Airspace Change Specialist

NATS is the UK’s leading air navigation service provider, handling over 2.4 million flights each year. We provide air traffic control services from two control centres and at airports around the UK. We also provide a wide range of commercial products and solutions internationally. Our people are at the heart of our purpose to advance aviation and keep the skies safe.

Job purpose

NATS is modernising UK airspace in line with the UK government’s priorities to improve efficiency, increase capacity and reduce the environmental impact for the skies of the future. The Airspace Change Specialist will manage the production of Airspace Change Proposals (ACPs) ensuring all work follows CAA policy and regulatory requirements such as CAP 1616. This will require the applicant to coordinate and influence a range of internal and external contributors and stakeholders. The role will support and deliver a robust airspace design process, working within a range of NATS projects and for external customers.

Other duties include:

• Manage timely and cost-effective production of Airspace Change Proposals for submission to CAA, including input from many stakeholders both internal and external to NATS, including aviation representatives and local communities.
• Act as an ‘Airspace Architect’ providing leadership and guidance, as a Subject Matter Expert, across NATS and to external customers to ensure that:

• A wide range of options have been considered & assessed on each airspace change project.
• Design activities undertaken by different departments and/or organisations are coordinated.
• Ensure recommended options are optimal, satisfy CAA requirements and robust to legal challenge through judicial review.

Essential skills & experience:

• Degree level qualification in a Business, Numerate or Technical subject area, or significant related work experience, demonstrating analytical, logical reasoning and problem-solving ability.
• Expert in the design life cycle, across innovation, optioneering and change management (training will be provided to suitably qualified and experienced individuals).
• Good negotiation skills to promote and drive relevant activities within and outside the business including members of the public.
• This post requires a logical and analytical approach, combined with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Excellent communication skills and personal impact, with the ability to read the audience and challenge when required.
• A working knowledge of UK ATS and the regulatory framework.
• Computer literacy and experience of the Microsoft Office environment, with the ability to manipulate data in Excel.
• Knowledge of mapping tools/principles is also desirable.

Personal Qualities:

• Able to work as part of a team where close co-operation and interaction is essential.
• Work autonomously to meet strict deadlines and, when necessary, to react with flexibility to changes in business direction.
• Represent NATS in negotiation and consultation meetings with UK Government, SARG, MOD, other ATS providers, airports, airspace users and local communities.
• An approachable and capable attitude is essential in maintaining good working relationships with these groups and ensuring that they represent NATS’ interests in these forums and encourage collaboration amongst the parties.

Additional Vacancy Information:

We have adopted agile working to provide greater flexibility and increased choice over working arrangements, with the opportunity for this role to work in our modern office facilities as well as remotely. We are proud to offer a fantastic total reward package to help you thrive both personally and professionally.

If you share our passion to advance aviation and keep the skies safe – we would like to hear from you whatever your age, sex, race, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, visible or invisible disability. Individuals that bring different perspectives, skills, life experiences and backgrounds help us be at the forefront of our industry.