Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

ROLE OVERVIEW?

The Chief Theoretical Knowledge Instructor (CTKI) is the approved lead for Ground Training (GT) at Leading Edge Aviation. They report to the Head of Training (HoT) and are responsible for making sure all Ground Training is delivered safely and in line with current regulations. They also oversee the day-to-day running of Ground Training courses, be a strong leader for the TKI team, and help maintain high training standards throughout the Academy.

We're looking for someone with strong leadership experience in an educational or training environment, coupled with experience within the aviation or engineering industries. The ideal candidate will be confident in managing people, maintaining quality, and leading an exceptional training facility.

This is a full-time role, working 40 hours per week, based in our Oxford Academy, however the CTKI is also responsible for our growing Ground School in Alhama, Spain, and so a presence between both sites will be required.

?ROLE DUTIES

Ground School

To lead GT, ensuring teaching, staff expertise and student experience are of the highest standards; In conjunction with the HoT and Chief Flying Instructor (CFI), maintain all relevant approvals issued by the various Competent Authorities; To regularly review the GT syllabuses/courses, study guides and manuals and to recommend suitable amendments to the HoT; To maintain and improve the internal question bank and exams: To manage and ensure that all TKIs maintain a high level of training effectiveness and standardisation with lesson checks on a six-monthly cycle: To ensure that all ground training is delivered safely and on-time, and to ensure that monthly reports are given to the HoT; To assist in Training Review Boards and to make recommendations to the HoT; To oversee the day-to-day management of all students within GT and to discuss any deficiencies with the mentor TKI; Meeting and exceeding industry standards, in accordance with the applicable regulations and in line with current airline practices (where appropriate); Organise the in-house and qualifying exam bookings/timetable as necessary; Chair the quarterly TKI standardisation meetings; To develop and maintain appropriate training analysis and effectiveness of course deliveries and TKI performance. Leadership and Management Lead all GT staff to ensure they are motivated and engaged in their work, showing a commitment to individual professional development To line manage the Theoretical Knowledge Instructors (TKI) and GT workforce to ensure that they deliver the expected quality of training; Ensure TKIs are utilised effectively and efficiently, both in and outside of, the classroom; Day-to day responsibility for maintaining the highest levels of employee, contractor and student performance, in line with Leading Edge Aviation's core values; To manage the performance of TKIs and students where necessary.
Flight Safety

To champion amongst all staff, students and contractors, the Company philosophy of flight safety in conjunction with the HoT, CFI, Safety and Compliance Manager (SCM) and the Flight Safety Officer (FSO) and in full compliance with the Company's safety policies; To be responsible on a day-to-day basis for ensuring that all TKIs and students are taught the principles and maintain the practices of Flight Safety; To actively encourage the participation in Flight Safety from everyone involved in their sphere of operation; To ensure that all safety critical briefings are fully attended by TKIs and students when required Actively promote, encourage and maintain Flight Safety best practices and Threat Error Management (TEM) principles
Administration

To attend all administrative, standardisation and Instructor development meetings and in-service training as programmed Participate in Student Progress, Operations Weekly and Managers' Monthly meetings To attend open days and events as requested by their senior manager
CORE COMPETENCIES

Proven leadership experience in an educational or training environment Confidently managing teams and supporting people to perform at their best Strong organisational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities Good communication skills and a collaborative approach to working with others A focus on maintaining high standards and improving training quality, in line with the Company's requirements and the applicable regulations Some aviation knowledge is helpful, but in-depth expertise is not essential -- we're more interested in your ability to lead and manage learning effectively Comfortable working within regulatory frameworks and adapting to changes when needed High personal and professional standards and excellent interpersonal skills Ability to work at a senior level with competent Authorities and external executives Confident working independently and with initiative, and as a member of the Senior Training Management Team Strong report writing and IT skills
OUR CULTURE

At Leading Edge Aviation, our Vision, Mission and Values guide everything that we do. The CTKI is expected to maintain the highest levels of professionalism, regulatory compliance and instructional integrity. This role requires flexibility, the ability to work across campuses, and a collaborative mindset to contribute to LEAL's vision of excellence in aviation training.

WHAT WE OFFER

Competitive salary - 60,000 - 65,000 depending on experience Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days Annual Leave plus 8 days Bank Holidays Pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions Enhanced Sick Pay which increases with service Life assurance scheme - 2 x salary death in service Critical Illness scheme Private Medical insurance for Senior Management positions - family members can be added Well-being benefits such as access to our Individual Assistance Program Cycle to work scheme Free on-site parking
PERSON SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Essential Criteria :

Experience

Proven experience in a Senior Leadership role Experience leading and managing cross-functional teams Competence in accurately planning and managing budgets and resources Examples of successfully delivering organisational strategic goals and continuous improvement initiatives Ability to manage and liaise with internal and external stakeholders Experiencing leading and inspiring growing teams through times of change Proven track record of fostering a culture of excellence Ability to collaborate with all team members, including senior managers and HR to recruit, train and manage a winning team Leadership experience within the aviation sector, or similar regulated training and/or safety focussed organisation Ability to manage and liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators Experience managing regulatory audits and approval processes Working knowledge of digital learning platforms and/or modern educational technologies
Knowledge & Skills

Exceptional leadership and management skills Strong project management and organisational skills Financially literate Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present and manage communication with a range of stakeholders Ability to lead change and organisational transformation effectively Comprehensive understanding of ATO regulatory frameworks and industry best practice Working knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements (e.g. UK CAA, EASA, AESA) Passionate about aviation Fluency in spoken and written English and Spanish Fluency in other languages
Values

Demonstrates integrity and ethical leadership, including the ability to healthily and constructively bring challenge Committed to excellence and learner success Collaborative and team-oriented Resilient under pressure and adaptable to change Passionate about education, training, and leadership development
Other Requirements

Willingness and ability to represent the organisation at local, national and international events Relevant degree or professional qualification Experience in the Aviation industry Eligible to gain Spanish work visa (if required)
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: 60,000.00-65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Private medical insurance
Ability to commute/relocate:

Kidlington OX5 1QZ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Chief Theoretical Knowledge Instructor (CTKI) - Leading Edge Aviation