ph3About the Role /h3pWe are seeking an experienced and people-focused Area Operations Lead to provide leadership and operational oversight across multiple aviation training centres within the CAT South region. The Area Operations Lead is accountable for delivering safe, efficient, and customer-focused pilot training operations while ensuring consistent standards, regulatory compliance, asset reliability, workforce capability, and financial performance across all assigned sites. The successful candidate will lead local operations teams, drive operational excellence, support business growth, and act as a key partner to regional leadership and commercial stakeholders. /ph3Key Responsibilities /h3ulliOperational Leadership – Lead operational performance across multiple training centres in the CAT South region including, but not limited to, Spain Italy. /liliEnsure delivery of safe, compliant, and efficient training operations. /liliMonitor and improve KPIs relating to customer experience, simulator utilisation, quality, and operational performance. /liliDrive continuous improvement initiatives across sites. /liliPeople Leadership – Lead, coach, and develop operational managers and local leadership teams. Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence. /liliSupport workforce planning, succession planning, recruitment, and talent development. /liliEnsure consistent implementation of policies, processes, and best practices across all locations. /liliCustomer Stakeholder Management – Develop strong relationships with customers and strategic partners. Act as a senior escalation point for operational issues. /liliPartner with various internal teams such as Sales, Training, Technical Operations, and Corporate Functions to ensure customer expectations are met. /liliFinancial Business Performance – Support achievement of revenue, profitability, and utilisation targets. Manage operational budgets and cost control initiatives. Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and profitability.



Contribute to business development planning and regional growth strategies. /liliSafety, Compliance Quality – Ensure full compliance with regulatory, safety, and quality requirements. Promote a proactive health and safety culture throughout the region. Support audits, inspections, and corrective action programmes. Ensure operational risks are identified and effectively managed. /liliAsset Infrastructure Management – Oversee operational readiness of facilities and training assets. Work closely with Technical Operations teams to maximise simulator availability and reliability. Support infrastructure development, facility improvements, and capital investment projects. /liliPartner with internal procurement teams to drive, manage and improve upon vendor and landlord deals and relationships. /li /ulh3Qualifications Experience /h3ulliSignificant experience leading multi-site operations across regions and different countries. Demonstrated success managing geographically dispersed teams. /liliStrong operational management background within aviation, aerospace, pilot training, engineering, or a similarly regulated environment. /liliExperience managing budgets and operational performance metrics. /liliStrong stakeholder management and influencing skills. /liliExcellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities. /liliDesirable – Aviation training or simulator operations experience. Knowledge of EASA, UK CAA, FAA, or equivalent regulatory frameworks. /liliExperience supporting regional or international operations. /liliDegree in Business, Operations Management, Engineering, Aviation, or a related discipline.



/li /ulh3Key Competencies /h3ulliStrategic Leadership /liliOperational Excellence /liliChange Management /liliFinancial Acumen /liliTeam Development /liliCustomer Focus /liliContinuous Improvement /liliStakeholder Management /liliDecision Making /liliRisk Management /li /ulh3Travel Requirements /h3pRegular travel throughout the assigned region (approximately 25–50%). /ph3About CAE /h3pAt CAE, our mission is clear: to help make the world a safer place. For nearly 80 years, we’ve driven innovation in simulation, training, and mission readiness to support critical operations worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies, we empower our customers to operate smarter, faster, and more sustainably. Join a purpose-driven organization where bold ideas are encouraged, collaboration drives progress, and your growth fuels our shared success. Welcome to CAE! As a integral leader in Civil Aviation and Defense Security across 40 countries, we advance together as One CAE, fueled by thousands of passionate individuals operating in a culture where everyone can thrive. We hold ourselves accountable for building an inclusive community at every level, and our comprehensive benefits support you professionally and personally. Together, we are All For shaping a future where safety, sustainability, and inclusivity lead the way. /ph3Position Type /h3pRegular /ph3Equal Opportunity Accommodations /h3pCAE is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants, regardless of race, nationality, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, veteran status, age, or other characteristics protected by law. We encourage applicants who may not meet every qualification to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available—contact your recruiter or email if needed. /ph3Data Privacy /h3pPrivacy Statement | CAE. As part of our process, we may use AI‑supported tools to help review applications, with human decision‑making at every step. CAE thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Area Operations Leader - Commercial Aviation Training (CAT) EMEA South (Madrid)
🏢 Cae
📍 Madrid