Gatwick AOC/ACC Independent Manager
About LGW
Gatwick Airport Limited (GAL) operates under the Contracts & Commitments framework, which establishes clear guidelines regarding investment levels, airline/airport consultation and Core Service Standards. This necessitates consultation between GAL and the airline community concerning day to day operations, the Capital Investment Plan and throughout the duration of selected projects.
The Northern Runway Project (NRP) aims to increase the airport's capacity and improve its infrastructure. If approved, this project will provide an opportunity to expand the airport, with a significant impact on existing operations during the development phase. The successful candidate will play an important role in representing the interests of the airline community in their engagement with GAL during day-to-day activities and as part of major consultations and projects.
Job Description
The ideal candidate will possess extensive, recent, hands-on experience in the airline industry, they should be well practiced in translating strategic intent into tactical action. Candidates should demonstrate strong commercial skills with proven experience and the ability to offer strategic perspectives, especially with regards to the impact of airport activities on airline commercials and operations. They should exhibit innovative thinking with demonstrable experience in delivering expert insight and value in a multi-stakeholder environment.
The role is impartial, with no voting rights or decision-making responsibilities. It will coordinate and act as the directed representative of the AOC (Airline Operators Committee) Executive, ACC (Airline Consultative Committee) and all AOC and ACC member airlines and service providers. The role will promote the interests of all members fairly and ensure that Gatwick Airport Ltd (GAL) cost effectively provide the facilities, services, resources, and infrastructure as required under their Licence, delivering the best possible passenger experience and airfield operation for AOC members and their customers.
The candidate should display a credible, authentic, and selfless mindset, acting with professionalism in all interactions with the airline community, senior airport leaders, and the GAL board.
Key Responsibilities
* Represent AOC & ACC Executives' views to GAL and ensure compliance with regulatory timelines and principles. Act as the Independent Chair of the ACC, ensuring all airline views are heard and incorporated into ACC business
* Engage in and when required, lead forums with senior airline and airport stakeholders as part of Gatwick Airport's governance process.
* Engage in the Capital Investment Programme (CIP) cycle, impartially reviewing the CIP and translating airline input into a coherent and consistent approach to the development of capital projects – helping the ACC to act as guardian of the airline interest in the CIP.
* Support Passenger needs and the airline community by evaluating and shaping investment plans based on proposals from within the AOC Community and GAL.
* Hold the Airport Authority and service providers accountable for SLA compliance and other success metrics.
* Assist AOC members to understand the nature and impact of new regulatory frameworks.
* Support the AOC and ACC in developing a rolling 3-year strategy – ensuring that the day to day activities of both groups are in pursuit of that strategy – including in the build of a network or AOC/ACC groups outside of LGW to share best practice and learnings.
* Support the AOC and ACC in their approach to the growing importance of sustainability as a critical part of airline and airport operations.
* Ensure that AOC and ACC input is asked for and received by GAL prior to the new issue of Gatwick Airport Directives (GADs)
* Advise and act as a contact point for the community alongside AOC & ACC Executives.
* Provide regular updates via presentations and maintaining the online file sharing database.
* Provide a regular in-person presence at LGW – helping to grow the membership of the AOC and ACC and being available to meet with members
* Ensure oversight of AOC accounts, work collaboratively with the AOC’s selected accountant. Ensure that member fees and any revenue is received on-time and coordinate annual accounts
Terms of Appointment
* Commitment: 4 days per week (approx. 181 days per year), including monthly meetings and regular engagement with Gatwick Airport Limited and AOC/ACC members.
* It is expected the successful candidate shall be engaged as an independent contractor outside IR35.
* The successful candidate/contractor must be able to provide prior to contract commencement the following: Copy of company certificate of incorporation, evidence of supplier employer liability insurance, professional indemnity insurance and public liability insurance
* Duration: Initially 24 months (anticipated contract start date: 1st September 2025)
* Location: Advisory discussions can be remote, but regular attendance at Gatwick Airport is expected.
Process
Interested parties should send a covering letter and CV setting out their suitability for the role and expected day rate by email to the AOC Chairman (Ben Reed (ben.reed@lgwaoc.co.uk).
Applications must be received by 28th May 2025
The AOC and ACC will review applications unedited and shortlist candidates for interviews by the AOC Executive Board and ACC panel.