Job Title: Operations Director Salary: Competitive with enhanced benefits Role Overview This is an exciting opportunity for an Operations Director to take real ownership of operations at a strategically important UK airport and help define what comes next. We’re looking for a confident, forward-thinking Operations Director who leads visibly and decisively - raising performance standards, embedding a strong safety culture, and driving excellence across the entire operation. As Operations Director, you will be at the centre of the organisation—translating strategic ambition into operational excellence. Reporting to the CEO and working as part of a high-performing Executive Team, you’ll lead all operational functions across the airport, ensuring seamless delivery in a complex, highly regulated environment. From safety and compliance to efficiency and innovation, you will set the standard creating a culture where performance thrives and people excel. About Us Glasgow Prestwick Airport directly employs around 500 people and supports over 4,000 jobs across Scotland’s aerospace cluster. Located at the heart of Scotland’s aviation and aerospace industry, we deliver a wide range of in-house aviation services, providing vital connections to the rest of the world. Key Responsibilities Work closely with other members of the Executive team, communicating effectively and sharing responsibility for the delivery of the agreed strategy Drive change through initiatives and developments to improve the quality of service, efficiency, safety, flexibility and the cost effectiveness of the operational departments Manage the high-level communication with external bodies and customers Responsible for ensuring all legislative and procedural requirements are met and updated on a regular basis across all the business areas Accountable to the CEO for airport wide safety management and regulatory compliance of the Aerodrome, Air Traffic Services, Aviation & Cargo Security and Railway Station Accountable for a safe and efficient organisation within all operational areas. Lead, motivate and challenge all departments to achieve the required targets within established parameters Identify and drive forward improvements within the business To ensure all relevant legislation is adhered to and policy and procedure understood and adopted by all relevant employees Maintain a healthy, safe and secure environment for all our people and customers Implement robust performance management in conjunction with sound career and succession planning mechanisms Lead the crisis team during any events / incidents at Glasgow Prestwick Provide Leadership and Direction for all direct reports About You You are a proven aviation leader with the experience, credibility, and drive to lead complex airport operations at scale. You bring a strong balance of strategic thinking and operational delivery, with a clear focus on safety, performance, and continuous improvement. Experience (Essential) Extensive senior leadership experience within airport or aviation operations. Proven track record of leading large, multi-disciplinary teams across airport operational functions Demonstrable experience of delivering operational performance against key metrics (safety, on-time performance, customer satisfaction, compliance) Strong experience of regulatory compliance within aviation, including working with bodies such as the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and/or Department for Transport (DfT) Experience managing significant operational budgets and driving cost efficiencies without compromising safety or service standards Evidence of leading and delivering large-scale operational change, transformation, or continuous improvement initiatives Experience in crisis management and operational resilience planning (e.g. disruption, airfield/airside incidents, weather events, security incidents) Experience (Desirable) Previous experience at Director or Executive level within an airport or airline environment Evidence of leading good governance / risk management practices and building effective relationships with a company board. Knowledge & Skills In-depth understanding of airport operations, including airfield safety, terminal operations, and passenger flow management Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to balance operational efficiency and revenue generation Excellent leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire, develop, and lead high-performing teams Highly developed stakeholder management and influencing skills, both internally and externally Strong analytical and decision-making capability, particularly in high-pressure environments Clear and effective communication skills, with the ability to engage at Board and Executive level Join the team at Glasgow Prestwick Airport and become part of a dynamic and diverse workforce dedicated to excellence in aviation services. Equal Opportunities We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and are committed to applying equal opportunities at all stages of our recruitment and selection process. Reasonable adjustments will be made to our recruitment process to ensure that no applicant is disadvantaged.