Operations Controller

Operations Controller

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
London Luton Airport Operations Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Monitor and coordinate airport operations to ensure a seamless guest experience.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team at London Luton Airport, a hub of innovation and efficiency.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, diverse work culture, and opportunities for growth.
  • Other info: Flexible shifts in a fast-paced environment with a focus on teamwork.
  • Why this job: Be the heartbeat of airport operations and make a real impact on guest experiences.
  • Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a proactive mindset are essential.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.

The Airport Operational Control Centre (AOCC) serves as the central coordination hub for airport operations, ensuring the safe, efficient, and seamless flow of aircraft and guests through real‑time situational awareness.

An Operations Controller proactively monitors, coordinates, and communicates airfield and terminal activities, acting as the central point of contact for internal and external stakeholders. By managing live operational issues, supporting disruption recovery, and addressing escalated guest concerns, the role helps maintain operational continuity and deliver a consistently positive guest experience in line with the LLA Way.

Contribute to delivering a great guest experience by performing your role with accuracy and efficiency. Recognising that every task, whether guest‑facing or behind the scenes, contributes to supporting the company’s overall LLA Way strategy and service standards.

Proactively and positively promote the LLA Way initiatives and projects with all employees and the wider airport community.

Act as a central point of contact for airport operations, providing real‑time updates to management, operational teams, and stakeholders during both normal operations and disruptions.

Coordinate and control communications relating to airfield and terminal operations, including emergencies, evacuations, equipment failures, and unplanned events.

Support the coordination of airfield stands, departure gates, and guest flows, working closely with airlines, handling agents, NATS, and terminal teams to protect on‑time performance and the guest experience.

Monitor airside and landside activity through CCTV systems and wider operational oversight.

Monitor live guest feedback and operational data, escalating issues, and directing teams to address guest experience concerns.

Ensure Flight Information Display Systems (FIDS) are accurate and kept up to date.

Receive, analyse, prioritise, and disseminate information to the appropriate teams in a timely manner.

Maintain accurate operational records, logs, and databases, including aircraft movements, aircraft registration data and operational events.

Act as a reporting point for faults and failures relating to airport systems and infrastructure (hardware and software).

Support the provision of a safe and secure operating environment, protecting airport assets and the integrity of the operation.

Maintain awareness of relevant regulatory requirements and operational procedures, demonstrating a willingness to learn and adapt.

Work collaboratively across teams, supporting a strong “one team” approach across Operations and Guest Experience.

Carry out any other reasonable duties required to support the wider airport operation.

Knowledge, skills, and experience:

  • Desirable (not essential): Knowledge of airport airside and landside operations and how they connect.
  • Understanding of an airport’s major touchpoints within the guests journey.
  • Awareness of airport safety, security, and compliance requirements (e.g. airside safety, emergency procedures).
  • Familiarity with disruption management and irregular operations.
  • Understanding of stakeholder roles within the airport environment (ATC, airlines, ground handlers, security, terminal ops).
  • Working knowledge of operational systems (AODB, stand/gate management, flight information systems, CCTV, radios).
  • A broad understanding of regulatory requirements is expected, alongside a willingness to learn and develop knowledge through manuals, procedures, and guidance issued by LLAOL, the CAA, DfT, and other relevant bodies.

Person specification:

  • You will need to be calm, composed, and confident in fast‑paced, time‑critical situations.
  • Naturally proactive with the ability to anticipate issues before they escalate.
  • Strong communicator who can clearly convey information to a wide range of stakeholders.
  • Decisive and able to make judgments under pressure.
  • Organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities at once.
  • Team‑focused with a collaborative approach to problem‑solving.
  • Resilient and able to remain focused during disruption and prolonged incidents.
  • Detail‑oriented while maintaining awareness of the wider operational picture.
  • Comfortable challenging, escalating, and influencing when required.
  • Adaptable and flexible in a 24/7 operational environment.
  • Guest‑focused with an understanding of how operational decisions impact the guest experience.
  • Professional, dependable, and able to take ownership of situations.
  • Strong communication skills and confidence using IT systems are essential due to the nature of the role.

This job description is intended to give an appreciation of the role and the range of duties and responsibilities to be undertaken. It does not attempt to detail every activity. Specific tasks and objectives will be agreed on an ongoing basis. The post holder will be required at all times to perform any other reasonable tasks, as requested by the Line Manager, in order to meet the operational needs of the business.

For any further information, please contact the Human Resources department at askhr@ltn.aero.

LLA is committed to fostering, promoting, and preserving a culture of diversity, equality, and inclusion as we carry out our mission. We will always be respectful and seek to learn from those different from ourselves. We strive to be an equal opportunity employer, and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee has a negative experience for being who they are. We welcome all applications!

To apply: If you wish to apply for this role, please send your CV that summarises your knowledge, skills, and experience within the context of the Operations Controller job description to recruitment@ltn.aero, using the reference OC2403 in the subject line. In the body of the email, please make sure to include the following: Current and expected salary, Notice period/availability to start, Right to work in the UK / sponsorship requirements.

Operations Controller employer: London Luton Airport Operations Limited

At London Luton Airport Operations Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values teamwork, diversity, and a commitment to delivering outstanding guest experiences. Our dynamic work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a fast-paced airport environment. With a focus on safety, efficiency, and guest satisfaction, we offer a rewarding career path for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the aviation industry.

London Luton Airport Operations Limited

Contact Detail:

London Luton Airport Operations Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Controller

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already working at the airport or in similar roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even recommendations.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to operations and guest experience. We suggest role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your adaptability! In your conversations, highlight examples of how you've handled fast-paced situations or resolved issues under pressure. This will resonate well with the operational focus of the role.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Operations Controller

Real-time Situational Awareness
Communication Skills
Operational Coordination
CCTV Monitoring
Data Analysis
Problem-Solving Skills
Guest Experience Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Controller role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially those related to airport operations and guest experience.

Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key for this role, use your application to demonstrate how you effectively convey information. Include examples of how you've communicated with various stakeholders in past roles.

Be Detail-Oriented:Pay attention to detail in your application. Ensure there are no typos or errors, and that all required information is included. This reflects your ability to maintain accuracy, which is crucial for the Operations Controller position.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully, including using the correct reference in your email subject line to help us track your application.

How to prepare for a job interview at London Luton Airport Operations Limited

Know the LLA Way

Familiarise yourself with the LLA Way initiatives and how they contribute to guest experience. Be ready to discuss how you can promote these values in your role as an Operations Controller.

Master Communication Skills

As a central point of contact, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in high-pressure situations, especially when coordinating with multiple stakeholders.

Stay Calm Under Pressure

The role demands composure during disruptions. Think of past experiences where you maintained calmness and decisiveness in challenging scenarios, and be prepared to share these stories.

Show Your Proactive Side

Demonstrate your ability to anticipate issues before they escalate. Prepare to discuss instances where you identified potential problems and took action to prevent them, showcasing your proactive mindset.