Airport Operations Manager in London

Airport Operations Manager in London

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead airport operations for UEFA EURO 2028, ensuring smooth and safe travel experiences.
  • Company: Join UK & Ireland 2028 Limited, the team behind a historic sporting event.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension, and private medical insurance.
  • Why this job: Be part of a once-in-a-lifetime tournament and gain invaluable experience.
  • Qualifications: Experience in airport operations or large-scale transport systems is essential.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with travel across the UK and Ireland, fostering collaboration.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Location: Wembley Stadium, London (with travel across the UK & Ireland)

Contract: Fixed-term | ASAP – Summer 2028

About UK & Ireland 2028 Limited

UK & Ireland 2028 Limited is the local organising committee responsible for planning and delivering UEFA EURO 2028 across the UK & Ireland. Working on behalf of the five Football Associations, we collaborate closely with governments, host cities, stadiums and delivery partners to ensure the tournament is delivered safely, inclusively and to world-class standards.

About UEFA EURO 2028

UEFA EURO 2028 will be one of the largest sporting events ever hosted across the UK & Ireland. Millions of fans, teams, officials and guests will travel through our airports — making them critical gateways and shaping first and last impressions of the tournament.

The Role

We are seeking an Airport Operations Manager to support UK airports in delivering their commitments to UEFA EURO 2028, while protecting safe, efficient and resilient business-as-usual operations. In this role, you will act as the key link between airports and the UK & Ireland 2028 tournament team. You’ll help translate tournament requirements into practical, workable operational plans. Effectively supporting airports to prepare for peak demand, manage risk and deliver excellent passenger experiences.

This is a rare opportunity to contribute to a once-in-a-generation international tournament, gaining experience that is highly transferable across aviation, transport, infrastructure and major event delivery.

What you’ll be doing

  • You will play a central role in airport readiness for the tournament, including:
  • Acting as the primary liaison between UK airports and UK & Ireland 2028 Limited during the planning phase.
  • Leading engagement with aviation and transport stakeholders, including airports, NATS, ACL, EUROCONTROL, FBOs, Border Force and the Department for Transport.
  • Developing a clear understanding of UEFA airport requirements and identifying any gaps against current airport plans.
  • Supporting airports to close operational or service gaps through practical, mutually agreed solutions.
  • Providing insight to airports on expected demand, risks and evolving tournament plans.
  • Working closely with internal teams to define and maintain required service levels.
  • Providing structured updates, risks and issues through established reporting processes.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who combines strong aviation or transport operations experience with the ability to work collaboratively across complex stakeholder environments.

Essential experience and skills:

  • Substantial experience working within or alongside airport operations, aviation stakeholders or large-scale transport systems.
  • Exposure to airport capacity management, disruption planning or peak-demand operations.
  • Confidence engaging with technical and operational specialists.
  • Strong judgement, prioritisation and decision-support skills.
  • Ability to communicate clearly through structured updates and reporting.
  • Experience supporting major events, large-scale programmes or nationally significant operations is advantageous.

Values & Behaviours

  • Embrace the Opportunity
  • Creates strategic space for innovation.
  • Role models adaptability in response to uncertainty.
  • Monitors performance and ensures continuous improvement.
  • Aligns team activity to wider organisational goals.
  • Thrive Together
  • Influences cross-functional relationships positively.
  • Champions diversity and inclusive leadership.

Why apply?

We offer a competitive salary (plus benefits of 25 days holiday, contributory pension, Private Medical Insurance etc), which coupled with the opportunity to be part of one of the biggest sporting events to ever take place across UK & Ireland we think makes for an exciting place to be!

Where is the role based?

Our head office is based at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London, however, depending on your role, you may be required to travel across the UK and Ireland to our 9 Stadiums and 8 Host Cities, with some roles being based in those locations. Because we are an event delivery organisation, time together in person is essential for effective planning and collaboration. In 2026, most colleagues work at least three days a week from Wembley. In 2027, this will increase to 3–4 days a week as operations intensify. In 2028, during tournament delivery, full-time onsite working will be required.

Everyone is welcome

We’re hiring for excellence through inclusion. We’re building a skilled, values-led workforce that reflects the diversity of the UK and Ireland. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities — and we don’t expect everyone to have followed a traditional path to get here. We’re happy to accommodate any requests for reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. Please email any requests to us. We’ll work with you to ensure you can perform at your best. All employees will be subject to a DBS check appropriate to the nature of the role and in line with our commitment to providing a safe and inclusive working environment.

Airport Operations Manager in London employer: UK & Ireland 2028 Limited

UK & Ireland 2028 Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to be part of the historic UEFA EURO 2028 tournament. With a competitive salary and benefits package, including 25 days of holiday and private medical insurance, employees enjoy a collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusion. The role of Airport Operations Manager not only allows for professional growth through engagement with key aviation stakeholders but also provides the chance to contribute to a once-in-a-generation event, making it a truly rewarding experience.
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Contact Detail:

UK & Ireland 2028 Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Airport Operations Manager in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the aviation and transport sectors, especially those involved in major events. Attend industry meetups or webinars to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.

✨Tip Number 2

Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, express your enthusiasm for UEFA EURO 2028 and how you can contribute to its success. Let them see your excitement!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in airport operations and major event management. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around peak demand and operational efficiency.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Airport Operations Manager in London

Aviation Operations Experience
Stakeholder Engagement
Airport Capacity Management
Disruption Planning
Peak-Demand Operations
Judgement and Decision-Making Skills
Clear Communication
Reporting Skills
Event Support Experience
Collaboration Skills
Adaptability
Continuous Improvement Mindset
Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in airport operations and stakeholder engagement. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Airport Operations Manager, so don’t hold back!

Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on your experience with large-scale events or transport systems. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their ability to manage peak demand and operational challenges effectively.

Be Clear and Concise: Use structured updates in your application to communicate your achievements and experiences. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see how you’ve contributed to previous projects or roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with UK & Ireland 2028 Limited!

How to prepare for a job interview at UK & Ireland 2028 Limited

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you have a solid understanding of airport operations and the specific requirements for UEFA EURO 2028. Research the tournament's logistics, key stakeholders, and any recent news related to the event. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare to discuss your previous experience in aviation or transport operations. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed peak demand or worked with various stakeholders. Highlight any major events you've supported, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

✨Communicate Clearly

Since the role involves liaising with multiple stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Use structured updates in your responses to showcase your ability to communicate effectively. This will demonstrate your capability to keep everyone informed and aligned during the planning phase.

✨Embrace Adaptability

The nature of large-scale events can be unpredictable, so be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to changes in past roles. Share examples of how you've handled uncertainty and maintained operational efficiency. This will show that you can thrive in dynamic environments, which is crucial for this position.

Airport Operations Manager in London
UK & Ireland 2028 Limited
Location: London
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