Airport Duty Manager

Newcastle International Airport Ltd; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading airport in the UK is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee daily operations and ensure smooth and safe functionalities of the terminal. The role requires strong operational management experience and skills in problem-solving and service delivery. This is a shift-based position supporting the airport's 24/7 operations. The successful candidate will work in a fast-paced environment, managing complex situations with confidence and a collaborative mindset.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Access to contributory pension scheme

On-site occupational health support

Subsidised private healthcare

Employee discounts at airport outlets

Membership to our on-site gym

Qualifications

• Proven operational management experience, ideally in a 24/7 environment.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• A proactive approach to service delivery and team coordination.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily airport operations ensuring they run smoothly and safely.
• Coordinate operational activities across the terminal.
• Respond in real-time to challenges.

Skills

Operational management experience

Organisational skills

Problem-solving skills

Positive service delivery

Ability to remain calm under pressure

Collaborative mindset

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Operations Manager to join our Terminal Operations team. The successful candidate will be working as an Airport Duty Manager which is a critical, high-impact role responsible for overseeing daily airport operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently, overseeing all airport operations. Working in a fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environment, the Airport Duty Manager coordinates operational activity across the terminal, responding in real-time to challenges and ensuring an exceptional customer experience. This is a shift-based position, supporting our 24/7, 365-day operation.

Newcastle is a multi-award winning Airport that proudly connects the North East region to the world. The Airport is on track to welcome 5.4 million passengers in 2025 and thanks to its strong portfolio of 16 airline partners, passengers can choose from over 80 direct destinations and more than 300 onward connections worldwide. It makes a vital contribution to the regional economy, generating more than 1bn in GVA each year and around 3,200 people are employed on the Airport site. More than 17,000 jobs are supported through the business supply chain. The Airport's commitment to delivering a world‑class customer experience has earned international recognition. It was named the Overall Winner at the Routes World Awards 2024, marking the first time a UK Airport achieved this prestigious accolade. The Airport was also recognised as Best Airport in Europe, in the 2 to 5 million passenger category, at the ASQ Awards for providing exceptional customer service, and UK and Ireland Airport of the Year at the 2024 Travel Industry Awards. Airline partners continue to invest in its growth and easyJet will open a new three‑aircraft base in March 2026, adding 11 new destinations, while Ryanair will base a third aircraft in winter 2025/26, launching five new winter routes. Committed to a sustainable future, the Airport is on track to achieve Net Zero Carbon status by the year 2035 and has been recognised as a 'sustainability sector leader'. The business has its own solar farm that can provide 100% of its electricity on a sunny day and it is making significant investments to transition its vehicle fleet to electric models. Over recent years more than 46,000 trees have been planted on Airport-owned land to support its carbon offset activities and enhance biodiversity. The Airport proudly celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2025.

Requirements

• Proven operational management experience, ideally in a 24/7 environment
• Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills
• A proactive, positive approach to service delivery and team coordination
• The ability to remain calm under pressure and manage complex situations with confidence
• A flexible attitude to working patterns, including nights, weekends, and public holidays
• A collaborative mindset, with experience managing or influencing cross‑functional teams
• Experience within aviation or transport is desirable, but not essential
• This post requires access through the Critical Part at the Airport and therefore, in line with Department for Transport regulations, you will be required to demonstrate during the recruitment process, that you have no relevant criminal record.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Access to contributory pension scheme
• On‑site occupational health support
• On‑site physiotherapist
• Employee assistance support
• Subsidised private healthcare
• Employee discounts at airport Park & Fly / retail / catering outlets
• Company and Performance related bonus scheme
• Membership to our on‑site gym