Training & Standards Manager - Air Traffic Services

MANCHESTER AIRPORT PLC; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK airport authority is seeking a Training and Standards Manager to oversee all Air Traffic Control training and competency activities. This key leadership role will involve managing training programs, ensuring compliance with CAA regulations, and providing strategic guidance to training personnel. The ideal candidate will have a valid ATCO license and significant experience in ATC operations. The position offers an opportunity to shape the training and professional standards of the ATC team at East Midlands Airport.

Qualifications

• In-depth understanding of CAA regulations.
• Proven ability to lead and develop training teams.
• Solid background as a licensed Air Traffic Controller.
• Commitment to safety and SMS principles.
• Ability to make evidence-based decisions.
• Excellent communication skills for liaising with stakeholders.
• Proactive in enhancing training quality.

Responsibilities

• Manage and assure all ATC training and competence activities.
• Provide leadership to training and standards personnel.
• Act as liaison with the CAA for licensing and training matters.
• Oversee compliance with regulatory requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Safety management systems

Performance data interpretation

Education

Valid ATCO licence at a UK Aerodrome

OJTI qualification

Tools

Air Traffic Control Software

Job description

Overview

Air Traffic Control- Training and Standards Manager

Permanent Role based at East Midlands Airport

Responsibilities

• Manage, deliver, and assure all Air Traffic Control training, standards, and competence activities within the ATC unit. Oversee the Unit Training Plan (UTP) and Unit Competence Scheme (UCS), ensuring they meet regulatory requirements under EU Regulation 2015/340 (UK retained version), CAP 1251, CAP 700, and the CAA framework.
• Provide high-level leadership to training and standards personnel, ensuring all controllers are trained, assessed, and maintained as competent to perform operational duties safely and effectively.
• Act as the principal liaison with the CAA on licensing, competence, and training matters, supporting the Air Traffic Control Manager and Head of Air Traffic Services to uphold the highest professional and operational standards.

What will make you successful in the role?

• In-depth understanding of CAA regulations, including EU Regulation 2015/340 (UK retained version), CAP 1251, CAP 700, and ICAO standards, and the ability to apply them effectively across training, competence, and licensing activities.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a team of training and standards personnel, including OJTIs and Assessors, while providing high-level guidance and strategic oversight across the ATC unit.
• Solid background as a licensed Air Traffic Controller with practical insight into ATC operations, allowing you to align training and competence activities with operational realities.
• Commitment to upholding the primacy of safety, embedding SMS principles and a Just Culture mindset throughout all training and competence activities.
• Ability to interpret performance data, assessment outcomes, and investigation findings to make informed, evidence-based decisions that enhance competence and operational safety.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of liaising effectively with the CAA, airport leadership, operational managers, and ATC staff to maintain compliance and professional standards.
• Proactive approach to identifying opportunities to enhance training quality, competence assurance, and organisational effectiveness.

Technical Qualifications

• Must hold a valid ATCO licence at a UK Aerodrome
• Must hold an OJTI qualification
• Extensive experience as a licensed Air Traffic Controller with tower and/or approach unit endorsements.
• Proven background in delivering, managing, and evaluating ATC training programmes, including OJTI, refresher, and continuation training.

Role impact

This is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the training, standards, and competence of the Air Traffic Control workforce at East Midlands Airport, providing strong professional leadership while ensuring controllers are fully trained, competent, and compliant with regulatory requirements. It offers an opportunity to shape the development, performance, and professional standards of the ATC team.