At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape airport policies and procedures while ensuring operational safety and compliance.
- Company: Join Virgin Atlantic, a leading travel company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and great career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in airport operations and collaborate with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in airport operations and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 € per year.
Location: VHQ, Crawley. Hybrid – 3 days per week onsite (LHR, MAN or VHQ), must include a Tuesday at VHQ
Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week. Monday to Friday
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Competitive
Closing Date: 19th March 2026
At Virgin Atlantic Airways, we believe that everyone can take on the world, and its our vision to become the most loved travel company. As we embark on this next exciting stage of our journey, we’re harnessing our spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation to challenge the status quo.
In a nutshell, we’re looking for a Specialist to join our Airport Operations Policy & Procedures team. This is a small and very knowledgeable team that sits right at the heart of the operation. You’ll work with colleagues across our global stations, supporting policy development, manual updates, compliance monitoring, operational safety and business continuity. This role offers brilliant exposure. It is a great development opportunity where previous post-holders have moved into management. With the team now smaller there’s even more opportunity to learn, contribute to projects and shape how we operate. You’ll also benefit from a flexible working pattern and regular time at LHR to stay connected to our airport operation.
Day to day, as a Specialist, Airport Operations Policy & Procedures, you will:
- Build and apply a strong understanding of above and below wing operations to shape clear, practical policies and procedures
- Draft, update and govern airport manuals and controlled documents, ensuring accurate version control and audit traceability
- Translate complex regulations into simple, frontline-friendly guidance and briefing materials
- Identify risks, gaps and improvement opportunities through audits, compliance data and station feedback
- Partner closely with Safety, Training and Airport Operations teams to ensure policies are aligned, deliverable and support business continuity
- Take ownership of delegated workstreams and cross-operational projects, supporting continuous improvement across the wider operation
About you: This is a role where operational grounding and mindset are just as important as technical skill. You’ll need curiosity, strong attention to detail and the confidence to work with senior leaders who often come straight to this team for guidance. Alongside the above, you’ll bring:
- Airport operational experience below wing and ideally above wing
- Clear written communication and confidence in briefing others
- Strong attention to detail
- Willingness to learn and develop technical knowledge
- Ability to manage up and handle pressure when priorities shift
- Understanding of safety and compliance within an airport environment
What makes this role different:
- You’ll join a friendly, supportive team with deep operational expertise
- A great mix of documentation work, collaboration and hands-on operational understanding
- Strong networking opportunities across stations and senior leadership
- Real influence in shaping how we deliver safe and consistent operations globally
- A flexible hybrid working pattern that suits those looking for more balance away from full shift work
If this sounds like you and you want to unlock your potential with us, we’d love to hear from you!
Be yourself – Our differences make us stronger. Our customers come from all walks of life and so do our colleagues. That’s why we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. At Virgin Atlantic, we believe everyone can take on the world - no matter your age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs. We celebrate difference and everything that makes our colleagues unique by upholding an inclusive environment in which we can all thrive.
To make your journey with us accessible and individual to you, we encourage you to let us know if you’d like a little extra help with your application, or if you have any individual requirements at any stage along your recruitment journey. We are here to support you, so please reach out to our team, (recruitment@fly.virgin.com) feeling confident that we’ve got your individual considerations covered.
Our recipe for Leadership: At Virgin Atlantic, our leaders empower teams to thrive through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Explore our Leadership Recipe and discover the 20 core ingredients that define what it means to lead with us, driving our mission to be the most loved travel company and achieve sustainable profit.
Airport Operations, Policy & Process Specialist in Crawley employer: Virgin holidays
At Virgin Atlantic Airways, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our Airport Operations Policy & Process Specialist role provides a unique opportunity for professional growth within a supportive team, where your contributions directly influence our global operations. With a flexible hybrid working model and a commitment to inclusivity, we empower our employees to thrive while enjoying a balanced work-life experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Airport Operations, Policy & Process Specialist in Crawley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Virgin Atlantic on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the company culture and values. Virgin Atlantic loves innovation and collaboration, so think of examples from your past that showcase these traits. Show them you’re a perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, especially when discussing your airport operations experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Airport Operations, Policy & Process Specialist in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Operations:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for airport operations shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission to deliver safe and consistent operations globally.
Be Clear and Concise:Make sure your written communication is straightforward and easy to understand. Use clear language to convey your ideas, especially when discussing complex regulations or policies, as this reflects the clarity we value in our team.
Highlight Your Attention to Detail:Since this role involves drafting and updating manuals, it’s crucial to showcase your attention to detail. Mention specific examples where your meticulousness has made a difference in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our team at Virgin Atlantic.
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin holidays
✨Know Your Operations
Familiarise yourself with both above and below wing operations. Understanding these areas will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the role and demonstrate your operational grounding during the interview.
✨Master the Documentation
Be prepared to discuss your experience with drafting and updating policies or manuals. Bring examples of how you've translated complex regulations into clear, actionable guidance, as this is a key part of the job.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Highlight instances where your attention to detail has made a difference in your previous roles. This could be through compliance monitoring or identifying risks, which are crucial for the position.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Express your enthusiasm for collaboration and learning from others. Mention how you value working closely with teams like Safety and Training, as this shows you're ready to contribute to a supportive environment.
