Maintenance Control Center (MCC) Manager

Job Summary

The Maintenance Control Center (MCC) Manager holds total operational accountability for the 24/7 real-time technical watch, defect control functions, and troubleshooting coordination across the airline's fleet. The position is responsible for minimizing commercial schedule disruptions by optimizing technical dispatch reliability, directing fast-paced AOG recoveries, managing outstation flight spares kits, and ensuring all engineering deferrals strictly align with regulatory authority limits.

Qualification

Candidates must meet the following baseline educational, licensing, and language standards:

• Required Education: Bachelor's Degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent technical discipline; OR
• Required Aircraft Licensing: Must hold a valid Licensed Aircraft Engineer status (EASA Part 66 or ICAO Type II) featuring specific aircraft type endorsements.
• Language Requirement: Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Preferred Languages: Professional proficiency in French or Kinyarwanda is considered a distinct operational advantage.

Experience

Candidates must demonstrate the following professional background, software competencies, and regulatory skills:

• Aviation Track Record: Minimum of eight (8) years of direct experience in commercial airline aircraft maintenance operations.
• Technical Control Focus: At least three (3) years of specific experience working within a dedicated Maintenance Control Center (MCC) or technical control environment.
• System Knowledge: Robust understanding of Minimum Equipment List (MEL) and Configuration Deviation List (CDL) application workflows, real-time aircraft troubleshooting, and cabin/IFE defect management.
• Preferred System Experience: Hands-on familiarity with advanced maintenance tracking systems and digital platforms (such as AMOS, TRAX, or Aircraft Health Monitoring - AHM systems).
• Preferred Operational Exposure: Proven exposure to AOG coordination, technical dispatch support workflows, and integrated Operations Control Center (OCC) environments.
• Regulatory Compliance: Strong working knowledge of EASA and RCAA regulatory frameworks, Safety Management Systems (SMS) implementation, and approved maintenance documentation limits.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Performance Monitoring

• Formulate MCC Strategies: Develop and implement MCC operational strategies designed to support high on-time performance (OTP), maximize aircraft availability, and enhance fleet dispatch reliability.
• Drive Digitization Initiatives: Support the adoption of modern technical tools, including digital dashboards, real-time maintenance analytics, and systemic integration with OCC infrastructure.
• Maintain Business Continuity: Develop, update, and test the Technical department's Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and serve as the technical focal point for the corporate Emergency Response Plan (ERP).
• Track Analytical Metrics: Establish and monitor KPIs for MCC responsiveness, generating detailed daily, weekly, and monthly technical performance reports for executive leadership.

Real-Time Fleet Technical Watch & Operations

• Oversee 24/7 Watch: Maintain overall management and daily oversight of the 24/7 Maintenance Control and Defect Control operations across the fleet.
• Coordinate AOG Recovery: Direct rapid return-to-service decisions and resource deployments during critical Aircraft on Ground (AOG) events, collaborating with Line Maintenance, Supply Chain, and OEMs.
• Enforce Compliance Limits: Ensure all defect clearances, maintenance deferrals, and engineering dispositions fully comply with approved technical data and regulatory authority limits.
• Track Repetitive Defects: Conduct root cause analysis on recurring technical defects and operational delays, recommending procedural changes to mitigate future operational impact.
• Manage Outstation Spares: Oversee the structural management, positioning, and restocking of Flight Spares Kits (FSK) at all international outstations.

Stakeholder Management & Team Leadership

• Bridge Operational Teams: Serve as the primary communication interface between Aircraft Maintenance, OCC, Engineering, and Supply Chain during irregular operations (IROPS).
• Manage External Vendors: Liaise actively with OEMs, MRO providers, and technical parts vendors to secure real-time troubleshooting data and expedited spares.
• Lead Shift Personnel: Direct, plan, and allocate work activities for MCC Supervisors, Fleet Supervisors, and Support Engineers across all operational shifts in Kigali and line stations.
• Train and Mentor Staff: Conduct competence assessments, maintain strict training files, and drive the professional mentoring and development of national technical staff.

Skills Required:

• Electrician / Electronics / Electrical / Engineering
• Mechanics / Mechanical / Engineering