Mechanical Trade Lead

About the Role
The post holder will be an experienced Mechanical Technician and Supervisor responsible to the Forward Deputy Maintenance Manager (FDMM). The role requires an excellent understanding of the approved data set and competency in supervising personnel performing maintenance instructions in alignment with the organization’s regulatory framework. The post holder will also deputize for the FDMM and the Rectification Controllers during their absence, assuming their responsibilities as required.

Responsibilities

• Manage the effective day-to-day operations of Forward Maintenance Mechanical trade-specific manpower and equipment resources in accordance with policy and priorities set by the Maintenance Manager to ensure the provision of safe and serviceable aircraft to meet flying tasks.
• Advise the FDMM of any engineering or supply issues that could jeopardize flight safety or significantly affect the flying program.
• Inform the FDMM of any practices, procedures, or systems that threaten the safety or quality of the Forward Maintenance logistics effort.

Core Activity

• Ensure that all personnel under management are suitably trained and authorized for their primary duties, maintaining and recording their required levels of currency.
• Verify that Mechanical trade personnel can provide comprehensive handovers regarding technical issues and management information to the oncoming shift using the respective Trade Diary.
• Ensure completion of all mandated training (HF, CoC, etc.) by Mechanical trade personnel.
• Ensure that new Mechanical trade arrivals meet the necessary requirements, training, and authorizations timely to perform their primary duties.
• Train and maintain appropriate Mechanical maintenance incident team cover during flying operations.
• Manage Forward Maintenance Mechanical manpower shift lists to meet the flying program; ensure all personnel administration is completed and submitted promptly (e.g., leave planner).
• Monitor the submission of Mechanical TPRFs to develop and maintain accurate approved data.
• Oversee the standard of Mechanical facilities and ensure that any defects are reported to the Support and Training Management.
• Assess and monitor standards of Mechanical personnel across forward maintenance.
• Ensure the accuracy of approved data usage by Mechanical personnel.
• Facilitate effective communication between Mechanical Trade Desks and other operational areas, ensuring the integration of maintenance and operational activities.
• Perform Oversight Checks on all forward Mechanical maintenance operating areas on a scheduled basis, reporting findings to the FDMM.
• Complete weekly Mechanical trade standards and practices quality checks (both physical and ESS).

Other Activities

• Serve as the Mechanical trade-specific point of contact for all internal and external agencies and organizations.
• Undertake any duties or tasks as directed by the FDMM.
• Collaborate with the FDMM to conduct strategic Mechanical reviews, challenging current practices for potential improvements and aiding in forward maintenance planning to enhance efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Work with Forward Maintenance Managers to compile and timely release Mechanical Flight Safety and Ground Incident Reports and all required Follow-Up reports.
• Coordinate with Forward Maintenance Training and Support Management for all Mechanical QA audit reports within agreed timelines.
• Identify any Mechanical malpractice that may affect aircraft airworthiness, documenting and reporting issues to the FDMM and/or relevant authorities.

Key Accountabilities

• Performance indicators – Effectively manage regulatory activities by setting delivery targets, monitoring progress, and developing performance improvement programs; prioritize activities to maximize efficiency; assess escalated issues for impact on continuing airworthiness and facilitate resolutions or escalate as needed.
• Procedure/standards – Ensure the Mechanical trade team's compliance with the Part 145 Exposition and associated procedures, proposing and implementing changes to maintain compliance.
• Safety Management System – Advocate for the application of Human Factors, Error Management, Risk Management, and Safety Assurance within the Part 145 Mechanical teams while proactively analyzing and managing hazards.
• Completion of activities – Ensure all Part 145 Mechanical activities are documented correctly and airworthiness records maintained; personnel performing these activities should be suitably qualified, experienced, and authorized.
• Management System Assurance – Ensure compliance with QAF governance and assurance framework, assisting with process confirmations and audits; support audit finding responses promptly and monitor the implementation of improvements to address non-compliance.
• Statutory/Regulatory & Legislative requirements – Demonstrate understanding and application of the continuing airworthiness regulatory framework, supporting the integration of regulatory changes into maintenance activities.
• Contractual Requirements – Comply with all applicable contractual requirements.

Requirements
Qualifications/Functional Knowledge:

• Essential authorizations required for the role:
  • Asset Manager
  • Coordinate Aircraft and MWOs
  • Download and Upload PMDS
  • Resolve arisings from PMDS
  • Independent Inspections (specify extent and undertake)
  • Tow Typhoon
  • Assessor for General and Trade specific authorizations as required.
• Completion of an Engineering Apprenticeship, ideally in Aeronautical Engineering or equivalent military apprenticeship/qualifications.
• Minimum academic qualifications: City & Guilds 2675 or 2661 in Aeronautical Engineering and Maintenance or equivalent. Training on aircraft platforms as needed.
• Minimum of 2 years at Supervisor level prior to assuming this role.
• Experience and skills in On-the-Job Training Instructional Techniques.
• Broad and in-depth product knowledge/competency within own technical/subject area; awareness of team integration to achieve overall objectives and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Completion of Typhoon Mechanical Trade ‘Q’ Course or equivalent.
• Compliance with risk assessments, SHE policies, and procedures.
• Completion of Human Factors, E&PW Awareness, and ITAR Awareness standard course specifications.
• Strong IT proficiency.
• Valid driving license.