Drone Operations Manager

Summary:

Future Aerial is looking for a Drone Operations Manager with a passion for travel and background in drones to manage a team capturing geospatial drone data around the world. Role would be a work-from-home position with frequent requirement to travel within the UK and Europe to collect drone data.

Candidates must have a GVC and be based in the UK. European and American drone qualifications are highly desirable. We are looking for candidates that have 2 or more years’ relevant experience of flying drones and managing a team of drone operators. You will be working as a part of a small and dynamic team. The ideal candidates will be self-motivated and eager to travel, with a keen interest in drones, games simulation and sport.

Company Description:

Future Aerial is one of the longest established drone services companies in the UK, pioneering the use of drones across an array of sectors since 2012. Our team are experts in reality capture, completing over 250 projects around the world every year. We conduct drone mapping missions across almost every continent, with surveys taking place in America, Asia, Oceania and Europe every month.

Having mapped some of the world’s most recognisable sporting locations and construction projects, we use survey-grade GPS equipment and drones to create highly accurate digital twins of real-world locations for the games simulation and construction sectors.

Due to recent growth, we are looking to expand our team – Future Aerial are a fast moving and well-established start-up engaged in cutting edge innovation projects in the drone sector such as the UKRI Future Flight Challenge.

We are committed to a progressive and flexible work environment as well as career development opportunities for all our team members.

Role:

As a Drone Operations Manager at Future Aerial, you will play a crucial role in managing a team of internal and external pilots undertaking surveys internationally. You will be responsible for collecting drone data across the UK and Europe for the game simulation market. We are seeking a team player with a strong foundation in drone fundamentals to join our dynamic team.

Key Responsibilities:

Managing Surveys: As Operations Manager, your role will involve overseeing all drone surveys taking place internationally. This includes coordinating schedules between the client and drone pilot across multiple continents and time zones. You will ensure pilots are equipped and briefed for efficient and effective data collection.

As a drone pilot you will be responsible for planning surveys, schedules, logistics, travel arrangements, ensuring local regulations are adhered to, completing airspace checks and producing RAMS. Previous experience of liaising with stakeholders, local authorities, and airports to arrange surveys is desired.

Drone Surveying: Previous experience in all aspects of drone surveying and mapping is highly desirable. You will use survey-grade GPS equipment to measure control points that are essential in creating highly accurate 3D datasets. A knowledge of coordinate systems and geoids is desired. You will predominantly be using DJI mapping drones. Candidates require an existing GVC, with EU A2CofC, Specific Category, and US Part 107 qualifications highly desirable.

Individual and Team-based Drone Surveys: You will be responsible for conducting drone surveys both independently and as part of a larger team for larger projects. This will require self-motivation and a detail-oriented approach when working alone, and effective communication and coordination when working with team members, ensuring successful completion of surveys and data collection.

Client Communication: You will be engaging with clients and maintaining excellent communication throughout the project is essential. This includes confidently engaging with clients both in-person and via emails, providing updates, addressing concerns, and ensuring client satisfaction.

Benefits

Competitive salary with 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays), work from home, opportunity for frequent UK and international travel, full travel expenses, mileage reimbursed, flexible working.

Main Duties:

• Managing a team of pilots undertaking surveys Internationally
• Undertake drone surveys both in the UK, Europe and Internationally
• Planning surveys, including coordinating logistics and travel arrangements
• Ensuring local drone regulations are adhered to, completing airspace checks and producing RAMS
• Use survey-grade GPS equipment to measure control points.
• Undertake drone mapping flights using DJI drones
• Conduct drone surveys both independently and as part of a larger team
• Engaging with clients and maintaining excellent communication throughout

Essential Skills:

• Existing GVC holder
• 2 years’ experience in flying drones and managing a team of operators.
• Experience of flying drones for surveys
• Excellent attention to detail with methodical approach to data collection
• Willingness to travel in the UK and overseas for short periods (usually 1 – 3 days)
• Full UK driving licence (held for over 1 year)

Desired Skills:

• Existing EU A2CofC, Specific Category and/or US Part 107 holder
• Experience of using LiDAR scanners or drones
• Understanding and or qualifications in GIS, surveying or related discipline

Job Types: Full-time

Salary: Full time £30k - £40k

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Flexitime
• Free or subsidised travel
• Work from home
• Private healthcare optional

Schedule: Monday to Friday

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: £30,000.00-£40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free or subsidised travel
• Private dental insurance
• Private medical insurance
• Work from home

Schedule:

• Flexitime

Licence/Certification:

• GVC or equivalent drone qualication (required)

Work Location: Remote

Reference ID: Drone Operations Manager