Head of Licensing

As our Head of Licensing, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that all operational, technical and other employees working in areas where licences and certifications are required comply fully with these requirements so that their employability is guaranteed without fail. By setting up and managing accurate processes for licences and certifications, you guarantee that only qualified employees are deployed and can also be included in future planning without any risks.

You are centrally responsible for the correct application of national and international regulations. You translate these into concrete operational plans and strict safety standards. You optimise and automate administrative processes, minimising errors and maximising efficiency. You are also a driving force in the selection and implementation of appropriate tools or applications.

In addition, you will be the central point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory authorities. You will ensure smooth communication and coordination, which is essential for operational continuity and air traffic safety.

What does a Head of Licensing do at skeyes?

Managing licences and certifications:

• setting up and leading a specialised unit that coordinates the complete management of licences, certifications and certificates for operational, technical and support staff;
• ensuring that all legal requirements for obtaining, maintaining and renewing licences, certifications and certificates are met, including medical tests and language proficiency tests;
• carefully monitoring fatigue rules and proactively responding to changes in regulations to ensure operational continuity;
• informing the planning department and the training organisation so that sufficient operational hours are planned and worked and/or the necessary training can be organised in time;
• assuming formal responsibility as “head of the skeyes ELPAC Lab” as prescribed in the regulations (ELPAC stands for English Language Proficiency). This role also involves ensuring that skeyes retains its ELPAC accreditation, acting as the point of contact for Eurocontrol regarding ELPAC, and becoming accredited as an ELPAC administrator and assessor. The Head of Licensing ensures that the team of ELPAC assessors is and remains competent;
• the organisation of regular tests to detect the use of alcohol and drugs at work and to take the necessary measures.

Developing and implementing processes:

• responsible for the design, implementation and maintenance of processes around licensing and certification processes, seamlessly linking to operational planning and training processes;
• ensuring closed data flows so that all persons involved always have access to accurate and up-to-date licensing and certification information.

Promoting cooperation and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations:

• building extensive knowledge of the applicable national and international regulations regarding licensing, certification and competency assessments, and working closely with compliance departments and external supervisory authorities. This cooperation is essential to ensure that there are no discrepancies between operational requirements and legal obligations;
• acting as the point of contact for the national supervisory authority (Competent Licensing Authority), ensuring that the departments involved are always prepared for audits.

Translating regulations into operational plans:

• translating the complex regulations around licences and certifications into practical and workable plans within the operational context;
• developing and updating the Unit Competency Scheme (UCS) and ensuring its integration into daily working practices so that licensees meet both legal and organisational requirements;
• overseeing the updating of internal regulations in collaboration with legal teams, HR, training managers and (senior) management.

Optimising and automating administrative processes:

• continuously strive to optimise and automate administrative processes related to licensing and certification;
• providing input to optimisation and automation initiatives to minimise lead times and reduce errors, while maintaining safety and compliance.

Acting as a central point of contact for coordination and communication:

• acting as the central point of contact for both internal and external parties regarding licences, certifications and qualifications;
• ensuring a clear and up-to-date overview of the status of licences and certificates, and disseminating knowledge to licensees;
• actively networking and participating in forums to keep abreast of best practices and improvements