Centre Manager – Alhama, Spain

Alhama, Spain
Job TypePermanent

Role Overview

The Centre Manager of the Alhama de Murcia Campus is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational management, and regulatory compliance of the Approved Training Organisation (ATO). This role ensures the delivery of industry-leading training programs aligned with the highest industry standards and regulatory requirements, while driving continuous improvement, financial sustainability, and organisational growth. The Centre Manager is expected to embody and promote the organisation’s core values of Integrity, Commitment to Excellence, Resilience, Collaboration, and Passion in all aspects of leadership and decision-making.

Role Duties

Strategic Leadership & Management

  • Implement the ATO’s strategic plan in alignment with organisational goals and values.
  • Lead and manage cross-functional teams with a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose.
  • Foster a culture of excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement across all operations.
  • Inspire teams through passionate leadership and a clear vision for success.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

  • Support the Safety and Compliance Monitoring Manager (SCMM) to ensure full compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies (e.g., UK CAA, EASA, AESA etc), upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
  • In collaboration with the COO and Training Team, maintain and update the ATO’s approvals, manuals, and documentation.
  • Support the SCMM with internal audits, inspections, and corrective action plans, demonstrating resilience in addressing challenges.

Training Operations

  • Oversee the delivery of training programs that reflect a commitment to excellence and learner success whilst making the most efficient and effective use of all resources (Instructors, aircraft, classrooms and simulators).
  • Liaise with the COO and Training Delivery Team to ensure instructors and assessors meet qualification and competency standards.
  • Monitor training outcomes and learner satisfaction to drive improvements with a passion for quality education.

Financial & Resource Management

  • Develop and manage the ATO’s budget, ensuring financial targets are met with integrity and transparency.
  • Oversee procurement and maintenance of training equipment and facilities.
  • Identify and pursue regional funding opportunities and strategic partnerships that align with organisational values.

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with regulatory authorities, airport owner, local government dignitaries, industry partners, and clients.
  • Represent the ATO at industry events, conferences, regulatory meetings, and local events, promoting the Leading Edge pilot training culture of collaboration and shared success.

Human Resources & Development

  • Collaborate with senior managers and HR to recruit, train, and manage staff and instructors who reflect the organisation’s values.
  • Promote professional development, performance management, and a resilient, growth-oriented mindset.
  • Ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive working environment where passion and collaboration thrive.

Core Competencies

Qualifications & Experience

  • Proven experience in a senior management role.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
  • Financial acumen and experience managing budgets and resources, including full P&L accountability.
  • Confident communication skills with the ability to quickly build rapport with all stakeholders.
  • Fluent in both spoken and written English and Spanish.
  • Demonstrated commitment to excellence, learner success, and quality education.
  • A strong personal alignment with the values of Integrity, Resilience, Collaboration, commitment to excellence and Passion.

Desirable Attributes

  • Proven experience in a senior management role within a regulated training environment.
  • Experience with digital learning platforms and modern training methodologies.
  • Ability to manage change and lead transformation initiatives with resilience and adaptability.
  • Relevant degree or professional qualification.
  • In-depth knowledge of regulatory frameworks relevant to the ATO’s sector.
  • Aviation experience.

Person Specification

Category Essential Desirable
Experience
  • Proven experience in a Senior Leadership role
  • Experience leading and managing cross-functional teams
  • Competence in accurately planning and managing budgets and resources, including full P&L responsibility
  • Examples of successfully delivering organisational strategic goals and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Ability to manage and liaise with internal and external stakeholders
  • Experience leading and inspiring growing teams through times of change
  • Proven track record of fostering a culture of excellence
  • Ability to collaborate with all team members, including senior managers and HR to recruit, train and manage a winning team
  • Leadership experience within the aviation sector, or similar regulated training and/or safety focused organisation
  • Experience developing and maintaining strategic partnerships
  • Ability to manage and liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators
  • Experience managing regulatory audits and approval processes
  • Working knowledge of digital learning platforms and/or modern educational technologies
  • Experience in gaining funding from Regional/National Governments or the EU
Knowledge & Skills
  • Exceptional leadership and management skills
  • Strong project management and organisational skills
  • Financially literate
  • Fluency in spoken and written English and Spanish
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present and manage communication with a range of stakeholders
  • Ability to lead change and organisational transformation effectively
  • Comprehensive understanding of ATO regulatory frameworks and industry best practice
  • Working knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements (e.g. UK CAA, EASA, AESA)
  • Knowledge of Spanish employment law and working practices
  • Fluency in other languages
  • Passionate about aviation
Values
  • Demonstrates integrity and ethical leadership, including the ability to healthily and constructively bring challenge
  • Committed to excellence and learner success
  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Resilient under pressure and adaptable to change
  • Passionate about education, training, and leadership development
Other Requirements
  • Willingness and ability to represent the organisation at local, national and international events
  • Eligible to gain Spanish work visa (if required)
  • Relevant degree or professional qualification
  • Experience in the Aviation industry
  • Possess the right to live and work in Spain

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