At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead airfield operations, ensuring safety and efficiency while managing a high-performing team.
- Company: Join MAG, the largest UK-owned airport operator, at East Midlands Airport.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse workplace, and focus on mental health and well-being.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are key; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global trade and passenger experiences in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in airfield operations and strong understanding of safety regulations.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Airfield Operations Manager – MAG (Airports Group)
Head of Airfield Operations
Full time - Permanent
Based at East Midlands Airport
Competitive Salary
Reporting directly to the Operations Director, you will lead and manage the Airfield Operations team to ensure the safe, compliant, efficient, and commercially effective operation of the airfield environment.
As Head of Airfield Operations, you will play a pivotal role in balancing operational safety, capacity, and commercial opportunity, ensuring that the airfield supports the airport’s strategic objectives for growth, performance, and profitability.
As part of the Airport Leadership Team, you will drive collaboration across departments to deliver seamless, safe, and sustainable operations that enable global trade and exceptional passenger experiences.
This is a people leadership role, requiring proven experience in managing teams within complex, safety-critical, and commercially focused environments.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the safe and efficient operation of the airfield, including aircraft parking, stand allocation, inspections, works in progress.
- Act as the senior operational decision-maker during incidents, emergencies, and irregular operations, ensuring coordinated responses and timely recovery to maintain service continuity.
- Lead the implementation of contingency, resilience, and recovery plans to minimise operational disruption and protect commercial performance.
- Ensure all airfield operations comply with the Aerodrome Manual, CAP 168, and other regulatory requirements.
- Develop and maintain a commercially focused approach to airfield management, maximising stand utilisation to support growth in movements and revenue.
- Work with Commercial and other internal teams to optimise stand planning, and turnaround efficiency to increase capacity without compromising safety.
- Contribute to budgeting and financial planning, providing accurate forecasting and performance reporting on airfield operations costs and revenue opportunities.
- Support the development of airfield infrastructure and business cases for investment to enhance operational capacity, resilience, and long-term growth potential.
- Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing Airfield Operations team, including Duty Managers.
- Ensure continuous compliance with CAA aerodrome licensing and Safety Management System requirements.
- Maintain robust occurrence reporting and investigation processes, ensuring timely resolution and learning outcomes.
- Promote a positive safety culture, encouraging open reporting and proactive risk management.
- Play an active role in the Airport Leadership Team, supporting decision-making across airfield, terminal, and landside operations.
- Partner with Commercial, Capital Delivery teams to align operational capacity with airline demand and business growth objectives.
- Contribute to strategic projects, infrastructure planning, and innovation initiatives that enhance airport efficiency, sustainability, and revenue potential.
Benefits
We are an employer of choice and can offer unparalleled career and development opportunities in an exciting and dynamic business.
This is an exciting time to be working in the East Midlands and proposals to build a new economy centred around the region’s strengths in logistics, advanced manufacturing, and R & D are taking shape.
In a further boost, a joint bid by MAG, neighbouring landowners, local authorities and LEPs for an East Midlands Freeport was recently given the green light by Government.
Key to its success was EMA’s status as a gateway for global trade. Once established, the Freeport will grow trade, create 60,000 jobs and attract investment across the region.
Areas given Freeport status will benefit from a wide package of tax reliefs, simplified customs procedures, streamlined planning processes to boost redevelopment, and government support to promote regeneration and innovation.
Join EMA today, and you’ll not only play a major role in helping the airport recover from, and build upon, the impact of the pandemic, but you’ll also help shape thinking around the future direction of the East Midlands economy.
Contact
hr.recruitment@magairport.co.uk
Airfield Operations Manager employer: MAG (Airports Group)
MAG is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at East Midlands Airport where safety, efficiency, and commercial success are paramount. With a strong commitment to employee growth, MAG fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, providing opportunities for professional development and leadership within a diverse and inclusive workforce. Join us to be part of a team that not only supports the airport's strategic objectives but also prioritises well-being and continuous improvement in a thriving aviation hub.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Airfield Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the airfield operations field on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their challenges and think about how your skills can help them achieve their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your situational judgement skills. Be ready to discuss how you’d handle real-life scenarios in airfield operations. This will demonstrate your operational judgement and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Airfield Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Airfield Operations Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant knowledge of CAP regulations. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about airfield operations and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage teams and improve operational efficiency. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining us at MAG!
How to prepare for a job interview at MAG (Airports Group)
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarise yourself with CAP 168, CAP 790, and Safety Management Systems. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show that you understand the compliance aspects of airfield operations, which is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your experience in managing complex operations and how you’ve balanced safety with commercial objectives to drive performance.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you’ve tackled operational challenges. Discuss your proactive approach to problem-solving and how you’ve implemented contingency plans to ensure service continuity during disruptions.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to talk about your experience collaborating with various stakeholders, including airlines and regulators. Emphasising your strong interpersonal skills will demonstrate your ability to work effectively across departments and manage relationships.
