Airfield Operations Manager

The city of Doncaster is seeking an experienced Airfield Operations Manager to lead the operational delivery of Doncaster Sheffield Airport during its reopening and subsequent operations.

Job details

• Grade 10, £48,227 – £52,414 (pay award pending)
• Contract type: Permanent, Full Time
• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Flexible working arrangements: Flexible working requests will be considered.
• Closing date: 26 th June 2026
• BSDS CTC clearance required for appointment to this post.
• Location: Doncaster Sheffield Airport

About the role

As Airfield Operations Manager you will lead the Operational Delivery function, providing operational ownership of the airfield on behalf of the Head of Airfield Operations. You will oversee all day‑to‑day operations – including inspections, wildlife hazard management, safeguarding checks, incident response, works oversight and operational reporting – and ensure consistent regulatory compliance and operational resilience across all shifts.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Airfield Operations Team Operational Delivery function and provide direct leadership to Airfield Operations Supervisors.
• Ensure consistent operational standards, behaviours, competence and decision‑making across all watches.
• Maintain oversight of airfield inspections, wildlife hazard management, FOD control, safeguarding checks, incident response and operational reporting.
• Ensure compliance with UK aviation regulations, aerodrome certification requirements, local procedures and Safety Management System requirements.
• Manage operational assurance activities including audits, inspections, observations, competency checks and corrective actions.
• Coordinate airfield works, operational changes and infrastructure projects affecting the manoeuvring area and aprons.
• Oversee operational bird control activities, including governance, training, competence and legal compliance associated with firearms use.
• Support emergency preparedness, contingency planning and operational resilience arrangements.
• Deliver and support operational training, induction and competency activities where required.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with Air Traffic Control, Airport Fire and Rescue Service, airlines, ground handlers, regulators and other stakeholders.
• Support aerodrome safeguarding activities and ensure operational risks are appropriately managed.
• Drive continuous improvement through performance monitoring, root cause analysis and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.

The successful candidate

We are looking for an experienced aviation professional with a strong background in airfield operations and operational leadership in a licensed aerodrome setting. The ideal candidate will have significant experience managing operational teams, a comprehensive understanding of UK aviation regulations, and a proven ability to make decisions in dynamic, safety‑critical environments.

Essential qualifications and experience

• Formal training in aviation, airfield operations or airport operations management.
• Recognised airfield operations training (e.g. NCAO or equivalent).
• Training in Safety Management Systems.
• Management or leadership qualification.
• Willingness to undertake future training and continue CPD.
• Significant operational experience within an airport or licensed aerodrome.
• Experience managing or supervising operational teams in aviation.
• Experience of managing shift‑based or watch‑structured teams.
• Experience implementing competency management or training systems.
• Experience in airfield operational delivery activities including inspections, wildlife control and incident response.
• Experience managing operational disruption, emergencies or adverse weather operations.
• Experience in regulatory compliance and operational assurance activities.
• Experience coordinating airfield works and operational change.
• Experience overseeing wildlife hazard management programmes.
• Strong knowledge of UK Regulation 139/2014.
• Knowledge of CAP 642 Airside Safety Management principles.
• Knowledge of airfield inspections, manoeuvring area operations and operational serviceability requirements.
• Understanding of Safety Management Systems and Just Culture principles.
• Knowledge of wildlife hazard management and FOD prevention principles.
• Understanding of airfield emergency response and contingency operations.
• Knowledge of operational risk assessment and change management processes.
• Understanding of operational assurance, audit and investigation processes.
• Knowledge of operational documentation such as Aerodrome Manuals, AOIs and TOIs.
• Knowledge of operational bird control techniques and wildlife hazard management principles.
• Strong operational leadership and decision‑making capability.
• Ability to manage multiple operational priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with operational stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Ability to work calmly and effectively under operational pressure.
• High level of personal resilience and professional credibility.
• Ability to challenge poor standards and drive accountability.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and safety culture development.
• Flexibility to work outside normal office hours when required.
• Willingness to undertake duties outside normal management responsibilities when needed to support operations.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Firearms awareness or willingness to undertake firearms‑related operational training for wildlife control activities.
• Health and Safety qualification (e.g. IOSH Managing Safely, NEBOSH National General Certificate).
• Experience engaging with regulators, airlines, ATC and operational stakeholders.
• Experience supporting airport reopening, operational transition or major change programmes.
• Experience managing or overseeing operational training and competency activities.
• Experience coordinating or supporting aerodrome safeguarding activities.
• Understanding of operational controls, governance and legal requirements for firearms use in wildlife control.
• Knowledge of aerodrome safeguarding principles including obstacle limitation surfaces and wildlife safeguarding considerations.
• Knowledge of competency management and operational training principles within safety‑critical environments.

What we offer

• Leading defined benefit pension scheme with generous employer contributions.
• 29 days annual leave (rising to 34 after five years) plus eight bank holidays.
• Eligibility for shared cost AVCs.
• Relocation package up to £8.5K.
• Family‑friendly workplace policies.
• Health cash plan.
• Cycle‑to‑work and home‑technology salary‑sacrifice schemes.
• Wide range of employee discounts and wellbeing benefits.
• Financial wellbeing support including affordable loans.
• Free access to occupational health, counselling and physiotherapy.
• Opportunity to shape the future of a leading airport redevelopment project.

Location

Doncaster Sheffield Airport, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN1 3BU

Thank you for your interest in this role. Please review the job summary carefully to ensure you demonstrate, within your application, how you meet the required criteria. You may email dsarecruitment@doncaster.gov.uk to arrange an informal chat or to confirm receipt of your application.

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