About the role
ABOUT US DragonFly Executive Air Charter is expanding its fleet and flight operations, and we are looking for an experienced Flight Operations Manager to join our leadership team. Operating a fleet including King Air 200 and Citation Bravo aircraft, we deliver tailored charter flights and special mission operations across the UK and Europe for corporate and private clients. We are a small, professional operation where senior staff play a central role in the day-to-day success of the business. This is an opportunity to take genuine ownership of flight operations at an ambitious, forward-thinking company — working closely with the Accountable Manager and a committed team to maintain the highest standards of safety, compliance, and operational quality ROLE OVERVIEW As Flight Operations Manager / Chief Pilot, you will hold the named postholder position under DragonFly’s UK AOC while also flying as an active line Captain. The management of flight operations is the primary function of this role — you will carry direct regulatory accountability and set the standard for how DragonFly operates. Alongside this, you will fly regularly as part of the line operation, remaining hands-on with the fleet and crew you manage. Responsibilities: Hold the postholder role and ensure DragonFly's full compliance with UK CAA regulations, UK Part-OPS, and all applicable requirements. Maintain overall discipline, management, and competence of the Company's flight crew, including recruitment, training, licensing, and recency. Maintain Operations Manuals Parts A, B, and C, airfield categorisation and briefs, performance data, AOM, and all documentation held within the Company's compliance software. Act as primary liaison with the CAA on operational and flight safety matters and promulgate Safety Notices and Safety Directives as required. Liaise with the Safety Manager and Continuing Airworthiness Manager to ensure maintenance and safety matters affecting flight operations are addressed promptly. Drive a proactive safety culture and active engagement with the Company's Safety and Compliance Monitoring System across all staff. Act as an operating line pilot, flying regularly alongside the Company’s flight crew. Command charter, positioning, training, and special mission flights safely and in accordance with UK CAA regulations and Company SOPs. Conduct pre-flight planning including performance calculations, fuel planning, and route analysis. Lead crew briefings, coordinate with First Officers and operational staff, and deliver the highest standards of safety and client service. Maintain current licence, medical, type rating recency, and all required crew qualifications. Requirements: We welcome applications from candidates with a strong background in UK AOC flight operations leadership. Minimum requirements include: Previous experience as a Flight Operations Manager, Chief Pilot, or equivalent named postholder within a UK AOC environment. Strong knowledge of UK CAA regulations, UK Part-OPS, and Air Navigation Order requirements. Familiarity with compliance management software (e.g., Centrik or equivalent). Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills. Full right to live and work in the United Kingdom. UK CAA ATPL (or ATPL theory with CPL) with a current Class 1 Medical Certificate. Minimum 2,500 hours total flight time with command experience on multi-engine turbine aircraft. Desirable Skills & Experience: Type rating on King Air B200 or Cessna Citation Bravo (type rating training available for the right candidate). Experience with special mission, air ambulance, surveillance, or ad-hoc charter operations. Involvement in SMS development, compliance audit preparation, or direct CAA postholder engagement. Management or leadership qualifications. Experience within a growing or entrepreneurial aviation business.