The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is the single aviation regulator for Ireland. We are responsible for the regulation of safety, security and consumer interests.
The Head of Flight Operations reports to the Chief Operations Officer (COO) and leads the Authority’s certification, oversight and enforcement functions for Air Operations across all applicable sectors, including commercial air transport, non‑scheduled operations, general aviation, training organisations, Specialised Operations (SPO), Coastguard Aviation, Unmanned Aviation Systems and other flight operational categories under the European Union and National frameworks.
The Head of Flight Operations provides strategic and operational leadership for a risk‑based and performance‑driven oversight programme in the Air Operations function, ensuring standardisation of inspectorate processes, consistent and effective regulatory decision‑making, and effective engagement with Accountable Managers, Nominated Postholders, and stakeholders.
The Head of Flight Operations is responsible for delivering the relevant IAA strategic priorities set out in the Statement of Strategy and for implementing the applicable actions under the Irish State Plan for Aviation Safety (SPAS). This includes directing resources in line with State Safety Programme objectives to enhance safety performance and providing flight operations input to the IAA’s safety management processes.
The role maintains a structured interface with the Head of Airworthiness where operational and continuing airworthiness issues intersect, and interfaces with the Head of Aviation Infrastructure and Head of Aviation Security along with other departments in the IAA to ensure coherent regulatory safety outcomes, as required.
The Head of Flight Operations represents the IAA as appropriate at ICAO, EASA and other international and government forums.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Strategic & Operational Leadership (Air Operations Regulation)
Provide strategic and operational leadership for Air Operations regulation, translating organisational priorities into an integrated programme of certification, oversight and enforcement across Air OPS sectors.
Risk‑Based Oversight Planning & Resource Prioritisation
Lead risk‑based oversight planning for operators, including annual/quarterly surveillance programmes, prioritisation criteria, and resource allocation aligned to safety risk, operational complexity and performance, including responsibilities as part of the IAA Safety and Security Review Panel.
Certification, Approvals & Lifecycle Regulatory Control
Lead and govern certification and approvals activities within scope, ensuring consistent, evidence‑based regulatory decisions and appropriate lifecycle regulatory control.
Manage the overall surveillance of aircraft operations to ensure that entities/ operators comply with required safety standards, including audits, inspections (announced and unannounced), periodic meetings with operators, collection and analysis of data, flight checks, route checks, and liaison with industry.
Enforcement Governance & Robust Administrative Decision‑Making
Ensure proportionate enforcement and robust administrative decision‑making, including evidence handling and records that stand up to appeal/review. Advise the COO / CEO on enforcement actions (variation, suspension, revocation or disqualification).
Safety Intelligence, Trend Analysis & Safety Performance (SPIs)
Maintain an ongoing analysis of aircraft operations to determine flight safety trends, including establishment and monitoring of safety performance indicators (SPIs), and drive targeted interventions informed by safety data and oversight outcomes.
Ensure inspector standardisation, consistent decision‑making, internal peer review and audit/ inspection quality. Lead change initiatives to improve oversight effectiveness and service delivery. Support internal/external training, EASA partnership task allocation and consultancy projects through IAAi, safety promotion and partnership with other competent authorities.
Cross‑Functional Regulatory Integration
Maintain structured interfaces with Airworthiness and other relevant functions (e.g., Aviation Infrastructure, Aviation Security, Economic Regulation) to ensure coherent regulatory safety outcomes across intersecting domains.
Stakeholder, Industry & International Engagement
Maintain liaison with appropriate international authorities and organisations, aircraft manufacturers and industry bodies concerned with the operation of aircraft. Represent the IAA as appropriate at ICAO, EASA and other international and government committees, conferences and working parties.
People Leadership, Capability, Budget & Workforce Planning
Provide effective people leadership and management responsibilities including performance management, coaching and development of direct reports, workforce planning, and oversight of leave management and scheduling. Manage the function’s budget, including planning, forecasting, monitoring expenditure, and ensuring value for money and compliance with financial governance requirements. Build and sustain the competence and capability required to deliver risk‑based oversight and consistent regulatory outcomes. Lead change management and champion culture and values, including operational excellence, inclusivity, and continuous improvement.
This job description is not exhaustive; other items may be added from time to time at the discretion of the Chief Operations Officer.
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCE
The successful candidate shall be able to demonstrate the following qualifications and skills:
Demonstrable experience in a management role, with either:
Minimum of 5 years as a civil aviation safety regulator; or
At least 15 years’ experience: as a pilot including experience as pilot-in-command of transport category aircraft; significant experience in international operations; or equivalent; including significant experience at a senior level; or
A degree in aeronautical engineering or equivalent with a minimum of 15 years’ experience working in an airline operational environment, including significant experience at a senior level; or
At least 15 years’ experience in Air Traffic Control, Air Navigation Service/ Air Traffic Management Service Provision; or equivalent; including significant experience at a senior level.
Excellent understanding of aviation safety management systems.
Demonstrable experience in safety management, EASA oversight framework implementation, audit/inspection methodology, risk management, safety performance monitoring and enforcement governance.
Have an excellent working knowledge of ICAO, EASA and other relevant international agreements and requirements, and National policies and regulations.
Evidence of leading multi‑disciplinary teams.
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business objectives into operational priorities.
Experience representing an organisation in international or multi‑stakeholder technical forums and engagement with social partners and other aviation stakeholders.
SALARY RATE
The salary for this role is €165,908.
Annual Leave excluding public holidays is 30 days per annum.
PENSION
The successful candidate will on date of joining become a member of the Irish Aviation Authority pension scheme details of which will be communicated to the successful candidate on offer of appointment.
LOCATION
The IAA is based in the Times Building, 11-12 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2 near Trinity College. We are convenient to all Luas lines; several Dublin Bus routes and are about 5 minutes from Tara Street Railway Station. We are also just minutes from O’Connell Street and St. Stephen’s Green.
Hybrid working arrangements may be agreed in line with IAA Flexible Working policy.
APPLICATION
Applications must consist of the following to be considered for shortlisting:
A letter of motivation (max. two A4 pages) outlining why you wish to be considered for the post and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements of the position.
Complete applications including a CV and letter of motivation should be received no later than 9am, Monday 15th June 2026.
Please note: It is anticipated that interviews for this post will take place on week commencing 13th July 2026.
Candidates should note that eligibility to compete is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, the UK and those with an IRP with stamp 4. To qualify candidates must be citizens of the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or have an IRP with stamp 4 on the date of application.
The IAA are not in the position to offer sponsorship for this role.
The IAA promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from people from diverse backgrounds and under‑represented groups including, but not limited to, ethnic minority and people with disabilities. IAA firmly believes that such diversity enriches our workplace culture and drives innovation.
If you have a disability or need any specific accommodations during the application or selection process, please let us know. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to ensure all candidates have an equal opportunity to participate fully in the recruitment process. You can contact us at human.resources@iaa.ie.
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