Head of Airfield Operations – responsible for safe, compliant, efficient and commercially effective operation of the airfield.
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.
Responsibilities
* Oversee the safe and efficient operation of 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, CAP 790, 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.
Qualifications
* Proven leadership experience in airport or airfield operations management.
* Comprehensive understanding of CAP 168, CAP 790, Safety Management Systems, and CAA aerodrome licensing requirements.
* Strong commercial and operational awareness, with the ability to balance capacity, safety and profitability.
* Demonstrated experience in maximising operational efficiency and airfield capacity while maintaining full compliance.
* Experience in aerodrome development, infrastructure planning and business case preparation to support operational growth and investment.
* Excellent interpersonal, communication and decision‑making skills, with the ability to lead confidently under pressure.
* Proven ability to manage budgets, resources and performance metrics effectively.
* Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience collaborating across departments and with external partners (e.g. airlines, regulators, emergency services).
* High level of situational awareness, operational judgement and resilience in complex, time‑critical situations.
* Proactive problem solver with a collaborative and strategic mindset.
* Commitment to safety, service excellence and continuous improvement.
Equal Opportunities & Reasonable Adjustments
At MAG we believe in the importance of diversity & inclusion for all. We are committed to creating a workforce that is reflective of our society and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
We are also committed to well‑being with a focus on mental health and supporting colleagues from underrepresented groups through our Colleague Resource Groups.
Reasonable adjustments are available for disabled applicants and those requiring special arrangements.
Why MAG?
Every year, Manchester Airport connects over 28 million passengers with more than 200 destinations across the globe. As the fourth largest airport in the UK and part of the UK’s largest airport operator group, MAG supports over 19 000 jobs onsite and generates around £7.75 bn each year for the region.
Other Details
* Employment type: Full time – Permanent
* Location: Based at East Midlands Airport
* Competitive salary (details provided upon application)
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