Summary
Head of Airfield Operations
Full time - Permanent
Based at East Midlands Airport
Competitive Salary
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.
As Head of Airfield Operations, you will play a pivotal role in balancing operational safety, capacity, and commercial opportunity, ensuring that the airfield supports the airport’s strategic objectives for growth, performance, and profitability.
As part of the Airport Leadership Team, you will drive collaboration across departments to deliver seamless, safe, and sustainable operations that enable global trade and exceptional passenger experiences.
This is a people leadership role, requiring proven experience in managing teams within complex, safety-critical, and commercially focused environments.
Responsibilities
* Oversee the safe and efficient operation of the 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, 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.