Airside Operations Officer

AGS Airports; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A major airport operator in Aberdeen is seeking an Airside Operations officer to manage airside activities, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and delivering high standards of service. Responsibilities include conducting inspections, coordinating with stakeholders, and providing winter operations support. Applicants should have relevant experience, education, and strong communication skills. This role offers a competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional development within the operations team.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Annual bonus plan

25 days annual holiday plus 8 public holidays

Generous pension contributions

Employee Assistance Programme

Private Healthcare

Flexible Benefit Platform

Life Assurance Cover

Free on-site car parking

Agile/Flexible working

Qualifications

• Practical knowledge of airside operational practices and procedures.
• Ability to communicate clearly with confidence and diplomacy.
• Flexible to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe management of operational activities airside.
• Conduct routine inspections and audits of airside operations.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners for safety advice.

Skills

Airside driving experience

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Knowledge of airport security operation

Education

Higher education level or relevant operational experience

Specific safety, environmental or airside operations qualification

Tools

Keyboard skills and bespoke computer packages

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity at Aberdeen Airport for a Airside Operations officer to join our Airside Operations team. The role will be based at Aberdeen Airport.

What we can offer you:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Participation in our annual bonus plan
• 25 days annual holiday plus 8 public holidays
• Generous pension contributions
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Private Healthcare
• Flexible Benefit Platform
• Life Assurance Cover
• Free on-site car parking
• Agile/Flexible working, where appropriate for the role

Job Description

Ensure safe and compliant management of all operational activities undertaken airside in accordance with UK Reg (EU) 139/2014, other applicable CAA guidance and local instructions. Deliver high standards of customer service to internal and external stakeholders through the efficient operation of the Airport Consolidated Control Centre, combined with effective stand allocation and flight and airfield information services.

Principle accountabilities

Safety, Inspection & Auditing

• Ensure safety remains the top priority by conducting routine inspections and audits of airside operations. Accurately log all faults and ensure corrective actions are tracked to completion.

Airfield Safety Inspections

• Perform regular safety checks of runways, taxiways, grass areas, aprons, and lighting systems (both on- and off-airfield). Identify, record, and resolve hazards such as foreign object debris or obstructions (e.g., cranes).
• This supports compliance with the provision and maintenance of equipment, installations, and surroundings under UK Reg (EU) 139/2014.
• Wildlife Management & Bird Patrols
• Conduct bird and wildlife patrols, using dispersal methods provided to ensure the safety of aircraft. Maintain logs of species and dispersal techniques and monitor activity trends.

Marshalling & Safety Escorts

• Provide aircraft marshalling and airside safety escorts as required and, as directed, assist with additional safety related functions relating to the safe operation of aircraft, vehicles or persons. Provide support to emergency services and control authorities during any emergency events as required.
• Consolidated Control Centre (CCC) Operations
• Manage live operational systems in the CCC including updating stand allocations in real time in response to information from stakeholders, data logging of all airside activity and responding to any changing operational needs and priorities as they arise.

Contractor Oversight

• Monitor airside contractor activity, perform site handovers and inspections, and ensure all safety documentation and work permits are current, with any restrictions being adhered to at all times.
• Regulatory Compliance
• Ensure airside personnel comply with statutory instructions, local notices, and safe working practices. Oversee anti-icing chemical usage and vehicle maintenance to reduce environmental impact.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate with internal and external partners (ATC, airlines, security, maintenance, police, Border Force, fire service, terminal staff) to share operational status and safety advice. Foster customer-focused service delivery.

Winter Operations Support

• Provide on-call and on shift support in winter conditions, co-ordinating the clearance and chemical treatment of aerodrome surfaces to ensure continued serviceability with minimal operational disruption.

Incident Investigation & Safety Solutions

• Monitor all airside operator activities, attend and support the investigation of any incidents or near miss events as per CAP 642 and internal procedures. Propose safety-driven solutions within operational and environmental constraints.

Communication & Change Management

• Effectively communicate at all levels, both written and verbally. Independently manage tasks under pressure and support change initiatives.

Deputy Supervisor Duties

• Act as deputy to the Airfield Duty Supervisor when required.

Security & Surveillance

• Utilising all aspects of the CCTV and alarm system to carry out terminal and airport patrols to ensure the terminal and airfield is secure and any potential safety and security risks are identified, and that the presence of any personnel is justified and that airside to landside doors are secure.
• Support the AIAL Security Team to promote the Security Management System (SeMs) and security culture within the department and across the wider airport campus with a focus on adherence to the AIAL Security Policy principles. Encourage reporting of all suspicious or security related incidents in a timely manner and cascade all relevant information to the team to provide adequate response.

Emergency & Crisis Response

• Support allocation of staff during emergencies, coordinating with the Airfield Duty Supervisor and the Airport Duty Manager to restore normal operations swiftly. Maintain professional relations with external agencies.

Information Dissemination & Documentation

• Communicate airfield status and safety advisories. Maintain clear incident records and complete required documentation.
• Adhere to Safety Notices, Operations Director Directives and Notices, Local and Standard Operating Procedures, Operations Instructions, Riskments and health & safety protocols, demonstrating personal responsibility for workplace safety.

Project Participation

• Contribute to cross-functional projects and working groups for personal development or operational improvement.

Qualifications

• Airside driving experience preferred but not essential.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Firearms Certificate.
• A practical knowledge and understanding of airside operational practices and procedures. A good understanding of contingency planning and business continuity plans would be an advantage.
• A specific safety, environmental or airside operations qualification would be a distinct advantage.
• A good standard of education preferably educated to higher education level or with relevant operational experience.
• Keyboard skills and ability to use bespoke computer packages is essential.
• Knowledge of the Airport Security Operation is preferred.
• The ability to communicate clearly at all levels of the organisation and with external organisations both orally and in writing with confidence and diplomacy.

Framework and boundaries

• Make informed decisions within strict guidelines of the DFT, CAA, ICAO, EASA and HSE and use own judgement in carrying out daily duties and in emergency situations referring to a higher level when necessary.
• Works as part of the airport team and can clearly identify and communicate to others when required on operational issues.
• The post holder works within AGS Group standards and local instructions.
• The post holder must be confident in their own problem-solving skills and must be able to offer a wide range of communication skills when dealing with customer enquiries and sensitive issues.
• The post holder is required to keep up to date with changes in legislation and processes that affect the service they provide to the customer.
• The post holder is required to work within the National Aviation Security Programme.
• The post holder will be required to have CTC clearance.
• A commitment to maintain high levels of safety and be proactive in the management of safety and security within the airport to meet the airports objectives. The post holder will also be expected to work independently without frequent recourse to management and have the ability to deal diplomatically but effectively with often contentious issues which arise during the course of the daily operation. The ability to make decisions under pressure often without immediate support particularly during emergency situations and to work effectively, provide support and be a good team player in a relatively small group of staff.

Inclusive Recruitment Process

Diversity & Inclusion is important to us here at the AGS Group. We want to ensure that our process is inclusive for all applicants. If you have any questions or need any support with your application, we are here to help. Please contact our recruitment team at [e-mail]