Head of Airfield Operations

Summary

Head of Airfield Operations

Full time - Permanent
Based at East Midlands Airport
Competitive Salary

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, Manchester is also in the top 20 airports in Europe. Part of the largest UK owned airport operator group, MAG, Manchester Airport supports over 19,000 jobs onsite and generates around £7.75bn each year for the region.

The role

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.

What will make you successful in the role?

Proven leadership experience in airport or airfield operations management.
Comprehensive understanding of CAP 168, CAP 790, Safety Management Systems (SMS), 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.

Duties include:-

Overseeing the safe and efficient operation of the airfield, including aircraft parking, stand allocation, inspections, works in progress. 
Acting as the senior operational decision-maker during incidents, emergencies, and irregular operations, ensuring coordinated responses and timely recovery to maintain service continuity.
Leading 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.
Working 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.
Supporting 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.
Maintaining a 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.