with approved subcontractors to support maintenance delivery.
• Drive on-time delivery of maintenance inputs through effective production planning and check management.
• Monitor performance data and provide post-maintenance feedback to support continuous improvement.
• Maintain compliance with Part 145 regulatory requirements and internal procedures.
• Support audit activities and implement corrective and preventative actions where required.
• Contribute to strategic decision-making as a member of the Base Maintenance Senior Management Team.
• Deputise for the Head of Base Maintenance when required.

What you'll bring

• Extensive experience leading multi-disciplinary teams within an aviation engineering environment.
• Significant experience as a Production Planner or Production Controller within a Part 145 Maintenance Organisation.
• Strong knowledge of CAA and EASA Part 145 planning requirements.
• Experience planning and scheduling heavy maintenance inputs on Airbus wide-body aircraft.
• Proven capability in capacity planning, resource management, and production scheduling.
• Strong understanding of Continuing Airworthiness and technical records requirements.
• Experience working with ERP systems and aviation planning software.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong decision-making ability and experience working to demanding operational deadlines.
• Project management experience.