Director of Aftermarket Services

Job description

Our Mission At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The Valo, our eVTOL (electric, vertical, take-off and landing), 'zero emissions' aircraft will set a new safety standard for how we will navigate the sky. We won't realise our mission following the same legacy processes and traditions our predecessors followed, instead, we want to 'redefine' aerospace best practices. We are growing quickly from a prototype business to a scaling SME, and the next few years will be critical to our success and delivering on our ambitious goals. Valo is targeting airliner-level safety certification in 2029 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers. The Team This brand-new role reports to the Chief Commercial & Strategy Officer and will shape and implement Vertical’s aftermarket commercial infrastructure. The Aftermarkets function will be built and prepare to support global customer operations following aircraft certification in 2028 and the planned scale-up of deliveries from 2029. With a strong global orderbook, close partnerships with leading operators, and support from top-tier suppliers, the team is focused on building innovative, scalable solutions to meet the unique opportunities and challenges of a new aircraft programme entering service. What to Expect This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of electric aviation by building the aftermarket function from the ground up. You’ll lead the development of support models, services, and partnerships that will ensure the Valo enters service smoothly and delivers an outstanding experience for our global customers. Collaborating closely with Engineering, Operations, Digital, Supply Chain and our customers, you’ll combine deep aerospace experience with fresh thinking to solve new challenges in innovative ways. You’ll have the freedom to move fast, bring bold ideas to life, and create a service culture that’s ready for the next era of aviation. What You’ll Do - Define and implement the aftermarket strategy and roadmap to support global customer operations and deliver a world-class in-service offering - Embed aftermarket thinking into every stage of the Valo programme to ensure a smooth entry into service with outstanding safety, reliability, and life cycle performance - Lead readiness across all aftermarket service areas including: - Aircraft MRO – tech publications, electronic logbooks, maintenance partnerships, training, battery overhaul, logistics, and spares - Support services – customer support reps, service engineering, contract and spares management - Operations – pilot and ground crew training (with CAE), fleet operations, and Vertical’s operations centre - Aircraft upgrades – develop battery and system upgrade offerings - Digital services – define customer and service requirements to guide software development for efficient cloud-connected operations - Build and lead strategic aftermarket partnerships to extend capabilities, ensure cost-effective solutions, and maintain focus on Vertical’s core strengths - Use Vertical’s flight test and certification campaigns to validate aftermarket processes and technologies ahead of service entry - Create and run a dedicated customer airline office to capture real-time feedback during the test phase - Recruit, grow and lead a high-performing team that delivers value for our customers, partners and shareholders What You’ll Bring - An engineering degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering - Currently operating in a senior aerospace aftermarket or commercial operations, or in-service support leadership role - Strong experience of developing and executing complex product (aircraft or engine, motors)/global aerospace aftermarket services strategies - Full breadth of aftermarket services knowledge and capabilities - Track record of recruiting, building and developing high-performing aftermarket care teams. - Proven experience leading commercial aircraft operations and working directly with customers in high-stakes environments at C-suite level. - Strong knowledge of airworthiness and regulatory standards (EASA, CAA, FAA) and how they apply to in-service support - Experience delivering or supporting entry-into-service programmes for commercial aircraft - Chartered Engineer (CEng) status and/or MBA or equivalent commercial training - A digital-first mindset with a passion for modernising fleet support and applying new technologies - Experience working internationally or supporting diverse global customers What can you expect from us? We're on a mission. Where others see limits, we see opportunity, and we work at pace. Working at Vertical isn't your average role but for those seeking a challenge, a flexible, supportive organisation and an incredible team; working here is an opportunity to do the best work of your career. Our approach promotes ingenuity and courage, while our environment builds success through diligence in safety and being open in the way we work. The only way we're going to assure the next chapter of aviation history is by working as a team, relentlessly, towards our goal. Our benefits Our people matter - we're not going anywhere without them. Which is why our company benefits go beyond the essentials. - 26 days holiday, plus bank holiday - 5 extra days per year to buy (or sell) - 5 extra days holiday when you get married or enter a civil partnership - Additional 4% of your salary to spend on extra benefits - Award-winning digital health and wellbeing service (Help@Hand) - Company performance based bonus - rewarding company and individual performance - Company Share Scheme - open to every Vertical employee - Company Pension Scheme - 5% and we match it - Breakfast on us, every day We may just be the hardest job you've ever had, but we're confident it will be the most rewarding. Join the team today and help us shape the future of Advanced Air Mobility. Disclaimer Statement We encourage you to apply even if you may not have all the experience listed in the advert. We recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to providing opportunities that create an environment of growth, diversity, and inclusion for everyone. As part of our desire to review and make our processes fair, we may ask you questions related to these aspects during the application process. For more information on how we will use your data, see our Legal section.