Aircraft Operations Duty Manager

Heathrow; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based annual bonuses

Generous annual leave

Private health insurance

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

A leading international airport is seeking an Aircraft Operations Duty Manager to ensure efficient aircraft flow and effective delivery of operations. You will manage diversions, monitor capacity, and communicate with stakeholders during shifts. The ideal candidate possesses a valid UK driving licence, has excellent stakeholder engagement skills, and can make decisions under pressure. This role offers competitive salaries, performance-based bonuses, and other health benefits in a vibrant airport environment.

Qualifications

• Valid UK driving licence required.
• Strong ability to manage disruption and make decisions under pressure.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven capability to manage operations in fast-paced environments.
• Willingness to work shift patterns.

Responsibilities

• Act as key escalation for Operations Controllers.
• Conduct daily operations coordination and manage diversions.
• Lead operational calls and adapt plans to changing conditions.
• Build strong relationships with airlines and ground handlers.
• Ensure compliance with legal and statutory obligations.
• Ensure personal and team compliance to meet legal and statutory obligations.

Skills

UK driving licence

Stakeholder engagement

Pressure management

Decision-making

Flexibility for shifts

Tools

AOP

iAirport

IDAHO

TMS

DCB

Job description

Introduction

It takes a special kind of teamwork to keep the world’s most iconic airport running smoothly. Over 65,000 people across hundreds of companies work at Heathrow and together they form Team Heathrow. The airport team includes colleagues from airlines, baggage handlers, control authorities, retailers, passenger services, emergency services, transport providers, security, engineering, airfield operations and more.

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

• Act as the key escalation point for Operations Controllers, making real‑time decisions to keep aircraft moving and minimise delays.
• Represent Heathrow in coordination with NATS, balancing demand with capacity and adapting plans to changing conditions.
• Work closely with the Senior Operational Meteorologist to anticipate weather impacts and support proactive decision‑making.
• Lead daily operational calls, manage diversions, and oversee capacity interventions, including decisions during the Night Quota Period.
• Build strong relationships with airlines, ground handlers, and service providers to resolve issues and maintain high operational standards.
• Ensure personal and team compliance to meet legal and statutory obligations.

Essential Skills

• 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.

Preferred Experience

• 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.

About Us

There’s something so special about working at the world’s most iconic airport. Its sights, sounds, and constant air of excitement make Heathrow a unique backdrop for a career filled with fresh possibilities. Working here means encountering people from all cultures, nationalities and experiences, fostering pride in what we do and inspiring everyone to deliver on our ambitious plans. Together, we welcome millions more passengers while ensuring aviation can continue to be a force for good by leading global efforts in sustainability.

Our Rewards

We offer competitive salaries and excellent benefits to support you now and in the future. This includes performance‑based annual bonuses, Share in Success bonus plans, generous annual leave allowances, market‑leading pensions, family‑friendly policies, private health insurance, and a wide range of wellbeing tools. We also provide varied learning and development opportunities to help you grow.

Working Location

This is an airport‑based position. Every day, you will play a critical role in helping us to give our passengers the best airport service in the world.

Sustainable Travel to Work

Heathrow’s Sustainable Travel Guide sets out easy and sustainable travel options that everyone can access.

Equal Opportunities

As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from all. We believe that diverse talent makes us stronger – not least because we welcome passengers from all corners of the globe, every single day. Heathrow is an accessible place to work, and through our diversity networks we champion inclusivity and celebrate individuality.