Maintenance Controller

The Maintenance Controller operates at the tactical forefront of the CAMO department, focusing on the immediate 0 to 3 month execution window. Reporting directly to the Fleet Manager, this role is critical in bridging the gap between technical airworthiness planning, commercial administration, and physical maintenance execution.

The primary responsibility is to take receipt of approved work orders from the Part-CAMO team and allocate this demand to either internal hangar facilities via the Production Planner or external third-party Part-145 providers. This requires meticulous coordination to ensure seamless tactical deconfliction and continuous aircraft availability.

Furthermore, the Maintenance Controller acts as the lead response coordinator for Aircraft on Ground (AOG) events, manages commercial processing including purchase requests for external third party MRO support and places CAMO work orders with either the 3rd party provider or DEA’s own MRO as required. The maintenance controllers also provide the administrative capacity to maintain KPIs and other standard reporting systems to manage the department.

Key Responsibilities

1. Tactical Demand Allocation and Technical Administration

• Allocate maintenance demand into internal Part-145 facilities, working closely with the Production Planner to ensure readiness for scheduled maintenance or liaising with the Line Maintenance Manager (ECHO Track Lead) for AOG recovery..
• Place work orders with approved third-party Part-145 providers when internal capacity is exceeded or geographically unsuitable.
• Conduct initial CAMO reviews of completed Part-145 work packs and manage the formal completion of CAMO Work Orders.
• Ensure seamless tactical deconfliction of maintenance inputs to maintain commercial flying output requirements.

2. AOG Coordination and Recovery

• Act as the primary coordination lead for all Aircraft on Ground events with Ops, driving rapid and safe resolution using either DEA’s own resources or via 3rd party providers.
• Communicate clearly and continuously with operations and the Fleet Manager to provide updates on recovery timelines and operational impact.
• Coordinate and deliver the Engineering Morning Brief and SAB on behalf of CAMO, capturing the status of both ongoing DEA and 3rd Party maintenance.

3. Commercial and Financial Processing

• Proactively scout, assess, and evaluate new third-party MRO maintenance organisations to build external capacity and network resilience.
• Support the Fleet Manager in establishing commercial terms and service level agreements with vendors (with commercial support).
• Raise purchase requests to secure the services of 3rd party MRO support in the conduct of scheduled or AOG support to DEA or ESAO.
• Place bookings with 3rd party maintenance providers to support MRO services to DEA, ESAO.
• Liaise with DEA customers in placing bookings with 3rd party MRO service providers.

4. Project Support and Departmental Reporting

• Provide general support to the delivery of engineering projects across the department.
• Assist in the maintenance, input, and management of engineering reporting systems.
• Work in tight alignment with the Fleet Manager to ensure short-term tactical execution supports the overarching strategic fleet plan.
• Provide critical feedback and data to support Key Performance Indicator governance, specifically regarding AOG rates and third-party supplier performance.

Knowledge & Expertise

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience in an aviation maintenance control, maintenance planning, or MRO supervisory environment.
• Strong working knowledge of UK CAA and EASA Part-CAMO and Part 145 regulations (or equivalent).
• Experience conducting technical reviews of work packs and processing CAMO work order completions.
• Working knowledge of commercial administrative processes, including purchase requests and invoice processing within an engineering context.
• Demonstrated ability to manage high-pressure AOG scenarios and coordinate rapid recovery efforts.
• Excellent cross-functional communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively between engineering, operations, finance, and external suppliers.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience with Multi-Engine Piston or complex twin-turboprop aircraft types.
• An established network within the European and UK MRO maintenance sector.
• Familiarity with aviation maintenance tracking and reporting systems, such as Veryon Tracking+ or Centrik.

Skills Profile

• Tactical Decision Maker: Highly adept at making swift, safe, and commercially sound decisions in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Resilient Coordinator: Maintains composure and clear communication during intense AOG recovery operations.
• Administrative Precision: Methodical and precise when reviewing technical work packs, processing financial documentation, and updating reporting systems.
• Collaborative Integrator: Seamlessly bridges the gap between Part-CAMO airworthiness requirements, commercial processing, and MRO maintenance execution.