Head of Operational Planning
Date: 13 Jan 2026
Location: Manchester Airport, GB
Company: MAG
Summary
Head of Operational Planning
Based at Manchester Airport
Permanent position
Competitive salary
Why MAG?
Every year, Manchester Airport connects over 30 million passengers with more than 200 destinations across the globe. As the third 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.
Sustainability is one of our core values, and it shapes everything we do. We're committed to protecting the environment and supporting our local communities. Our programmes include airport and airline decarbonisation, comprehensive education, skills and employment support and community engagement initiatives including volunteering opportunities.
At MAG, we recognise creating a first-class journey for our customers starts by creating a first-class career journey for our colleagues and we are committed to building inclusive environments in which our people can thrive. You’ll also have access to some great benefits including:
- Bonus scheme
- 10% company contribution pension
- Car allowance
- Private medical scheme
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Free parking
- Subsidised public transport
- Huge range of company discounts
- 2 volunteering days per year
- Free Virtual GP service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Care Concierge service
The role
The Head of Operational Planning is accountable for Manchester Airport’s operational plan, overseeing asset and capacity planning across the full passenger journey within a D-1 to 12-month horizon. As part of the Airport and Asset Development function, the role works closely with senior stakeholders across Planning, Commercial, and Operations to ensure plans are aligned and deliverable.
You will be lead a team of three direct reports, responsible for the creation of operational plans across key passenger touchpoints including check-in, baggage, gates, stands, car parks and surface access. The role also involves working with 3rd parties such as airline and ground handlers to agree on seasonal plans ensuring effective and efficient delivery.
What will make you successful in the role?
- Experience leading a planning team within an operational organisation; aviation or airport experience desirable
- Strong knowledge of airport planning systems such as Chroma, Copenhagen Optimization, or OSP
- Highly analytical, with the ability to use data and insight to inform planning decisions
- Skilled at translating complex data into clear, high-level outputs for senior audiences
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven stakeholder management and influencing ability
- Degree qualified (or equivalent) in a planning or relevant technical discipline
Equal Opportunities & Reasonable Adjustments
We’re building something brilliant at MAG: a diverse team of Journey Makers who share our values and want to make a difference. We’re on a mission to be number one in our industry, and that takes talent in all its forms. With so many exciting roles across our airports and businesses, there’s space for your unique strengths to shine.
Whether this is your first role or your next big step, we want to hear from you – even if you don’t think you tick every box. What matters most is what you bring.
We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you need any adjustments to support your application or interview, just let us know. We’re committed to helping you perform at your best.
At MAG, every journey matters. Our Colleague Communities play a big part in that: Women’s Network, Embrace (Race & Ethnicity), Fly with Pride (LGBTQIA+), Mind Matters (Mental Health), PACT (Parents & Carers), RespectABILITY (Disability & Neurodiversity), and the CAVU Global ID&E Affinity Group.