Duty Manager – London Gatwick
Base Salary: £33,181
* With Attendance: £34,507.80
* With Skill Set 1: £35,833.80
* With Skill Set 2: £37,159.80 (Skill Set 2 requires CMI Level 3 Management – training provided by client)
Location: London Gatwick Airport
Hours: Full-time, 4 on 4 off days
Reports to: Station Manager
Role Purpose
As Duty Manager at London Gatwick, you will lead ground operations, acting as the senior company representative on shift. You will ensure the safe, compliant, and efficient handling of flights, while motivating and guiding your team to deliver excellent customer service and industry-leading On-Time Performance (OTP).
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring resilience, strong decision-making, and the ability to manage both people and disruption in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
* Lead and supervise ground handling and turnaround operations, ensuring punctuality and safety.
* Monitor OTP performance and implement improvements.
* Act as Incident Manager during delays, cancellations, and diversions, minimising customer impact.
Compliance & Safety
* Ensure full compliance and industry safety/security standards.
* Maintain shift logs, incident reports, and accurate records.
* Support a proactive safety culture, contributing to audits and investigations.
People Leadership
* Manage and motivate ground staff, including Senior Traffic Agents, Dispatchers, and seasonal staff.
* Coach and develop the team, ensuring high standards of customer service.
* Uphold discipline, professionalism, and company standards.
* Deputise for the Station Manager as required.
Stakeholder Management
* Represent the company with Gatwick Airport Limited, authorities, and partner airlines.
* Liaise with flight crew, ATC, engineering, and service providers for seamless operations.
* Deliver effective handovers and performance reports.
Administration & Finance
* Safeguard company property and documents.
* Authorise passenger welfare expenditure within company policy.
* Monitor revenue collection (e.g., excess baggage charges).
Essential Skills & Experience
* 5+ years' aviation/airport operations experience.
* 3+ years' management experience in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment.
* Strong knowledge of ground handling and turnaround processes.
* Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
* Proven resilience and ability to manage disruption confidently.
* Proficient with Microsoft Office.
* Flexible to meet operational demands (shift-based).
Desirable:
* Experience with A-CDM processes at a major UK airport.
* Knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS), IOSA/ISAGO standards.
* Previous experience at a multi-airline or hub operation.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £34,507.00-£37,159.00 per year
Benefits:
* Canteen
* Company pension
* Discounted or free food
* Employee discount
* On-site parking
* Store discount
Work Location: In person