Helipad Operational Manager

Helipad Operational Manager

Closing date: 01 April 2026

Responsible for the delivery of a robust cost‑effective Helipad Service to the Major Trauma Centre at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

Responsibilities:

• Manage all aspects of Helipad operations including preventive & reactive maintenance and staffing.
• Develop measures to comply with new/revised legislation, guidance, best practice issued by statutory and/or regulatory bodies.
• Provide specialist evidence‑based advice on aircraft operations on the Trust Helipad.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with SECAMB, KSS Air Ambulance and Major Trauma Centre staff.
• Communicate with all levels of Trust staff, patients, visitors and the public; provide and exchange information with specialists and non‑specialists; articulate information appropriately.
• Attend planned and ad‑hoc briefings within, to and on behalf of the Division.
• Provide specialist advice and guidance on all aspects of Helipad operations.
• Report on Helipad activity within the Trust and externally to comply with CAA Regulations and BHCC Planning conditions.
• Oversee sensitive tasks such as transfer of deceased patients; communicate sensitively with clinical teams and relatives.
• Participate in regular meetings with key stakeholders and local area representatives.
• Communicate clear and positive messages to staff and stakeholders on service updates.
• Supervise the helipad response team ensuring training and physical competence.
• Maintain log of all flight movements; ensure safe transit of patients.
• Be conversant with CAA regulations; develop and update operating manuals.
• Declare the Helipad operational each day after risk assessment.
• Ensure health and safety awareness among hub staff; restrict access.
• Perform daily visual checks of the landing area, stairs, ramps, windsocks, lighting.
• Inspect roof and adjacent areas for birds; report defects.
• Remove foreign objects and dispose per Brighton Sussex University Hospital Waste Policy; report faults.
• Oversee contractors on the Helipad for safety.
• Ensure Helipad remains staffed while an aircraft is present.
• Maintain crew accommodation clean and tidy; report defects.
• Secure Helipad from unauthorised persons; instill security understanding.
• Operate and interpret weather forecasting data; relay information.
• Make final decision on landings on a Go/No Go basis.
• Check safety systems, bird scaring, laser operation.
• Carry out other reasonable duties as delegated or requested by the Estates Manager.
• Review job description and person specification periodically.
• Schedule annual audits to evaluate compliance with the local Helipad Operations Manual.

Qualifications:

• Degree level or Level 3 vocational qualification, or equivalent.
• Experience and knowledge of trade procedures from accredited training.
• Facilities Management or equivalent specialist knowledge/managerial qualification.
• Evidence of continued professional development.
• Experience in an NHS environment.

Skills:

• Good analytical skills, including use of statistics.
• Ability to act independently, exercise judgement.
• Proven leadership and people‑management skills.
• Evidence of Helipad or aviation facility operations, including fire risk management exposure.
• Experience delivering fire safety training or conducting emergency drills in high‑risk environments.

Specific requirements:

• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Information resources/IT competency.
• Demonstrate behaviours and attitudes supporting the Trust’s version.
• Personal qualities and attributes: team leader, articulate self‑starter, ability to work autonomously.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:

• Evidence of undertaking own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
• Evidence of championing diversity in previous roles.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check:

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975; a submission for Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) is required.

Employer: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

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