Deputy Manager Air Traffic Services & Airport

Are you a qualified air traffic controller looking to take the next step in your career?

We are looking for a new Deputy Manager for Air Traffic Services & Airport. Applicants must hold a current UK/CAA licence with both Aerodrome and Approach procedural control ratings. A current EU Class 3 Medical, OJTI rating and MET Observers Certificate are also required.

This is a senior operational role where you will support and deputise for the Airport Manager/ATSAM, ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient delivery of air traffic services and airport operations. You will play a key role in maintaining the highest standards of aerodrome safety, regulatory compliance, and operational performance within a unique and dynamic environment.

Key responsibilities for the role will be:

Safety & Risk Management

  • Maintain and continuously improve the airport’s integrated Safety Management System (SMS)
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate operational and safety risks
  • Promote a strong, proactive safety culture across all airport functions
  • Lead incident reporting, investigation, and learning processes

Regulatory Compliance

  • Ensure full compliance with CAA and applicable aviation regulations
  • Support regulatory audits and inspections, ensuring readiness and accuracy of documentation
  • Manage Mandatory Occurrence Reporting (MOR) and regulatory submissions
  • Monitor legislative changes and advise on operational impacts

Air Traffic & Operational Delivery

  • Undertake ATC duties in line with MATS Part 1 & 2
  • Ensure safe, orderly, and efficient aircraft movements
  • Maintain readiness of ATC systems, navigation aids, and aerodrome infrastructure
  • Support and coordinate emergency response and incident management

Leadership & Team Development

  • Deputise for the Airport Manager/ATSAM when required
  • Lead, supervise, and develop ATCOs and operational staff
  • Act as Unit Training Officer (UTO), ensuring staff competence and licensing compliance
  • Foster high standards of professionalism, teamwork, and communication

Stakeholder Management

  • Build and maintain effective relationships with the CAA, contractors, and key stakeholders
  • Provide expert advice on safety, compliance, and operational matters
  • Ensure clear communication of safety-critical information
  • Engage with the local community and partner organisations

Airside & Aerodrome Safety

  • Oversee airside operations and aerodrome safety in line with CAP700 responsibilities
  • Lead airfield inspections, runway safety initiatives, and wildlife hazard management
  • Ensure safe aircraft ground movement, vehicle operations, and contractor activities
  • Manage low visibility procedures, runway contamination, and fuel safety

St Mary’s Airport currently operates six days a week with the prospect of seven days a week operation in the future.

Essential Requirements

  • Valid CAA ATCO Licence (ADI, APP, OJTI)
  • Meteorological Observer’s Certificate
  • Significant ATC experience in a complex operational environment
  • Current EU Class 3 Medical, OJTI rating 
  • Strong knowledge of:
    • CAA regulatory framework
    • Aerodrome operations
    • Safety Management Systems (SMS) and risk management
  • Proven leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills

Why Join Us?

  • Work in a unique and rewarding aviation environment
  • Play a key leadership role in a safety-critical operation
  • Opportunity to shape operational excellence and safety culture
  • Be part of a committed and professional team serving the Isles of Scilly community

 

Benefits include:

  • A benefits platform offering 100s of discounts with major retailers
  • A generous holiday entitlement starting at 27 days pro rata per annum plus bank holidays.
  • Eye care vouchers.
  • Cycle to work scheme.
  • Active Scilly gym discounts
  • Defined benefit pension scheme.
  • Training and development opportunities

This role does come with allocated accommodation

For an informal conversation or more information, please contact Tamar Smethurst on tamar.smethurst@scilly.gov.uk

To apply, please complete an application form, on the right hand side of this advert, and return to humanresources@scilly.gov.uk

Department: 
St Mary's Airport
Contract: 
Full Time - Permanent
Hours: 
37 per week
Salary: 
£53,460 - £56,684 per annum plus £14,000 MFS
Grade: 
8
Closing Date: 
Wednesday, 15 July, 2026 - 5pm
Application Pack: 
Additional Information: 

Application Form
Advertisement Monitoring
Equal Opportunities Monitoring
Job Applicant Privacy Notice
Recruitment and Selection Policy

Please submit completed applications to humanresources@scilly.gov.uk or:
Human Resources
Council of the Isles of Scilly
Town Hall
St Mary's
Isles of Scilly
TR21 0NA

Please note that canvassing of Members or Officers will disqualify you from consideration.

If you require this application pack in an alternative language, in larger text, Braille, easy read or in an audio format, please email diversity@scilly.gov.uk or telephone 0300 1234 105.