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- Tasks: Lead the strategic design and governance of controlled airspace for major airport operations.
- Company: Join a leading aviation organisation at a major international airport.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and involvement in significant infrastructure projects.
- Why this job: Shape the future of airspace management and drive sustainability initiatives.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in aviation and strong stakeholder management skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a commitment to equality.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
The Head of Airspace is accountable for the strategic leadership, design, governance, and performance of controlled airspace supporting airport operations. The role ensures the safe, efficient, and sustainable use of complex and constrained airspace, enabling operational resilience, future growth, and environmental objectives.
Key Accountabilities
- Airspace Strategy & Modernisation: Own and deliver the long-term airspace strategy aligned with national and international modernisation programmes. Lead airspace design, change, and future capacity initiatives to support current and long-term operations.
- Safety, Regulation & Assurance: Act as accountable owner for airspace safety and regulatory compliance, including ICAO and national frameworks. Sponsor airspace change proposals, safety cases, and approvals, supported by robust governance and risk management.
- Operational Performance & Resilience: Optimise airspace performance to improve capacity, punctuality, and disruption recovery. Work with ATC and airport operations, using data and modelling to drive continuous improvement.
- Stakeholder & Partner Leadership: Represent the organisation with ANSPs, regulators, government, airlines, and international bodies. Lead complex partnerships and negotiations to align national, regional, and local airspace priorities.
- Community, Noise & Sustainability: Lead noise, environmental, and community engagement activity related to airspace change. Ensure airspace strategy supports sustainability, noise reduction, and net-zero objectives.
- Leadership & Governance: Lead specialist airspace teams and manage budgets, consultancy, and multi-year programmes. Provide authoritative advice and recommendations to Executive Committees and Boards.
Key Deliverables
- Approved airspace change programmes and regulatory approvals
- Improved airspace efficiency, resilience, and operational performance
- Reduced environmental and noise impacts where practicable
- Strong, trusted relationships across industry, government, and communities
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Essential:
- Senior leadership experience in airspace, ATM, aviation operations, or regulation
- Strong knowledge of airspace regulation and safety-critical change
- Proven executive-level stakeholder management experience
Desirable:
- Experience within an ANSP, major airport, airline, or aviation regulator
- Experience of public consultation or community-sensitive programmes
- Knowledge of environmental and noise management frameworks
Qualifications
- Degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience
- Postgraduate qualification, chartered status, or relevant aviation certifications desirable
If this sounds like something of interest and if you want to be part of the next biggest infrastructure project of the decade, please get in touch for some more information. Ardour Associates values diversity and promotes equality. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
Head of Airspace employer: Ardour Associates Ltd
Contact Detail:
Ardour Associates Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Airspace
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at aviation events or online forums. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its airspace strategies. We should be ready to discuss how our experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your responses to show how you can contribute to their operational performance and sustainability objectives.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from showcasing your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you’ve led teams or projects in airspace management. We want to demonstrate our ability to drive change and improve efficiency.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you note. It’s a simple gesture that shows our appreciation and keeps us on their radar. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate our enthusiasm for the role and the organisation!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Airspace
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in airspace management and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of Airspace, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills: Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder management, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully navigated complex partnerships in the past. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their ability to build strong relationships across various sectors.
Highlight Safety and Compliance Experience: Given the importance of safety and regulatory compliance in this role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience you have in these areas. We’re looking for someone who can confidently manage airspace safety and navigate regulatory frameworks.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ardour Associates Ltd
✨Know Your Airspace Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of airspace management and regulations. Familiarise yourself with ICAO standards and any recent changes in airspace policy. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a senior leadership role, it's crucial to highlight your experience in leading teams and managing complex projects. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to drive strategic initiatives, manage budgets, and lead diverse teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss your experience in stakeholder management. Think of specific instances where you successfully navigated complex partnerships or negotiations. Highlight how you built trust and aligned priorities among various stakeholders, including government bodies and airlines.
✨Emphasise Sustainability and Community Engagement
Given the focus on environmental objectives, prepare to discuss your approach to noise reduction and community engagement. Share any relevant experiences where you led initiatives that balanced operational needs with community concerns, showcasing your commitment to sustainable practices in airspace management.
