Head of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul

Summary

Join Archer, an aerospace company, as the Head of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This is a crucial role in supporting Archer's Midnight Entry Into Service in 2025. You will develop and implement the overall MRO strategy, oversee daily operations, manage vendor relationships, ensure regulatory compliance, and lead continuous improvement initiatives. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field, at least 8 years of aircraft maintenance experience (5+ years in leadership), and proven success managing large-scale MRO operations in the UAE or Middle East. You will be responsible for budget management, ensuring compliance with UAE and international aviation regulations, and representing Archer at industry events. This is a greenfield project offering the opportunity to shape the future of urban air mobility.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aviation maintenance or a related field (Master’s preferred)
• Minimum of 8 years experience in aircraft maintenance and MRO, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
• Proven track record of managing large-scale MRO operations in the UAE or Middle East
• In depth knowledge of aviation regulations (GCAA, FAA) and industry best practices
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Strong commitment to safety, quality and regulatory compliance
• Ability to collaborate with internal departments, including Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Quality Assurance, Safety and security, to ensure seamless communication and execution of all activities
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to represent the company at industry forums, conferences and meetings, staying updated on MRO trends and innovations
• Proven experience operating in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) market
• Ability to work legally in the UAE
• Compliance with any specific regulatory or industry requirements applicable to the role

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the overall strategy for the MRO division to align with company objectives
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize costs, reduce turnaround time and enhance delivery
• Oversee day to day MRO operations, including maintenance scheduling, resource allocation and workflow management
• Ensure timely completion of maintenance and repair projects minimizing operational disruptions
• Manage vendor and supplier relationships to ensure quality and reliability in parts and services
• Ensure all MRO activities comply with UAE and International aviation regulations (e.g., GCAA, FAA)
• Lead audits and inspections, addressing any findings and implementing corrective actions
• Develop and manage the MRO budget, ensuring cost-effective operations without compromising safety or quality
• Ensure all certification/approval and audit is managed effectively in line with stipulated guidelines and issue relevant certificates/approvals and/or recommend certification/approval
• Provide input in development of the annual oversight (audit and surveillance) program to ensure compliance with standards and regulations. Continued improvement toward safety should be considered as much as possible
• Ensure compliance with GCAA’s roles and functions. Ensure that investigations are carried out to determine the cause of incidents and prevent future occurrences and direct coordination with other disciplines (if necessary)
• Maintain a comprehensive record of relevant certification, reports, recommendations, and general documents to ensure an accurate record and evidence base
• Assist management in maintaining on-going liaison with foreign and international aviation regulatory bodies on new requirements and changes to existing safety regulations to foster the safe and orderly growth of UAE Civil Aviation. Implement Safety Affairs policies, systems, processes, and procedures so that all relevant procedural/legislative requirements are fulfilled while delivering high quality safety services to the UAE civil aviation industry in accordance with customer service standards
• Ensure that all functional reports are prepared timely and accurately and meet GCAA requirements and quality standards

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• Familiarity with UAE labor laws and regulations