Heathrow Airport jobs in London Heathrow Terminal 4

Head of Training & Compliance

Location: Heathrow Airport (with regular travel across UK & Ireland stations)

About Unifi Aviation UK & Ireland

As one of the aviation industry's fastest-growing service providers, Unifi Aviation UK & Ireland delivers safe, efficient and high-quality operational support services to some of the world's leading airlines. Our teams play a critical role in ensuring aircraft depart safely, on time and to the highest standards of service.

As we continue to grow and prepare for significant industry change, we are investing in our training, compliance and governance capabilities to ensure we remain at the forefront of operational excellence. We are seeking an experienced aviation professional to lead our Training and Compliance function, driving organisational compliance, strengthening operational competence and ensuring readiness for future regulatory developments across our UK & Ireland network.

Role Purpose

The Head of Training & Compliance is responsible for leading Unifi's training, compliance and governance strategy across the UK & Ireland operational business.

The role will ensure all operational training activities meet regulatory, customer, safety and quality requirements while building a culture of compliance, accountability and continuous improvement throughout the organisation.

Working closely with operational leaders, airline customers and executive stakeholders, you will oversee regulatory compliance, training planning, audit programmes, competency management and the successful implementation of emerging industry regulations, ensuring Unifi remains fully compliant and operationally prepared for future change.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance & Regulatory Governance

• Ensure ongoing compliance with all applicable legislation, customer standards, airport regulations and Unifi policies.
• Monitor regulatory developments and assess their impact on Unifi operations.
• Support the organisation's transition and preparedness for future regulatory changes, including:
  • Certified Instructors (CIN) requirements
  • Ground Handling Regulation developments
  • Industry governance, security and operational compliance standards
• Provide expert advice and guidance to Executive Leadership on regulatory obligations, compliance risks and emerging requirements and training planning output

Audit, Quality & Risk Management

• Support Health and Safety with internal audit programmes across all UK & Ireland locations.
• Ensure effective investigation, management and closure of audit findings. Applicable to training governance.
• Oversee corrective and preventative action plans and monitor implementation.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement through lessons learned and best-practice sharing.

Training Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement the organisation-wide training strategy.
• Ensure all operational training programmes remain compliant, effective and aligned to business objectives.
• Lead annual training needs analysis and workforce competence planning.
• Create training plans that support operational growth, mobilisation activity and succession planning.
• Ensure mandatory, recurrent and customer-specific training is delivered in line with regulatory requirements.
• Oversee training records, competency management systems and regulatory evidence requirements.
• Drive improvements in training quality, digital learning and training effectiveness.

Leadership of the Training Team

• Provide leadership, direction and support to the UK & Ireland Training Team.
• Manage, develop and coach trainers and training managers across the network.
• Establish clear standards, objectives and performance expectations for the training function.
• Ensure consistency in training delivery across all stations.
• Support the development of future training talent through succession planning and capability-building initiatives.
• Build a high-performing team focused on safety, compliance, customer service and operational excellence.

Operational Stakeholder Management

• Partner with Station Managers, Operational Leaders and Functional Heads to ensure training and compliance priorities are embedded within daily operations.
• Build strong relationships with airline customers, airports, regulators and external stakeholders.
• Represent Unifi during customer audits, regulatory inspections and compliance reviews.
• Support operational mobilisation projects and new business opportunities through training and compliance expertise.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Significant experience in aviation compliance, training, safety or operational governance.
• Strong knowledge of aviation regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements.
• Experience leading compliance audits, investigations and corrective action programmes.
• Experience managing training programmes and competency frameworks.
• Previous leadership experience, including managing and developing teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Ability to travel regularly throughout the UK & Ireland.

Desirable

• Experience within ground handling, airport operations or aviation services.
• Training, learning and development qualification.
• Experience managing regulatory change projects.
• Knowledge of UK and Irish aviation regulatory environments.

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