Chief Theoretical Knowledge Instructor – Oxford, UK

Role Overview

The Chief Theoretical Knowledge Instructor (CTKI) is the approved lead for Ground Training (GT) at Leading Edge Aviation. They report to the Head of Training (HoT) and are responsible for making sure all Ground Training is delivered safely and in line with current regulations. They also oversee the day-to-day running of Ground Training courses, be a strong leader for the TKI team, and help maintain high training standards throughout the Academy.

We’re looking for someone with strong leadership experience in an educational or training environment, coupled with experience within the aviation or engineering industries. The ideal candidate will be confident in managing people, maintaining quality, and leading an exceptional training facility.

This is a full-time role, working 40 hours per week, based in our Oxford Academy, however the CTKI is also responsible for our growing Ground School in Alhama, Spain, and so a presence between both sites will be required.

Role Duties

Ground School

• To lead GT, ensuring teaching, staff expertise and student experience are of the highest standards;
• In conjunction with the HoT and Chief Flying Instructor (CFI), maintain all relevant approvals issued by the various Competent Authorities;
• To regularly review the GT syllabuses/courses, study guides and manuals and to recommend suitable amendments to the HoT;
• To maintain and improve the internal question bank and exams:
• To manage and ensure that all TKIs maintain a high level of training effectiveness and standardisation with lesson checks on a six-monthly cycle:
• To ensure that all ground training is delivered safely and on-time, and to ensure that monthly reports are given to the HoT;
• To assist in Training Review Boards and to make recommendations to the HoT;
• To oversee the day-to-day management of all students within GT and to discuss any deficiencies with the mentor TKI;
• Meeting and exceeding industry standards, in accordance with the applicable regulations and in line with current airline practices (where appropriate);
• Organise the in-house and qualifying exam bookings/timetable as necessary;
• Chair the quarterly TKI standardisation meetings;
• To develop and maintain appropriate training analysis and effectiveness of course deliveries and TKI performance.
• Leadership and Management
• Lead all GT staff to ensure they are motivated and engaged in their work, showing a commitment to individual professional development
• To line manage the Theoretical Knowledge Instructors (TKI) and GT workforce to ensure that they deliver the expected quality of training;
• Ensure TKIs are utilised effectively and efficiently, both in and outside of, the classroom;
• Day-to day responsibility for maintaining the highest levels of employee, contractor and student performance, in line with Leading Edge Aviation’s core values;
• To manage the performance of TKIs and students where necessary.
• To actively encourage the participation in Flight Safety from all students.

Flight Safety

• To champion amongst all staff, students and contractors, the Company philosophy of flight safety in conjunction with the HoT, CFI, Safety and Compliance Manager (SCM) and the Flight Safety Officer (FSO) and in full compliance with the Company’s safety policies;
• To be responsible on a day-to-day basis for ensuring that all TKIs and students are taught the principles and maintain the practices of Flight Safety;
• To actively encourage the participation in Flight Safety from everyone involved in their sphere of operation;
• To ensure that all safety critical briefings are fully attended by TKIs and students when required
• Actively promote, encourage and maintain Flight Safety best practices and Threat Error Management (TEM) principles

Administration

• To attend all administrative, standardisation and Instructor development meetings and in-service training as programmed
• Participate in Student Progress, Operations Weekly and Managers’ Monthly meetings
• To attend open days and events as requested by their senior manager

Core Competencies

• Proven leadership experience in an educational or training environment
• Confidently managing teams and supporting people to perform at their best
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities
• Good communication skills and a collaborative approach to working with others
• A focus on maintaining high standards and improving training quality, in line with the Company’s requirements and the applicable regulations
• Some aviation knowledge is helpful, but in-depth expertise is not essential — we’re more interested in your ability to lead and manage learning effectively
• Comfortable working within regulatory frameworks and adapting to changes when needed
• High personal and professional standards and excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work at a senior level with competent Authorities and external executives
• Confident working independently and with initiative, and as a member of the Senior Training Management Team
• Strong report writing and IT skills

Our Culture

At Leading Edge Aviation, our Vision, Mission and Values guide everything that we do. The CTKI is expected to maintain the highest levels of professionalism, regulatory compliance and instructional integrity. This role requires flexibility, the ability to work across campuses, and a collaborative mindset to contribute to LEAL’s vision of excellence in aviation training.

What We Offer

• Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days Annual Leave plus 8 days Bank Holidays
• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions
• Enhanced Sick Pay which increases with service
• Life assurance scheme – 2 x salary death in service
• Critical Illness scheme
• Private Medical insurance for Senior Management positions – family members can be added
• Well-being benefits such as access to our Individual Assistance Programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free on-site parking

Thank you for considering joining the Leading Edge family. We hope to hear from you soon!

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £60,000 – £65,000 per year, depending on experience.

Ability to Commute/Relocate: Kidlington, OX5 1RA: Reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Work Authorisation: United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person