Cabin & Aircraft Appearance Operations Manager

About Brussels Airlines

Brussels Airlines, part of the Lufthansa Group, is the national airline of Belgium with its home base at Brussels Airport.
Our mission is to be the most reliable airline, making everyone feel at home.
We are passionate about what we do, whether it’s on board, in an office, in the hangar or at an airport. Our people are recognized for always going above and beyond and for constantly challenging themselves.

Mission

The Cabin & Aircraft Appearance Operations Manager plays a critical role in ensuring that Brussels Airlines' aircraft interiors and exteriors meet the highest standards of cleanliness, functionality, and aesthetic excellence. This directly impacts passenger experience, brand perception, and operational efficiency.

In this role, you will:

• Ensure that aircraft interiors (cabin maintenance and appearance) and exteriors (cleaning and paint) align with operational goals, regulatory requirements, and passenger expectations.
• Proactively identify and address defects to maintain aircraft reliability, compliance, and service quality.
• Manage resources, inventory, and supplier relationships to ensure timely and effective cabin maintenance and aircraft appearance interventions.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including the Engineering department, operational teams, and Lufthansa Group partners, to drive continuous improvement and innovation in aircraft appearance and cabin maintenance.
• Lead and develop a team of approximately 30–40 FTEs, fostering a people-centered culture of accountability, excellence, and safety.

This role requires a dynamic, hands-on leader with strong operational expertise and a passion for delivering a superior passenger experience.

Tasks

Operational Leadership & Compliance

• Lead and develop the Cabin & Aircraft Appearance team, ensuring efficient defect rectifications and adherence to safety and regulatory standards.
• Oversee the Cabin & Aircraft Appearance Maintenance Program, ensuring timely repairs, proactive upkeep, and quality control.
• Conduct inspections, implement structured action plans, and oversee cabin modifications, aircraft painting, and cleaning activities.
• Organize training sessions to maintain high technical and operational standards.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

• Align with Engineering & Maintenance Planning to coordinate priorities and optimize scheduling.
• Lead a steering committee with Engineering to manage initiatives from Product & Marketing, ensuring strategic alignment.
• Work closely with Flight Operations, Inflight Services, and Customer Experience to address passenger and crew feedback.

Continuous Improvement & Performance Monitoring

• Drive process improvements to enhance cabin maintenance efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and improve the passenger experience.
• Analyze and manage KPIs related to cabin condition, NPS, IFE performance, and cleanliness standards.

Resource & Cost Management

• Manage budgets, control costs, and optimize resources while maintaining quality standards.
• Ensure proper stock levels in coordination with Supply Chain & Procurement.
• Oversee subcontractors and MRO facilities, ensuring compliance with SLAs, quality control, and efficient workload distribution.

Your profile

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Industry Experience: Minimum 5 years in cabin appearance management or a similar aviation-related role.
• Regulatory Expertise: Strong knowledge of EASA Part 145, Part M, and Aircraft Continuing Airworthiness Management.
• Leadership & Organization: Proven ability to lead teams, set priorities, and manage operations efficiently.
• Technical & Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical mindset with expertise in process optimization and lean methodologies.
• Resilience & Teamwork: Ability to perform under pressure, act responsibly, and manage conflicts effectively.
• Languages: Fluent in Dutch and English (spoken & written); 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;
• Unique Travel benefits throughout the entire Lufthansa network;
• Company car (or car allowance);
• Profit sharing;
• CLA-90 bonus;
• Group insurance;
• Meal- & eco vouchers;
• Representation & internet allowance;
• A spot in a very enthusiastic team & a great company to work for.