Head of Operations in Newport, Wales

Head of Operations

📍 Cardiff Airport, South Wales

Few roles offer the opportunity to lead such a diverse operational portfolio. From airfield operations and aviation security to fire services, this role sits at the heart of ensuring Cardiff Airport operates safely, securely and efficiently every day. Leading a team of experienced operational managers, you will be responsible for translating operational priorities into delivery, maintaining regulatory compliance and driving high standards of performance across the airport.

Cardiff Airport is looking for an experienced operational leader to join our Senior Management Team as Head of Operations.

Reporting to the Operations Director, you will lead our Airfield Operations, Security and Fire Service functions, ensuring the airport operates safely, securely, efficiently and in compliance with all regulatory requirements. Working closely with operational managers and senior colleagues across the business, you will play a key role in delivering operational performance, maintaining regulatory standards and strengthening organisational resilience.

About the Role

This is a broad and varied leadership role responsible for overseeing some of the airport's most critical operational functions. You will provide direction, support and challenge to operational teams, ensuring safety, compliance and performance remain at the heart of everything we do.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will contribute to the delivery of the airport's operational objectives while ensuring the highest standards of operational safety, regulatory compliance and resilience are maintained across the airport. You will also deputise for the Operations Director when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and motivate our Airfield Operations, Security and Fire Service teams.
• Ensure compliance with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Department for Transport (DfT), aviation security and operational safety requirements.
• Maintain effective operational compliance frameworks and airport certification requirements.
• Lead the airport's approach to operational risk management, ensuring risks are identified, assessed and effectively managed.
• Oversee operational safety, resilience, emergency preparedness and business continuity activities.
• Monitor operational performance and drive continuous improvement across operational functions.
• Lead operational budgets and resource planning, ensuring services are delivered efficiently and effectively while supporting wider business objectives.
• Build effective relationships with regulators, industry partners and key stakeholders.
• Support the airport's response to incidents, emergencies and operational disruption when required.

About You

We're looking for a confident and credible operational leader with experience gained in a safety-critical and highly regulated environment.

You will have:

• The ability to make informed decisions in complex, time-critical and high-pressure situations.
• A collaborative leadership style, with a track record of developing high-performing teams and fostering a strong safety culture.
• A commitment to operational excellence, continuous improvement and delivering high standards of operational performance.
• Proven experience leading operational managers and high-performing teams within a complex, safety-critical and regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of operational safety, regulatory compliance and operational risk management.
• Experience developing and maintaining effective risk management and assurance frameworks.
• Knowledge of incident management and business continuity planning.
• Experience managing operational budgets, resources and performance.
• Experience working effectively with external stakeholders.
• The flexibility to respond to operational requirements as needed, including supporting incident management, emergency response and business continuity activities outside normal working hours.

Why Join Cardiff Airport?

Cardiff Airport is on a journey of transformation and growth, creating an exciting environment for ambitious leaders who want to make an impact.

This is an opportunity to lead critical operational functions that keep the airport running every day, influence operational performance across the business and help deliver the safe, resilient and customer-focused operation that underpins the future success of Wales' national airport.

At Cardiff Airport, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to meaningful change and play a key role in maintaining the safe and efficient operation of Wales' national airport.

We believe that a diverse workforce and inclusive culture make us stronger. We're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to succeed. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and encourage candidates from all sections of our community to apply.