Head Flight Operations and Crew Training

Employment Type: Permanent

Contract Duration:

Why you will love working here

At IATA, we represent over 350 airlines worldwide, striving to make aviation safer, smarter, more sustainable, and inclusive.

• Our Values are not just words on a page - they are the energy behind everything we do: ONE IATA - We collaborate across teams, TRUSTED - We do the right thing, INNOVATIVE - We make tomorrow better, INCLUSIVE - We embrace diverse perspectives.
• With over 30,000 courses available, we believe in continuous learning and support your growth in an ever-changing industry.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion are our priorities. We are certified by the Equal Salary Foundation, offering equal pay and family-friendly policies.
• We encourage community involvement through volunteering and strive to make tomorrow better for aviation and our communities. We offer time off so you can support causes important to you.
• We promote work-life balance with flexible work options, including remote and hybrid work, a generous 'work from abroad' policy, and you get your birthday off!

About the team you are joining

Reporting to the Director of Flight and Technical Operations, you will provide global leadership for IATA's flight operations, licensed personnel training, competency development, operational standards, and industry best practices programs. The role serves as a strategic aviation subject matter expert, working with airlines, regulators, aircraft manufacturers, training organizations, and international bodies to enhance operational safety, training effectiveness, and professional standards across commercial aviation. The position leads the development and implementation of industry guidance, training solutions, competency frameworks, operational standards, and collaborative initiatives that support IATA's mission of improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability throughout the aviation industry.

What your day would be like

As Head of Flight Operations and Crew Training, no two days are the same. You will balance strategic leadership, industry engagement, technical expertise, and people leadership while driving initiatives that improve safety and operational performance across the aviation sector. Specifically, you will: Lead the development and execution of IATA's global flight operations and training strategy. Represent IATA at international industry forums, conferences, regulatory meetings, and working groups. Collaborate with member airlines, ICAO, civil aviation authorities, aircraft manufacturers, and training providers on operational and training-related initiatives. Drive the development of industry guidance, best practices, and standards in areas such as flight operations, training, competency management, and safety. Champion the implementation of Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) and Evidence-Based Training (EBT) methodologies throughout the industry. Oversee the development and delivery of flight operations and aviation training products, workshops, and professional development programs. Analyze emerging operational trends, safety data, and industry challenges to identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Lead research and innovation activities related to pilot competency, human performance, automation management, fatigue risk management, and future flight deck operations. Facilitate industry task forces and expert working groups focused on operational excellence and training effectiveness. Manage and develop a team of subject matter experts, ensuring high-quality project delivery and stakeholder engagement.

We would love to hear from you if

At least 10-15 years of professional experience with a strong aviation industry background and knowledge. Significant leadership experience in airline flight operations, training and flight standards. Demonstrated experience leading complex industry initiatives and influencing large stakeholder groups. Experience working with international regulatory frameworks and aviation organizations. Knowledge and experience of managing and implementing projects is an advantage Appropriate IT skills, particularly in with MS Office programs Excellent oral and written communications skills in English

Travel Required: Y: 20

Learn more about IATA’s role in the industry, our benefits, and the team at iata/careers/. We are looking forward to hearing from you!