Deputy Head of Group Flight Operations / Deputy NPFO

Established in 1969, ZIMEX has continuously delivered specialised worldwide remote field operations. Based in Switzerland, the ZIMEX Group holds a Swiss Air Operator Certificate, owns its Maintenance Repair Facility and an Aviation Training Organization. With around 200 employees, we operate and maintain a modern fleet of turboprop aircraft under European EASA Aviation Standards. Major petroleum industry companies, international humanitarian organizations, governments, UN agencies, express cargo and mail customers rely on the proven professionalism, extensive aviation know-how, in-house spare parts logistics, excellent safety record and high dispatch reliability of ZIMEX.

Deputy Head of Group Flight Operations / Deputy NPFO

The Deputy Head of Group Flight Operations, who also assumes the role of Deputy Nominated Person Flight Operations (dNPFO), supports the Head of Group Flight Operations who is also the Nominated Person Flight Operations in ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient conduct of all flight operations under the Zimex Aviation AOC. The Deputy Head of Group Flight Operations / dNPFO acts as the alternate point of responsibility and may assume the duties of the Head of Group Flight Operations / NPFO during their absence, as delegated.

The role requires a high level of operational expertise (preferably Remote/Utility Operations), leadership capability, and a thorough understanding of regulatory requirements, operational safety, and processes.

Your main tasks

• Support the Head of Group Flight Operations / NPFO in ensuring that all flight operations comply with EASA and national regulatory requirements, internal procedures, and industry standards.
• Maintaining operational manuals, processes, and documentation relevant to flight operations.
• Contribute to internal and external audits and ensure timely implementation of corrective actions.
• Support the oversight of day-to-day flight operations, including operational standards, crew performance, and adherence to approved procedures.
• Actively participate in the development, monitoring, and continuous improvement of flight safety, quality, and efficiency across the operation.
• Provide operational expertise to other departments such as Operations Control, Dispatch, Flight Planning, Training, Maintenance & Engineering, and Scheduling.
• Implementation and enhancement of aviation safety standards and safe operating practices.
• Close collaboration with the Safety and Compliance department to identify trends, safety concerns, and operational risks, and contribute to the development of corrective and preventive actions.
• Overseeing flight crew standards, compliance, and operational performance.
• Promote effective communication and teamwork across crews, fostering a strong safety culture and professional environment.
• Act as a liaison between flight crews and the Flight Operations management team.
• Assume responsibilities of the Head of Group Flight Operations / NPFO when delegated or required, ensuring continuity of operational oversight and regulatory compliance.

Your qualifications

• Preferably holds (or has previously held) an EASA flight crew licence with a DHC-6 type rating. Licences issued by other ICAO authorities (e.g. FAA/TCCA) can be considered where the candidate is willing and eligible to convert to EASA.
• Operational experience appropriate to the type of remote operation conducted under the Zimex Aviation AOC.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in one of the following: A deputy or management role within an airline flight operations department; A position comparable in responsibility to a deputy Nominated Person Flight Operations role.
• Demonstrated understanding and practical application of aviation safety standards and safe operating practices.
• Familiarity with Flight Data Monitoring, Fatigue Risk Management and Flight Safety systems is required.
• Good working knowledge of related operational areas, including: Dispatch & Operations Control, Flight Planning, Maintenance & Engineering, Scheduling & Crew Planning and Flight Training
• Strong integrative and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and flight crew groups.
• Proven ability to work within a regulated, safety-critical environment.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to identify operational risks and propose effective solutions.
• Acceptability to the competent authority as a deputy to the Nominated Person Flight Operations.

What we offer

We offer a key leadership position within a dynamic and growing aviation organisation, embedded in a professional environment with short decision-making paths and a strong operational culture. You will have the opportunity to contribute directly to the strategic evolution of Flight Operations. The role is structured as an HQ-based, rostered management position with limited flying duties, focusing primarily on leadership, oversight, and regulatory responsibilities.

Please note: The recruitment process is scheduled to begin in January 2026. More detailed information on the process and timelines will be communicated in due course.

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