Head of Airfield Operations - Transportation - Aviation

Birmingham Airport is the UK’s seventh largest with 30 airlines serving over 120 destinations direct and onwards to over 400. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic 13m customers a year flew in and out of BHX. Going forward we project growth to more than 18m customers a year by 2033 – by which time we aim to have become a net zero carbon airport.

Our purpose is: Proud of Every Journey. That means everyone at the airport and the 100 organisations operating on the airport site, taking pride in getting customers safely, punctually and comfortably from A to B. By creating a kind, values-driven environment where everyone feels empowered to bring their best to work, we will retain and develop our people – and deliver on our purpose. Our seven pillars, Growth, Customer, Neighbour, Efficiency, People, Safety & Security and Carbon, support the strategic output of the company.

Our values – Curious, Dedicated, Inclusive, Respectful & Supportive guide how our colleagues treat each other as we serve customers with safety & security as our top priority.

About the role

The Head of Airfield Operations is the Senior Manager in charge of the Airside Operation and is accountable for the safe management of the airfield services and systems provided and operated by Birmingham Airport. Responsibility for meeting the requirements of the Aerodrome Certificate rests with this post, as does supporting, and deputising for, the Accountable Manager to comply with their legal duties. The role will lead the Airfield Services Team and the Aerodrome Safety, Standards & Compliance Team (providing services to all parts of the Operations Directorate) to ensure efficient operations and 3rd party engagement which gives priority to safety, compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements and reliable customer service within a sustainable environmental framework.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Leadership of the Airfield Operations Team, supporting the development of individuals through objective setting & review, personal development plans and support in role.
• Promote the work of Airfield Operations through peer group, company and 3rd party channels, ensuring that there is high awareness and engagement with colleagues & partners.
• Ownership of the Aerodrome Safety Management System (SMS), developing, setting and delivering service standards and safety performance measures while ensuring that appropriate safety oversight and compliance monitoring programmes are in place to meet regulatory requirements. Where applicable, engagement of Air Traffic and 3rd Party organisations to align SMS obligations.
• Development and delivery of Aerodrome Safety Plan actions, ensuring compliance across the team with listed activities.Chairing safety meetings in accordance with Aerodrome Manual and ensuring all owned parts of the safety meeting structure are operating correctly.
• Ownership of Aerodrome Safeguarding through a multi-functional team, including accountability for the annual CAP 232 survey; developing actions plans to address issues; oversight of Wildlife Hazard Management (including 13km survey work); statutory planning consultations and Technical Safeguarding.
• Leadership and delivery of airfield operational planning, covering special events, seasonal operations and co-ordination of BAL & 3rd party operations, engaging and communicating with airline customers and partners to deliver the required levels of customer service, business continuity and contingency planning.
• Ownership of ground handling agreements with 3rd parties on site, ensuring that operational co-ordination is maintained alongside commercial arrangements.
• Input into airfield works planning, ensuring that all maintenance, project and operational activities are aligned for both short-term and longer (master plan) activities.
• Managing and monitoring the NATS contract performance of its obligations, detailed in AOI 2 Annex E “Provision of Air Traffic Services”, collaboratively working with the NATS GM and management team to manage the interaction between the 2 parties.
• Working in consultation with the appropriate regulatory and control bodies including CAA & HSE, and with local authorities and emergency services, to ensure that the Airfield is operated and maintained in accordance with all appropriate regulations and to allow the safe and effective integration of their activities with all other Airport services.
• Keeping abreast of technical and operational developments in the air transport industry, representing Birmingham Airport on industry forums or technical working groups and retaining accountability for operational input into Airspace Change Applications alongside Environment and ATC teams.
• Manage costs within the Department’s agreed budget, continually seeking to identify opportunities for improving efficiency without detracting from the highest levels of safety and service standards.
• Lead the oversight of operational aviation fuelling activity on site ensuring that aerodrome operator regulatory obligations are met at all times and provide strategic guidance to the Directors, as required, with regard to fuel supply integrity and future strategy.
• To represent the Operations Director and the Company as required

SAFETY ACCOUNTABILITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (PER AERODROME MANUAL)

• Ensure safety and serviceable condition of aprons and other facilities.
• Ensure efficient and safe operation of aircraft on the aerodrome.
• Ensure all Airfield Operations staff are appropriately trained and competent in undertaking all aspects of their duties.
• Development of airfield safeguarding strategy and oversight of the Aerodrome Safeguarding function.Ensure effective communication on all airfield issues with airfield users.
• Ensure that safety improvement objectives are set for Airfield Operations.Manage staff and resources to ensure compliance with, and maintenance of, airside safety standards and recommended practices in accordance with the requirements of the Aerodrome Certificate and UK Regulation (EU) No. 139/2014 AMCs and GM, guided by CAP 642.
• Preparation of applications for Aerodrome Development and Airspace Change.
• Manage dangerous goods in so far as the responsibilities of the Aerodrome operator require including DG Loading area and compliance with regulation.
• Co-ordinate action on safety legislation and regulatory issues affecting the aerodrome.
• Liaise with NATS on the provision of Air Traffic Control (ATC) to achieve a safe, orderly flow of aircraft in the air and on the ground.
• Analysis of the annual obstacle survey, in accordance with the requirements of CAP 1732, organising the removal and/or treatment of obstacles as required including publication in the AIP. 

The ideal candidate will bring significant experience in airfield or airport operations, with a proven track record of driving operational safety, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement within a complex operational environment. They will be an inspiring and visible leader, capable of developing high-performing teams, influencing positive cultural change and building strong relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders. A collaborative, strategic and solutions-focused approach, alongside the ability to lead change and deliver operational excellence, will be essential.

For the right individual, this role also offers an exciting opportunity for future progression into a Senior Director and Accountable Manager position.