Future Operating Model Officer in London

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There’s nothing quite like the buzz you’ll feel when you’re playing a crucial role at the heart of one of the busiest airports in the world. With more than 1,000 arriving and departing flights on a normal day, the Airside and Airspace Operations team works with customers and suppliers to ensure the safe, efficient and effective operation of the airfield and aircraft. Every day, you’ll discover a world of fresh possibilities, when every decision taken has a real impact on the way our whole airport operates. You’ll join a high-performing team with a wide range of skills and a shared passion to make every journey better. You’ll be part of a team that not only delivers a safe and efficient operation every day but is also at the cutting edge of innovation, crafting and delivering new technology and infrastructure.

The Future Operating Model Officer plays a pivotal role in supporting the development and implementation of Heathrow's future airfield operating model. This position contributes to the airport's transition toward more intelligent, sustainable, and resilient airside operations by assisting in the delivery of future-focused initiatives, technology trials, and operational readiness activities. Working closely with internal stakeholders and external partners, the Officer helps shape how Heathrow integrates emerging capabilities—such as automation, digital platforms, advanced sustainability measures, and evolving regulatory requirements—into daily operations. This is a dynamic and evolving role, designed with flexibility in mind. As Heathrow's Future Operations programme expands, the Officer will take on broader responsibilities, contributing to innovation, continuous improvement, and the transformation of airfield operations.

Your role will involve:

• Support the design and integration of new standards, technologies, and infrastructure to shape Heathrow's future operating model.
• Map current vs. future operational states, identifying gaps, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Coordinate and analyse technology trials, including automation, AI, remote inspections, and digital platforms, contributing to business case development.
• Conduct horizon-scanning research to stay informed on aviation trends and support innovation in future airfield operations.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners, ensuring alignment and visibility across projects.
• Capture and integrate frontline feedback, helping refine operational models, standards, and training while promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

These Skills Are Essential:

• 1–2 years' experience in airport operations, infrastructure delivery, innovation, or a technical project environment.
• General understanding of aerodrome operations, safety regulations, and infrastructure interfaces.
• Enthusiastic about future technologies and their application in a live airport environment.
• Strong communication and stakeholder coordination skills. Confident using standard office software and able to analyse and present information clearly.

Desirable Skills:

• Exposure to innovation, automation, or digitalisation projects.
• Awareness of sustainability practices in airside environments.
• Familiarity with regulatory change or change management methodologies.

About Us:

There’s something so special about working at the world’s most iconic airport. Heathrow is an amazing backdrop to a career filled with unique opportunities. Every day, you’ll discover a world full of fresh possibilities and end the day buzzing with stories to tell, as you encounter people from all cultures, nationalities and experiences. A world full of pride for what we do and no end of exciting career prospects to explore. It brings out the best in all of us and inspires everyone to deliver on our ambitious plans. Together, we’re working to welcome millions more passengers while ensuring aviation can continue to be a force for good by leading global efforts in sustainability.

Join us on that journey and we’ll help you achieve your ambitions too. Supporting you to learn, encouraging you to be yourself, backing you to achieve more than you might ever have imagined. Because there’s no place like Heathrow.

Our rewards:

We offer competitive salaries and excellent benefits that will support you now and in the future. As well as performance-based annual bonuses and our longer-term Share in Success Bonus plans, we also offer generous annual leave allowances and market-leading pensions. With family friendly policies, access to private health insurance and a wide range of wellbeing tools, we’ll support you to be at your best inside and outside work. And of course, we’ll provide varied learning and development opportunities too. Here you’ll find everything you need for a fulfilling career journey that can take you in exciting directions.

Working Location:

Our Hybrid working approach offers the opportunity for colleagues in some roles to work from home for an average of two days a week, providing the flexibility to work in an agile way whilst ensuring we deliver for the operational needs of Heathrow. Working arrangements vary from team to team and will be confirmed during the recruitment process. You’ll need to be based in the UK and within a commutable distance to Heathrow.

Equal Opportunities:

As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from all. We believe that diverse talent makes us stronger – not least because we welcome passengers from all corners of the globe, every single day. Heathrow is an accessible place to work. With five diversity networks, we champion inclusivity and celebrate individuality.