UAV Operations Manager (m/f)

Job description

Frankfurt am Main (Germany)

As a new business model within Lufthansa Group, incubated by Lufthansa Consulting GmbH, Lufthansa Aerial Services (LAS) has launched its initial service offering of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based inspections and surveying for large infrastructure clients in energy, construction, rail, mining, and many other industries. The LAS team develops UAV-based solutions, integrating its broad partner network along the UAV value chain. LAS thereby established an initial market entry positioning within the European UAV community and represents the nucleus of an overall program of UAV-related activities across the whole Lufthansa Group.

The LAS-team is therefore looking for an ambitious and optimally experienced UAV Operations Manager (m/f), owning and driving all LAS field work for clients, i.e. from operational preparations and logistics, operational staff scheduling, flight approval management, also including the mid- to long-term strategic development of LAS operations ramp-up over time. The LAS Operations Manager (m/f) will be a striking addition to our overall LAS team, jointly driving LAS products and services into the market, both in the field of Multicopters and Fixed-Wing UAV.

Due to the LAS start-up mode, this position is temporary and limited to 12 months, but including the outlook of a potential key role in a to be carved-out dedicated legal entity that will be set for growth. The job will be based in our current office in Frankfurt/Main. Depending on LAS operational requirements, some travelling will be involved, e.g. to LAS operational client sites.

 If we addressed your enthusiasm and interest for the uprising UAV market, we are looking forward to your application.

 Your task description

 Following Developments of German/EU/Global Regulatory Landscape:

·  Follow regulatory landscape developments and updates to derive best available, but still operable solutions for LAS
·  Integrate new regulations into considerations of LAS product development and operational procedures

 Manage Operational Flight Approvals:

·  Ensure compliance with global, European and German regulations on safe operations of UAV
·  Collect required mission-specific approval papers, e.g. from end-customer, land owner, approval authorities, etc.
·  Build up standardized processes with approval authorities for future ease of flight approvals

 Logistical Preparation of and Responsibility for Operational Flight Events:

·  Own overall mission planning, incl. in-depth understanding and consideration of airspace-relevance, system limitations, radio communications with Crew/ATC, and compliance with LAS Operations Manual
·  Conduct use case-specific risk assessments and coordinate with regulatory authorities and ATC
·  Bear overall responsibility for logistical preparation and operations, potentially incl. a team of operational supporters
·  Ensuring mission success through effective maintenance, planning and deployment of UAV assets
·   Work on the preparation of final deliverables for the customer with the use of UAV data analytic tools (photogrammetric software, raster graphic editors, in-house developments of LAS)

 Manage and Qualify LAS Pilot Pool:

·  Further develop LAS pool of UAV pilots across regions as a prerequisite of LAS operational ramp-up plan
·  Develop relationship with key LAS pilots for ease of operational preparations and planning
·  Further develop qualification threshold and respective assessment method for LAS UAV pilots

 Develop Roadmap for LAS Operational Ramp-up:

·  Structure an LAS ramp-up plan over time, target markets and geographies, considering all relevant functional aspects
·  Align LAS team-internally and lead operational ramp-up accordingly
·  Drive standardization of operational preparations and procedures as a prerequisite for LAS operational ramp-up

 Driving continuous further development of LAS UAV Operations System:

·  Continuously further develop LAS Operations Manual, incl. operational, safety and emergency procedures
·  Continuously assess available IT-systems for UAV operations
·  Implement and continuously customize LAS IT-systems for UAV operations
·  Complete post-mission reports, flight logs and oversee UAV maintenance in line with LAS Operations Manual

 Support LAS Technology and Product Development Team:

·  Restore equipment readiness after operational events, manage equipment adjustment process for next flight event
·  Support LAS Technology Team during field testing of new components and system iterations

Desired profile

Your profile

·  Master degree or equivalent in the field of aviation management/ engineering and/ or (aviation) operations
·  Preferably >2 years of work experience in flight operations
·  Strong interest and advanced/expert knowledge about Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) “drones” is a must
·  Ability to transfer technological and business knowledge to UAV context and various use and business cases
·  Advanced practical experience in operational planning for scheduled events
·  Excellent understanding of UAV market to well connect and evaluate potential LAS UAV pilots
·  Creativity to develop new solutions within own field of functional responsibility
·  Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with people on various levels and outperform in a dynamic environment
·  Ability to present complex issues accurately in written and spoken communication
·  Very strong social and cooperative conduct, ability to work in dynamic and intercultural teams
·  Self-starter and high commitment to dedicated tasks; high level of passion, endurance and dedication
·  Natural willingness to take ownership of assigned work packages and tasks
·  Attention to detail, strong analytical aptitude and well-trained problem solving skills
·  Ability to work independently, goal-oriented and structured on time critical tasks
·  Willingness to travel worldwide
·  Excellent written and spoken language skills in German and English. More languages a plus
·  Excellent MS-Office skills (PowerPoint, Excel, Word) with interest/knowledge of UAV/Aviation operations systems
·  Excellent overall computer use skills and ability to learn new tools quickly
·  Experience in using photogrammetric software and graphic editors a plus
·  Experience in computer programming a plus
·  UAV pilot license (“Allgemeine Aufstiegsgenehmigung”, „Modellflug-Lizenz“) a plus
·  Additional aviation-specific certificates (e.g. “Sprechfunkzeugnis”) a plus

About Lufthansa Consulting GmbH

Lufthansa Consulting is one of the world's leading management consulting firms in the aviation industry. International airlines, airports, aviation authorities and suppliers, banks and investors are among the company’s clients. The multinational team of experts offers solutions for all aspects of flight operations and also advises industry-related companies. These include the topics of strategy development, monitoring of change processes, operational processes and their enhancement, privatization consulting, development concepts and market studies with the aim of positively and sustainably influencing the future business of their clients.

www.lhconsulting.de

If this is you, please apply online.