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Drone Operations Manager

UAV Talent
Leeds
4 months ago
Applications closed

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Lead the future of UAV weather sensing


UAV Talent is seeking a forward-thinkingUAS Operations Managerto spearhead the next generation ofautomated drone operationsacross the UK and Europe. You’ll be at the helm of a world-class programme focused on atmospheric data and climate research-driven by advanced,highly autonomous UAS platforms.

This is not your standard drone job. It’s about scaling BVLOS missions, integrating cutting-edge payloads, and crafting the aviation systems that underpin a truly automated fleet. You’ll own regulatory readiness, technical operations, and client integration in one of the most exciting sectors in aerospace.



What You’ll be working on:


Operational Strategy & Compliance

  • Lead and evolve all regulatory documentation -Operations Manuals and the SORA Package
  • OwnOperational Authorisation submissionsand airspace access processes across CAA, EASA, and ANSPs.
  • Build and maintain the systems that enable safe, repeatableBVLOS autonomous flight.

Fleet & Mission Oversight

  • Ensureairworthiness, spares availability, and mission readiness across the drone fleet.
  • Lead client-specificUAV/payload integrationsfor highly customised scientific missions.
  • Grow and guide a skilled team across operations, safety, and engineering support.

Stakeholder Engagement & Innovation

  • Act as the interface between technical teams, customers, and regulators.
  • Support R&D onautonomy, airspace integration, and performance scaling.
  • Represent operations in bids, live demos, and technical consultations.



About the Company

Our client is afast-growing, employee-owned science and tech firmfocused onclimate and atmospheric data, with projects spanning Europe and the Arctic. Operating at the intersection of robotics, aviation, and science, they blend a start-up culture with real-world impact-working in low-bureaucracy, high-autonomy environments.



What You Bring

  • Expertise in UAS operations and aviation compliance (CAP 722, EU 2019/947, SORA).
  • Experience managingautomated or semi-autonomous UAS systems.
  • Excellent communicator, able to brief regulators, clients, and C-suite leaders alike.
  • Proven ability to lead in both strategic planning and real-time operations.

Bonus Points For:

  • Exposure to meteorological or atmospheric science.
  • Project management credentials.
  • Familiarity with AI tools or automation frameworks.
  • Industry group involvement or safety/first aid training.


The Offer

  • £45,000–£50,000 salary
  • Flexible/hybrid working
  • 30 days holiday + Bank Holidays
  • International travel opportunities
  • EMI share options & pension scheme


Please contact or apply directly.


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