Head of Operations & Chief Pilot - Readvertisement at Wilderness in Nairobi, Kenya

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    Head of Operations & Chief Pilot - Readvertisement

    WildernessNairobi, Kenya

    Posted

    5 days ago

    Apply by

    1 Sept

    Full Time
    On Site
    Managerial
    Automotive & Aviation
    Engineering & Technology

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    Job Description

    This role provides strategic and operational leadership of the flight operations department, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient air operations in line with regulatory requirements and company policies. The position is based in Wilson Airport, Nairobi.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Direct, coordinate and control the flight operations and operations control departments so that their operations are conducted with overall efficiency.
    • Develop the company's operational policies.
    • Responsible for all operational matters involving aircrew and aircraft movement.
    • Establish operations structure with suitable delegated responsibilities.
    • Responsible for overall security-safety and welfare of flights.
    • Ensure that the Company's Operations comply with the requirements of the Current legislation and the Air Operator Certifications and Regulations.
    • Periodic review of aircrew and operations staff establishment to ensure an adequate force of properly qualified personnel.
    • Approval of company routes and airfields to be used.
    • Responsible for welfare of operational staff under his control including flight crew.
    • Ensure that all pilots, dispatchers and operation staff are adequately trained and current with valid licenses.
    • Ensure that flight operations are carried out in compliance with approved company procedures and relevant regulations.

    Required Qualifications

    • A valid ATPL for the aircraft type Cessna 208
    • A valid type rating for the aircraft C208
    • A valid medical certificate
    • A valid Radiotelephony
    • A valid Instrument rating for ASETPA flight crew
    • Valid recurrent and training
    • At least 1000 hours - Total flight time
    • At least 500 hours - Pilot in Command on type C208
    • Experience in bush flying preferably Maasai Mara will be an added advantage.
    • Strong flying and decision-making skills in remote and dynamic environments
    • In-depth knowledge of aviation regulations and procedures KCARs
    • Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
    • Proven leadership and situational awareness in flight operations
    • High level of technical proficiency with Cessna 208 systems
    • Strong focus on safety, compliance, and customer service
    • Adaptability to bush flying and off-strip conditions
    • Attention to detail and problem-solving under pressure

    Job Details

    Job Function

    Engineering & Technology

    Minimum Experience

    5 years

    Education Level

    Bachelor’s Degree

    Area of Study

    Aviation

    Field of Study

    Aviation

    Languages

    English

    Additional Information

    How to Apply: Interested and qualified? Go to Wilderness on wilderness.simplify.hr to apply.

    Prove Your Command Presence in the Cockpit and the Boardroom

    This is a dual role: you're the chief pilot and the operations head. Hiring managers will probe how you balance hands-on flying with strategic oversight, especially in remote bush environments like the Maasai Mara.

    1. Lead with your ATPL and type ratings: Your CV must clearly list your ATPL, C208 type rating, and medical certificate. Highlight your total flight hours and PIC hours on type, as these are hard filters.

    2. Show bush flying experience: If you've flown in the Maasai Mara or similar off-strip conditions, detail that. Mention specific challenges like short runways, weather, and wildlife hazards.

    3. Demonstrate regulatory knowledge: Be ready to discuss KCARs and how you've ensured compliance in past roles. Give examples of audits or inspections you've passed.

    4. Highlight leadership in operations: As head of operations, you'll manage aircrew and staff. Share examples of how you've built teams, delegated responsibilities, and maintained morale.

    5. Prepare for scenario questions: Expect questions like 'How would you handle a medical emergency in the bush?' or 'How do you decide to cancel a flight due to weather?' Think through your decision-making process.

    6. Emphasize safety culture: This role is about safety first. Talk about how you've fostered a safety-first mindset in previous teams, including reporting and learning from incidents.

    7. Communicate your adaptability: Bush flying requires flexibility. Share stories of adapting to unexpected conditions, whether it's a last-minute route change or a mechanical issue.

    8. Show your technical proficiency: Be specific about your experience with Cessna 208 systems. Mention any maintenance or troubleshooting you've done, and how you keep your skills current.

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    Tags

    ATPL
    Cessna 208
    flight operations
    leadership
    safety