Airfield Operations Watch Manager

Job profile for Airfield Operations Watch Manager

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Salary Grade 9 £ 47,815 - £52,873 (Role subject to 8.5% shift allowance) Contractual hours 42 Basis Full time Region Doncaster Job category/type Management, Transport/Traffic Date posted 05/10/2026 Job reference REQ
24124 Attachments FD Application Form.docx JRS - Airfield Operations Watch Manager.docx

Based at:
Doncaster Sheffield Airport

Salary details:
Grade 9 £ 47,815 - £52,873 (Role subject to 8.5% shift allowance)

Contract Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Hours: 42 hours per week

Flexible working arrangements:
Flexible working requests will be considered.

Closing date: 25/10/26

DBS and CTC clearances are required for appointment to this post.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport is preparing to relaunch, and we are looking for exceptional operational leaders to help shape the future of one of the UK's most exciting regional airports. This is a unique opportunity to join the Airfield Operations Team at the heart of the airport's reopening, where you will play a pivotal role in establishing the operational standards, culture and professionalism that will underpin safe and successful operations for years to come.

As an Airfield Operations Watch Manager, you will lead one of the airport's four operational Watches, providing visible leadership, tactical operational management and assurance across the airfield. We are looking for confident, credible and resilient aviation professionals who are passionate about operational excellence, thrive in a dynamic environment and are ready to help build a modern, high-performing Airfield Operations Team from the ground up.

About the Role

We are seeking an Airfield Operations Watch Manager to provide tactical leadership and operational management of one of the airport's Airfield Operations Team Watches. Reporting to the Airfield Operations Manager, you will be responsible for leading Airfield Operations Officers and ensuring the safe, compliant and effective delivery of airfield operations throughout your operational shift.

As the senior Airfield Operations representative on duty, you will exercise operational judgement and provide tactical command during routine operations, disruption and emergency situations, maintaining continuous oversight of the manoeuvring area, aprons and associated airside activities. You will ensure that operational standards are consistently achieved through visible leadership, operational assurance and the effective management of people, resources and operational priorities.

This is a varied and highly rewarding role, requiring the ability to lead from the front whilst maintaining a strategic awareness of the wider airport operation. You will play a key role in embedding a positive safety culture, developing the capability of your Watch and ensuring the airport delivers safe, resilient and predictable operations as it grows.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Leading, managing and developing an Airfield Operations Team Watch, ensuring consistent operational performance, professional standards and regulatory compliance.
• Exercising tactical operational command during routine operations, disruption and emergency situations to maintain a safe, resilient and operationally available aerodrome.
• Managing airfield inspections, operational assurance activities and the serviceability of the movement area, including FOD control, wildlife hazards, works in progress and adverse weather operations.
• Directing operational responses to incidents, airside defects, abnormal situations and emergency events, ensuring…