Head of Maintenance Planning

Brunel has partnered with Brussels Airlines to recruit top talent for key positions within the organization. As a leading recruitment partner, we are dedicated to connecting highly skilled professionals with exciting opportunities that drive innovation and excellence in the aviation industry. If you're looking to take the next step in your career with a dynamic and respected airline, explore the opportunities below.
 

About Brussels Airlines

Brussels Airlines, part of the Lufthansa Group, is Belgium's national airline, with its home base at Brussels Airport. The airline strives to be the most reliable, making everyone feel at home. They are passionate about their work, whether on board, in an office, in the hangar, or at the airport. They are recognized for always going above and beyond and constantly challenging themselves.

Purpose of the position 

The Head of Maintenance Planning will play a key leadership role in optimizing the airline's maintenance planning processes, ensuring the efficient and timely execution of maintenance activities across the fleet. This role requires a detail-oriented leader who can balance long-term strategic planning with short-term operational needs.

As the Head of Maintenance Planning you will:

• Act as a Nominated Person for CAMO (NPCA) in accordance with aviation regulations.
• Ensure that the airline's maintenance strategies are aligned with overall business objectives, fostering a proactive approach to aircraft maintenance.
• Play a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency by overseeing maintenance activities and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among various departments to support seamless maintenance operations and minimize disruptions.
• Lead the development of innovative solutions to address maintenance challenges, ensuring the airline maintains high standards of safety and reliability.
• Manage a team of 15–20 FTE.
• Establish comprehensive mid- and long-term maintenance strategies to proactively optimize resources, reduce downtime, and enhance operational resilience.
• Ensure all maintenance planning is performed on Brussels Airlines aircraft in accordance with CAME, MOE, ProX, and compliance with BCAA and EASA regulations.
• Drive initiatives that align maintenance practices with airline goals and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate closely with the Engineering Department to develop maintenance concepts, assess the feasibility of maintenance programs for new aircraft types, and explore outstation maintenance solutions with the Commercial & Supply Chain Department.
• Work with senior management to embed maintenance strategies within the airline's long-term business plan, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and operational vision.
• Oversee short-term planning of all maintenance tasks, ensuring alignment with available resources (manpower, tools, parts, etc.), optimal tail assignment, and prioritization of critical tasks, including newly added or re-assigned work orders. Coordinate planning for MEL (Minimum Equipment List), CDL (Configuration Deviation List), and DIL (Cabin Deferred Item List) items to support day-to-day operations.
• Manage the MCC to ensure daily maintenance operations on the line align with scheduled and unscheduled maintenance activities, maintaining close coordination with key stakeholders such as Line & Light Maintenance, Flight Ops, Strategic Planning, and IOCC.
• Ensure proactive monitoring and follow-up on aircraft events, status updates, and reporting in AMOS to maintain comprehensive operational oversight.
• Coordinate the prompt resolution of technical issues for aircraft at outstations and with third-party MROs to minimize operational disruptions.
• Conceptualize and implement standardized processes within the Maintenance Planning Department to streamline operations and ensure compliance with internal protocols and external regulatory requirements.
• Act as the Nominated Person (NP) in accordance with aviation regulations, ensuring adherence to NPCA requirements and EASA Part-CAMO standards while overseeing all maintenance activities to guarantee compliance with the maintenance program and regulatory requirements from authorities like BCAA and EASA.
• Participate in technical investigations and audits, reporting within the framework of the Safety Management System (SMS) and implementing corrective actions from quality audits promptly.
• Initiate and implement modernization and lean initiatives, recommending improvements to technical standards and processes.
• Continuously review and challenge traditional practices to enhance efficiency, productivity, and regulatory compliance within the department.
• Leverage digitization and automation solutions to optimize workflows, improving efficiency and enhancing overall operational effectiveness.
• Ensure all procedures within the Maintenance Planning department are clearly defined, standardized, and continuously improved, while also establishing and managing key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success and drive performance.
• Schedule and manage maintenance downtime in coordination with relevant stakeholders such as Network, OPS, departments of M&E (e.g., manpower planning and logistics), and MRO providers to ensure minimal disruption to operations and maintain high service standards.
• Foster cross-departmental partnerships, promoting open communication and a unified approach to align maintenance schedules with network agreements, priorities, and goals across the airline.
• Build and maintain strong relationships within the LHG to facilitate active collaboration and exchange on maintenance concepts and general maintenance planning activities, ensuring alignment on best practices and shared initiatives.
• Foster a positive environment that motivates team members while cultivating a strong sense of purpose, clarity, and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Mentor and coach individuals to support professional growth, knowledge sharing, and development of soft and leadership skills.
• Empower employees by encouraging autonomy and assigning deputies to maintain continuity during absences.
• Guide teams through change with empathy and clear communication, addressing concerns openly to build trust.

Required Diploma and Experience:

• University degree (Master) in Aeronautics Engineering or equivalent experience
• At least 5 years of experience in aeronautical engineering and/or aeronautical maintenance
• Excellent knowledge of EASA Part 145 regulations and the organization's CAME and Part M requirements
• Experience in other technical areas of an operator like engineering, production or purchasing
• Experience in maintenance planning of an aircraft maintenance organization
• Proven management experience, demonstrating the ability to lead teams effectively and foster a positive work environment
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong analytical skills and assertiveness in decision-making
• Collaborative team player with strong leadership, conflict management and communication skills
• Strong organizational and team management skills
• Resilience, reliability, and responsibility and the ability to work under stress
• Proficiency in MS Office and MRO software (AMOS)
• Proficient in English (verbal and written); Dutch and / or French is a plus

What we offer

• A flexible reward plan that allows you to optimize part of your salary.
• A flexible work environment focused on activity-based working & home office possibility.
• Travel benefits.
• Profit sharing.
• Group insurance.
• Company medical plan (optional).
• Meal- & eco vouchers.
• A spot in a very enthusiastic team & a great company to work for.

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