Job Description: Head / Manager – Line Maintenance
Job Purpose
The Head / Manager – Line Maintenance is responsible for overseeing all line maintenance activities and technical record keeping in compliance with applicable aviation regulatory requirements. The role ensures safe, efficient, and reliable aircraft operations by maintaining regulatory compliance, optimizing maintenance performance, and leading network line maintenance teams across all operating stations.
Key Responsibilities
Regulatory Compliance & Maintenance Operations
- Ensure full compliance with applicable aviation regulations, including CAR-145, CAR-M, and other relevant regulatory requirements.
- Oversee all line maintenance activities and technical record keeping in accordance with regulatory standards.
- Ensure adherence to all organizational maintenance policies, procedures, and operational standards.
- Schedule and coordinate aircraft maintenance programs in collaboration with Flight Operations and Maintenance Planning.
- Ensure all maintenance activities are performed by appropriately qualified and authorized personnel.
- Monitor compliance with staff Duty Time Limitations for all Line Maintenance personnel.
Technical Performance & Reliability
- Analyze technical delays in coordination with Maintenance Control Centre (MCC) and Technical Services, maintaining detailed records and implementing corrective actions.
- Monitor Technical Dispatch Reliability and develop initiatives to improve aircraft reliability and operational performance.
- Coordinate with Technical Services on technical delays, AOG situations, incidents, repetitive defects, and recurring technical issues.
- Ensure maintenance work allocated by Planning is properly scheduled, executed, and completed within timelines.
Quality & Safety Management
- Ensure timely closure of Quality Audit findings and non-conformities.
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping across all maintenance facilities.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental requirements.
- Develop and maintain standardized maintenance procedures, technical delay reporting processes, and aircraft handover documentation.
- Maintain clear maintenance logs with complete aircraft, location, date, time, and support action records.
Ground Support Equipment & Material Management
- Ensure Ground Support Equipment (GSE), tooling, and maintenance equipment remain serviceable and available at all times.
- Ensure replaced aircraft components are properly documented and routed through Stores.
- Ensure all line stations comply with approved material handling, storage, and shipping procedures.
- Standardize tooling, equipment, and maintenance support across the network.
Network & Vendor Management
- Develop and strengthen network line maintenance capabilities in anticipation of operational requirements.
- Arrange line maintenance support at all operating stations through internal teams or approved maintenance providers.
- Manage subcontracted maintenance organizations through performance monitoring, audits, and contractual compliance.
- Ensure subcontracted maintenance providers comply with established operational procedures and communication standards.
- Develop third-party maintenance support capabilities, including service offerings and commercial charging structures.
Training & Team Leadership
- Develop training programs covering induction, aircraft type training, recurrent training, and refresher courses in coordination with Quality and Training departments.
- Conduct competency assessments and annual performance appraisals for Line Maintenance personnel.
- Mentor, coach, and develop team members to enhance technical capability and operational effectiveness.
- Foster a culture of safety, compliance, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Required Skills & Competencies
- Strong knowledge of aviation regulatory requirements, including CAR-145 and CAR-M.
- Extensive experience in aircraft line maintenance operations.
- Strong understanding of aircraft maintenance processes and technical reliability.
- Excellent planning, coordination, and organizational skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Effective leadership and people management skills.
- Ability to influence and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- High attention to detail and commitment to safety and compliance.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Operational Performance
- Aircraft dispatch reliability
- Technical delay reduction
- AOG response effectiveness
- Maintenance schedule adherence
Regulatory Compliance
- Compliance with applicable aviation regulations
- Successful regulatory and quality audit outcomes
- Timely closure of audit findings
Quality Management
- Reduction in repetitive defects
- Maintenance quality standards
- Technical reliability improvements
Customer & Operational Excellence
- Customer satisfaction
- Aircraft availability
- Operational efficiency
- Reduction in customer complaints
Team Performance
- Staff competency development
- Training completion rates
- Performance appraisal effectiveness
- Duty time compliance
Educational Qualifications
Minimum Qualification
- 10+2 (Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics) or equivalent.
- AME training from a DGCA-approved institution.
- Valid DGCA AME License with relevant aircraft Type Rating and/or Company Authorization.
Experience Requirements
Minimum Experience
- 15 years of Line Maintenance experience on transport category aircraft within a scheduled airline.
- Minimum 10 years of experience on Narrow Body aircraft (A320 Family) and/or 8 years on Wide Body aircraft (B777 and B787).
- Demonstrated experience in leading line maintenance teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing multi-station maintenance operations.
