Air Traffic Controller

Doncaster Sheffield Airport; Doncaster; On-site; GBP 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Annual leave 29 days

Relocation package

Employee discounts

Health plan

On-site gym

Free parking

Cycle to Work

Wellbeing benefits

Job summary

Doncaster Sheffield Airport is preparing for relaunch and seeks experienced air traffic controllers to join a new team shaping the future of the airport from day one. You will provide safe aerodrome and approach radar services, guiding aircraft as the airport grows into a domestic and international hub.

This permanent, full-time role requires ATCO licensing with relevant ratings, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure.

Qualifications

• ATCO licence with appropriate ratings or recent currency as per criteria.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe and efficient air traffic control services for arriving, departing and transiting aircraft.
• Coordinate with pilots, ground staff and other ATC units to ensure seamless operations.
• Monitor radar and communications systems to maintain situational awareness.
• Respond swiftly to changing conditions and emergencies with calm professionalism.
• Support development of operational procedures, protocols and best practice for the newly reopened airport.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, safety and operational excellence.

Skills

Air traffic management

Communication skills

Decision making

Calm under pressure

Collaborative teamwork

Education

ATCO licence

Job description

Help Rebuild An Airport. Shape Its Future. Be There From Day One.

Salary: £90,000

+

Relocation allowance: £8,500*

Recruitment incentive: £5,000*

Retention incentive: £20,000*

To support the attraction of high-quality candidates and to recognise recruitment challenges in this profession, a recruitment incentive of £5000 and a retention incentive of £20,000 is available for this post, subject to eligibility criteria and in accordance with terms and conditions.

Contract type: Permanent Full Time – 37 hours per week

DBS clearance is required for appointment to this post.

This is a rare opportunity to play a leading role in one of the most exciting aviation projects in the UK.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport is preparing for relaunch, and we are seeking experienced Air Traffic Controllers to join a new team that will be instrumental in shaping the future of this ambitious and high-profile airport. As part of the airport's reopening, you will have the unique chance to help establish operational excellence from day one, influencing procedures, culture and standards within a modern and forward-thinking environment.

Working from a newly upgraded control tower and radar environment, you will support the airport's development into a thriving domestic and international aviation hub. Few aviation professionals have the opportunity to help build an air traffic control operation from the ground up while contributing to the long-term success of an airport with significant growth ambitions. This is your opportunity to be part of aviation history.

Why Doncaster?

Doncaster offers a great quality of life, combining the benefits of a thriving city with access to beautiful countryside and one of the most affordable housing markets in the region.

With excellent transport connections, Doncaster is one of the UK's most accessible locations. London can be reached in around 90 minutes by rail, while major cities including Leeds, Sheffield, York and Manchester are all within easy reach. The city is also strategically located on the M18, close to the A1(M), M1 and M62 motorway networks, making travel across the country straightforward.

The city has undergone significant regeneration and investment in recent years and boasts a vibrant and growing social scene. From restaurants, cafés, bars and cultural events to sporting venues, live entertainment and family attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Residents benefit from access to outstanding green spaces, including the Yorkshire countryside, the Peak District and Lincolnshire coast, all within convenient travelling distance.

For those considering relocation, Doncaster provides an attractive balance of career opportunity, affordability and lifestyle.

About the Role

You will be part of a passionate and dedicated team responsible for providing safe and efficient aerodrome and approach radar services, controlling all air traffic arriving at and departing from Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

Working closely with colleagues, pilots, service providers and aviation partners, you will help deliver a comprehensive air traffic control service that supports the airport's growth and operational success. As the airport develops its aviation offer, you can expect to manage a diverse and evolving mix of air traffic within a dynamic operational environment.

You will communicate critical information clearly and effectively to aircraft and a range of internal and external stakeholders, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft and vehicles both on the ground and within controlled airspace. You will work in accordance with Civil Aviation Authority requirements and contribute to maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance and operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide safe and efficient air traffic control services for arriving, departing and transiting aircraft.
• Coordinate with pilots, ground staff and other ATC units to ensure seamless operations.
• Monitor radar and communication systems to maintain situational awareness.
• Respond swiftly to changing conditions and emergency situations with calm professionalism.
• Support the development of operational procedures, protocols and best practice for the newly reopened airport.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, safety and operational excellence.

The Successful Candidate

We are looking for individuals who are excited by the opportunity to help establish a new air traffic control operation and contribute to the successful reopening and growth of Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

You will have proven experience in tower and approach radar control, with a minimum of one year's experience and ideally three years' experience across both ratings. Experience gained within a regional airport environment would be advantageous but is not essential.

You will hold a current valid ATCO licence with appropriate ratings or be able to demonstrate recent currency as detailed within the person specification.

You will also possess:

• A genuine passion for aviation and air traffic management.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent judgement and decision-making abilities.
• The ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to delivering exceptional safety standards.
• A desire to help build and shape a high-performing operational team.

What We Offer

In return, you will have the opportunity to play a vital role in the successful relaunch of Doncaster Sheffield Airport and help shape the future of one of the UK's newest and most exciting airports.

We offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• Leading defined benefit pension scheme with generous employer contributions.
• 29 days annual leave (rising to 34 days after 5 years' service) plus bank holidays.
• Eligibility for Shared Cost AVCs.
• Relocation package of up to £8,500.
• Broad range of 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 services.
• Access to on-site gym facilities.
• Free on-site parking.

Join Us

If you are looking for more than your next ATC role and want the opportunity to help shape the future of a growing airport, this could be the position for you.

Join us at the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Doncaster Sheffield Airport and play a key role in delivering safe, resilient and world‑class air traffic services for years to come.

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

*subject to eligibility and terms