Search

Executive Director - Airport Operations

Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council
locationDoncaster, UK
PublishedPublished: Published today
Full Time
Location: Doncaster Sheffield Airport

Salary: 143,329

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37 hours per week

Flexible working requests will be considered

Closing Date: 19th December 2025

Doncaster Sheffield Airport is in a new and exciting phase of redevelopment and growth. As part of our strategic restart plan, we are seeking a highly experienced Executive Director of Airport Operations to lead, shape and deliver operational excellence across all airfield functions. The role will also be the Accountable Manager for the Aerodrome.

About the role

Reporting directly to the Programme Director and playing a key position in the Airport Executive Team, the Executive Director will provide leadership for
  • Airfield Operations
  • Airport Fire & Rescue Service
  • Air Traffic Control
  • Airport Security
  • Emergency Planning & Command and Control
  • Aerodrome Safeguarding & Developments
  • Health, Safety and Fire Safety Compliance
  • Operational Policy, Standards and Regulatory Engagement
  • Future Development Planning and Operational Readiness
Key Accountabilities
  • Accountable for all operational teams including Airfield Operations, Airport Fire & Rescue Service, ATC and other safety-critical airport functions
  • Oversee aerodrome safeguarding, risk management and emergency preparedness
  • Provide strategic leadership on operational development and capital planning
  • Act as Gold/Silver Command during incident response
  • Ensure compliance with CAA, HSE and relevant regulatory frameworks
  • Drive a culture of continuous safety improvement
  • Support programme delivery linked to airport redevelopment and infrastructure projects
  • Represent DSA with national regulatory bodies, emergency services and industry partners
Experience & Qualifications

You will be responsible for ensuring our operational environment is safe, compliant, resilient and prepared for growth as we progress through infrastructure redevelopment and phased operational return.
  • We are seeking a senior operational aviation professional able to demonstrate:
  • Significant senior leadership experience within an operational airport environment
  • Experience of the unique challenges of redeveloping airports or building airports from the ground up
  • Strong background in Airport Fire & Rescue including Emergency Planning, ATC, Airport Security, Health Safety & Fire safety and Airfield Operations
  • Command & Control / incident management
  • Demonstrable experience of Health & Safety and Fire Safety
  • Understanding of safeguarding and aerodrome protection principles
  • Proven ability to lead teams through growth and transformation
  • Exceptional stakeholder management
CAA qualifications which must include Accountable Manager, RFFS and Airfield Operations, leadership and recognised H&S certification are highly desirable

In return for your hard work and dedication, we can offer you the chance to lead a great team dedicated to ensuring that Doncaster Sheffield Airport thrives. You will also have access to a variety of attractive employee benefits including competitive leave entitlement and a generous pension scheme.

Please ensure you view the job summary as you will need to demonstrate in your application form how you meet the required criteria.

Shortlisting will take place week commencing 22nd December 2025.

For further details or to arrange informal chat please email: dsarecruitment@doncaster.gov.uk and we will respond to arrange a convenient time.

To apply for the role please complete the attached application form and return to dsarecruitment@doncaster.gov.uk