Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced, commercially minded, and dynamic Airport Manager to oversee the daily operation of our Gatwick Airport station. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and profitable delivery of all airport activities while maintaining exceptional customer service standards and leading a diverse workforce.
This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive leader with strong operational, organisational, and people management skills to contribute to the continued success and growth of our airport services.
The Airport Manager will hold full financial and operational accountability for the station and will ensure safe, profitable, and high-quality performance in line with customer expectations, corporate objectives, business strategy, and operational plans. You will provide leadership and direction across a diverse workforce (including multi-site operations where applicable), ensuring teams remain engaged, customer-focused, and performance-driven.
A key part of this role will also involve developing customer relationships, identifying opportunities for business growth, and supporting initiatives that increase customer satisfaction, retention, and revenue.
Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership
- Oversee daily airport operations, including passenger services, security, facilities management, and ground handling activities.
- Ensure safe, efficient, and compliant delivery of all operational activities in line with aviation regulations and company standards.
- Develop and implement operational procedures and policies to improve efficiency, service quality, and safety performance.
- Monitor operational KPIs, identify risks and opportunities, and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
- Manage budgets, resources, staffing levels, and schedules to achieve operational and financial targets.
- Maintain accurate operational, staffing, compliance, and administrative records.
People Management
- Lead, coach, and develop airport teams through effective recruitment, training, performance management, and succession planning.
- Organise staff rotas and allocate resources to meet operational demands.
- Promote a positive and inclusive working environment that encourages collaboration, accountability, and professional development.
- Provide clear leadership and guidance across a diverse workforce and foster a culture of high performance.
Customer & Commercial Growth
- Build and maintain strong relationships with existing airline customers, airport authorities, and key stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities to increase customer satisfaction, strengthen customer retention, and support business growth initiatives.
- Develop and implement local customer engagement strategies to attract new airline, handling, and operational opportunities.
- Actively seek opportunities to expand services and increase station revenue through operational excellence and value-added solutions.
- Conduct regular customer reviews and gather feedback to improve service delivery and strengthen long-term partnerships.
- Collaborate with commercial and business development teams to support bids, presentations, and customer proposals.
- Drive a customer-centric culture through your teams by understanding customer priorities and adapting services to meet evolving business needs.
- Represent the station at customer meetings, networking events, and industry forums to enhance business visibility and attract new opportunities.
Stakeholder Management
- Act as the primary point of contact with airport authorities, airlines, security agencies, ground handling teams, and external stakeholders.
- Build trusted relationships internally with Station Manager peers, Business Unit Heads, and support functions including Finance, HR, and QHSE.
- Manage customer complaints, escalations, and service recovery actions professionally to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.
Skills & Experience
- Proven management experience within the aviation or airport operations sector, with a strong background in leading teams.
- Demonstrated commercial awareness and experience contributing to customer growth and business performance.
- Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to motivate and develop diverse teams.
- Excellent organisational and planning skills with the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong understanding of aviation security procedures, safety standards, and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Experience managing operational budgets, KPIs, and performance reporting.
- Customer-focused mindset with experience building strong stakeholder relationships.
- Excellent administrative and reporting skills with strong attention to detail.
- Professional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
This position is ideal for a results-driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced operational environment and is passionate about delivering exceptional airport services while driving customer growth, operational excellence, and commercial success.
Pay: From £45,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
