Job Description

We are looking for an experienced and motivated

Show Operations Manager / Remote Pilot in Command

to join our team. As a senior member of the management team, you will oversee all flight operations ensuring our shows run smoothly, are on track to budget time and quality requirements and are in full compliance with all regulatory and health and safety requirements.

This role combines hands-on piloting as well as operational leadership, making it ideal for a senior drone operations professional who thrives in fast-paced technical environments.

As the leader of the show delivery team, you will be responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of drone swarm flights - from pre-show site assessments to live operations and debriefs. You'll coordinate every step of show delivery from initial client discussions by the production team during and following the sales process, through regulatory and other show planning processes, to on-the-day crew logistics. As the key person responsible for health and safety and regulatory compliance, you will oversee all UK and international regulatory approvals as well as managing the show operational processes manuals and training programme to ensure safety and compliance. You will manage the operations team and where needed act as the operational lead on-site, working with our production team, external partners and customers.

The role offers the opportunity to apply both your experience of drone operations with strong project management and team leadership skills to manage multiple teams in a critical operational role with a growing operational budget and responsibility for ensuring shows are delivered on time, to budget and in line with the highest quality and safety standards. You'll play a key part in ensuring the safe, efficient, and high-quality delivery of drone light shows, while also contributing to the development of scalable processes as our show schedule grows.

Key Responsibilities:

Manage all drone operations, including flight planning, scheduling, and execution.

Manage and schedule the deployment of drones for various shows and other operations.

Manage the R&D test flight programme and gathering of test data and feedback on test flights.

Maintain the operational readiness of all drone fleets, including inspection and maintenance cycles.

Manage the flight ops team and ensure resources are in place for shows in the UK and internationally.

Oversee maintenance and repair of drone equipment.

Prepare operational reports and briefings.

Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding drone usage.

Produce and maintain the Operational Safety Case (OSC) and other manuals as required by UK and other regulators.

Keep up to date on the regulatory environment and ensure the company is compliant with existing and upcoming regulations.

Ensure compliance with all relevant aviation regulations and safety protocols.

Coordinating with drone pilots and other staff to ensure effective and efficient operation

Develop and implement training programs for drone pilots in the UK and overseas.

Establish and enforce safety procedures and protocols.

Conduct risk assessments and develop contingency plans.

Ensure data captured by drones is properly collected, stored, and analysed.

Implement and maintain operational procedures and quality standards.

Coordinate with sales team during negotiations to prepare quotes for shows.

Coordinate with the production team to ensure good client relations and that all client needs and company requirements for each show are communicated and successfully delivered.

Coordinate with clients and stakeholders to ensure operations meet their needs.

Develop the Operations budgets and financial plans for drone operations

Manage operational budgets and ensure cost-effectiveness.

Train and supervise drone operators and other staff.

Manage training schedule for UK and other international teams.

Stay updated on industry trends, technology developments, and regulatory changes.

Reporting and risk management to the senior management and the board.

Manage and build the Operations Team

Be responsible for team HR, objective setting and personal development plans.

Keeping up to date with advancements and trends in drone technology,

Representing the company at events and in promotional materials.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

BSc degree in Aeronautics, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.

A Valid General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC).

Proven experience in a drone operations management role.

Strong knowledge of drone technology and aviation regulations.

Proficiency in drone show operating systems and flight software.

Experience with training and supervising staff.

Strong organizational and management skills.

Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Ability to communicate effectively with team members and clients.

Proven leadership in the field, managing drone crews, resolving real-time operational challenges and incident response.

Skilled with flight planning, risk analysis, and incident management and reporting.

Experience submitting flight plans, approvals for flight operations and dealing with aviation authorities.

Extensive RPIC experience, ideally in public-facing or production environments.

Experience working in creative events dealing with clients and venue operators and understanding their constraints.

Able to travel and work flexible hours to deliver drone shows when needed.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From 45,000.00 per year

Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Application question(s):

Do you have experience in manual and semi-autonomous drone operations, ideally within live events, film/TV production, or R&D/testing environments?
Licence/Certification:

CAA General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) (preferred)
Work Location: In person