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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 role, and the chance to shape future airspace strategies.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative infrastructure project that impacts aviation and the environment.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in aviation and strong stakeholder management skills required.
- Other info: Diversity and equality are valued; all applications welcome.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Location: Major International Airport / Aviation Organisation
Reporting to: COO (or equivalent)
Level: Senior Leadership / Executive
Role Purpose
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 in Heathrow 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 in Heathrow
✨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 help you land 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 you’re the perfect fit for their vision!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to us. Plus, it gives you a better chance of standing out in the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Airspace in Heathrow
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 Strategic Vision: In your application, emphasise your ability to develop and implement long-term strategies. We’re looking for someone who can lead airspace design and modernisation, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated complex projects in the past.
Highlight Stakeholder Engagement: This role involves a lot of collaboration with various stakeholders. Make sure to include experiences where you’ve effectively managed relationships with regulators, airlines, or community groups. We love seeing how you’ve built trust and led negotiations!
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 regulation. Familiarise yourself with current trends, challenges, and innovations in airspace design and governance. This will not only show your passion for the role but also demonstrate your expertise.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios
Given the importance of stakeholder management in this role, think about past experiences where you've successfully navigated complex partnerships or negotiations. Be ready to discuss these scenarios and how you can apply those skills to represent the organisation effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a senior leader, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare to articulate how you lead teams, manage budgets, and drive performance. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to inspire and guide specialist airspace teams towards achieving strategic goals.
✨Emphasise Sustainability and Community Engagement
With a focus on environmental objectives, be prepared to discuss your understanding of noise management and community-sensitive programmes. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to sustainability and how you plan to engage with communities effectively.
