Aircraft Operations Duty Manager

Heathrow Airport; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A major international airport is seeking an Aircraft Operations Duty Manager to ensure efficient aircraft flow and effective delivery of operational plans. This role involves real-time decision-making, stakeholder communication, and managing diversions during shifts. The ideal candidate will possess strong management skills, a valid UK driving license, and be able to work under pressure. Familiarity with operational systems and an understanding of air traffic management principles will be beneficial. Shift work is required.

Qualifications

• Possession of a valid UK driving licence.
• Strong ability to manage disruption and maintain control under pressure.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven management and decision-making capability.
• Flexibility and willingness to work shifts.

Responsibilities

• Act as the key escalation point for Operations Controllers.
• Represent Heathrow in coordination with NATS.
• Work closely with the Senior Operational Meteorologist.
• Lead daily operational calls and manage diversions.
• Build strong relationships with airlines and service providers.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Disruption management

Decision making

Flexibility in shift work

Tools

AOP

iAirport

IDAHO

TMS

DCB

Job description

As an Aircraft Operations Duty Manager (AODM), you'll play a vital role in ensuring the smooth flow of aircraft and the effective delivery of the stand plan. You'll monitor capacity and take action when needed, including during the night quota period, to keep operations running efficiently. This includes managing diversions and implementing capacity interventions to protect the integrity of the operation. While minimising disruption wherever possible, you'll maintain clear and timely communication with internal and external stakeholders about any potential impacts. Please note that this is a shift-based role (12 hour shifts, 2 days, 2 nights, 4 off).

Responsibilities

• Acting as the key escalation point for Operations Controllers, making real-time decisions to keep aircraft moving and minimise delays.
• Representing Heathrow in coordination with NATS, balancing demand with capacity and adapting plans to changing conditions.
• Working closely with the Senior Operational Meteorologist to anticipate weather impacts and support proactive decision-making.
• Leading daily operational calls, managing diversions, and overseeing capacity interventions, including decisions during the Night Quota Period.
• Building strong relationships with airlines, ground handlers, and service providers to resolve issues and maintain high operational standards.

Qualifications

• Ensuring personal and team compliance to meet legal and statutory obligations.
• Possession of a valid UK driving licence.
• Strong ability to manage disruption and maintain control under pressure.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with clear communication and the ability to build collaborative relationships.
• Proven management and conclusion-making capability in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, acting as an escalation point for operational issues.
• Flexibility and willingness to work shifts.

Ideally, you will also have

• Comprehensive understanding of air traffic management principles and how they apply to Heathrow.
• Awareness of weather risk management and the ability to work closely with meteorology experts to mitigate operational impacts.
• Familiarity with Heathrow operational systems such as AOP, iAirport, IDAHO, TMS, and DCB.