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Airport Control Shift Lead
On-site in London·Added today (last checked 6 Nov)
Our summary
- Closing date
- Apply by Friday 13 November
Requirements
Ability to remain calm and perform effectively under pressure in a complex, fast-paced environment.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing demands effectively.
Effective communication and influencing skills across all levels, including internal teams, external partners and control authorities.
Ability to demonstrate sound judgement and decision-making when handling sensitive incidents or challenging situations.
Handles confidential and sensitive information with discretion, professionalism and integrity.
- Able to build strong working relationships, challenge constructively where appropriate, and ensure compliance with established procedures and standards.
Ideally:
- Experience in Airport Operations, ideally with at least 12 months in a multi-stakeholder operational environment.
- Familiarity with Heathrow’s terminal and airfield geography.
- Ability to identify and implement operational improvements and new ways of working.
The role
The Airport Control Shift Lead leads and coordinates Heathrow's Airport Control operations in APOC, ensuring all day response to a wide range of incidents and enquiries across the airport. They are subject matter experts in SOPs, guiding the team during incidents, maintaining standards, and overseeing complex or high-impact situations while liaising with key stakeholders. They also manage team performance, act as a key escalation point, and serve as a link between operational teams and senior airport leadership.
Shift Pattern: 12 hour shifts, both early and late - 4 on 4 off pattern. Please note this role requires CTC clearance which requires UK residency for the past 3 years.
- Lead and coordinate day-to-day Airport Control operations, acting as the primary link with AOM, ACM/ACOM, and wider stakeholders, while maintaining situational awareness during incidents.
- Line manage and support the team (OLCs/OCs), overseeing wellbeing, performance, training, and ensuring adequate shift coverage and effective time management.
- Oversee incident management, ensuring SOPs are followed, accurate records are logged, and appropriate responses/resources are deployed for alarms, emergencies, and enquiries.
- Monitor systems, faults, and incident trackers (e.g. DORIS), ensuring timely resolution, escalation of critical issues, and operational readiness at all times.
- Act as the key escalation point and liaison during incidents, coordinating communication between operational teams, senior management, and external partners.
- Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement, consistent standards, stakeholder service, and effective handovers, briefings, and team coordination.