Head of Airfield Operations

2w2 weeks ago

Manchester Airports Group

GB · Full-time · £85,000 – £120,000

About this role

Reporting directly to the Operations Director, lead and manage the Airfield Operations team to ensure safe, compliant, efficient, and commercially effective airfield operations. Play a pivotal role balancing operational safety, capacity, and commercial opportunity to support airport growth and profitability. Drive collaboration across departments as part of the Airport Leadership Team.

Oversee airfield activities including aircraft parking, stand allocation, inspections, and works in progress. Act as senior operational decision-maker during incidents, emergencies, and irregular operations for coordinated responses and timely recovery. Ensure compliance with Aerodrome Manual, CAP 168, and regulatory requirements.

Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing Airfield Operations team including Duty Managers. Promote positive safety culture with open reporting, proactive risk management, and robust occurrence investigation. Maintain continuous compliance with CAA aerodrome licensing and Safety Management System.

Develop commercially focused airfield management maximising stand utilisation and revenue. Contribute to budgeting, financial planning, infrastructure development, and strategic projects. Partner with Commercial and Capital Delivery teams to align capacity with airline demand and business growth.

Requirements

Proven leadership experience in airport or airfield operations management
Comprehensive understanding of CAP 168, CAP 790, Safety Management Systems (SMS), and CAA aerodrome licensing requirements
Strong commercial and operational awareness, with the ability to balance capacity, safety, and profitability
Demonstrated experience in maximising stand utilisation to support growth in movements and revenue
Experience managing teams within complex, safety-critical, and commercially focused environments
Knowledge of budgeting, financial planning, and performance reporting for airfield operations

Responsibilities

Oversee the safe and efficient operation of the airfield, including aircraft parking, stand allocation, inspections, works in progress
Act as the senior operational decision-maker during incidents, emergencies, and irregular operations
Lead the implementation of contingency, resilience, and recovery plans to minimise operational disruption
Ensure all airfield operations comply with the Aerodrome Manual, CAP 168, and other regulatory requirements
Develop and maintain a commercially focused approach to airfield management, maximising stand utilisation
Work with Commercial and other internal teams to optimise stand planning and turnaround efficiency
Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing Airfield Operations team, including Duty Managers
Contribute to strategic projects, infrastructure planning, and innovation initiatives