Doncaster Council
Airfield Safeguarding and Change Manager
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Airfield Safeguarding and Change Manager
Airfield Safeguarding & Change Manager – Doncaster Sheffield Airport
Doncaster Sheffield Airport is preparing to relaunch and is seeking an experienced airfield safeguarding and change management professional to play a key role in shaping its future. This exciting opportunity involves establishing safeguarding, planning, and operational change arrangements to ensure safety, compliance, and long-term viability.
About the Role
We are looking for an Airfield Safeguarding & Change Manager to lead aerodrome safeguarding, planning consultations, and operational change activities. Reporting to the Head of Airfield Operations, this role will act as the airport’s technical authority for safeguarding and oversee operational changes within the airside environment.
Your responsibility will cover:
- Assessing and coordinating external developments, planning applications, infrastructure projects, and operational changes.
- Safeguarding Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS), Instrument Flight Procedures (IFP), and Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) systems.
- Managing risks from construction activity, wildlife hazards, dangerous goods infrastructure, lighting, and renewable developments.
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while supporting the airport’s successful reopening and future growth.
This role works closely with Local Planning Authorities, developers, Air Traffic Control (ATC), engineering teams, safety specialists, and regulators.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain the airport’s aerodrome safeguarding framework, procedures, records, and assurance arrangements.
- Be the statutory and non-statutory planning consultation focal point, providing evidence-based responses.
- Assess impacts of developments on airspace, IFPs, CNS systems, wildlife, dangerous goods infrastructure, and other safeguarding elements.
- Monitor permanent and temporary obstacles (e.g., cranes, high plant, construction activities).
- Coordinate with ATC, engineering, and technical teams to mitigate operational and technical risks.
- Lead airside change management, ensuring projects and operational changes are risk-assessed and controlled.
- Develop Temporary Operating Instructions for works and projects.
- Support audits, inspections, and regulatory assurance through accurate records and evidence tracking.
- Build internal and external stakeholder relationships to enhance compliance and airport growth.
- Introduce improvements to safeguarding and change management processes.
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The Successful Candidate
We require a charismatic, credible, and collaborative aviation professional with:
- Aerodrome safeguarding or airfield operations expertise.
- Ability to interpret regulatory requirements and apply them practically.
- Confidence to challenge and influence at all levels while fostering positive working relationships.
- Strong organisational and analytical skills to manage multiple priorities.
Key communication and stakeholder management skills are essential, as this role frequently engages with:
- Operational, technical, and safety teams.
- Regulators, planning authorities, developers, and contractors.
Desirable experience includes:
- Managing airport reopening, expansion, or infrastructure projects.
- Experience in dangerous goods or site aerodrome environments (e.g., fuel or logistics).
- Understanding of planning processes, consulting, and approval frameworks.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
Formal Training & Certification
- Formal safeguarding training (CAA / CAST or equivalent) preferred, or willingness to obtain.
- Level 3 qualification (or higher) in aviation, engineering, planning, change management, or related fields.
Professional Experience
- Proven experience in airfield operations, aerodrome safeguarding, or airfield safety.
- Experience assessing operational risk and implementing mitigation (including dams IQ or SHELTOG systems).
- Stakeholder engagement across aviation or planning sectors.
- Managing airside works in progress, temporary operating environments, and operational change controls.
- Development of operational procedures, Temporary Operating Instructions (TOIs), or change controls.
Technical Knowledge
- Strong familiarity with:
- CAP 738 (Aerodrome Safeguarding)
- Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS)
- UK aviation regulatory framework (CAP 168 / UK Reg 139)
- CNS systems and safeguarding principles
- Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs) & protection zones
- Wildlife hazard management principles
- Operational change management in aerodromes
- Understanding of aerial site safety, temporary operations, and construction controls.
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Key Attributes
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to analyse complex technical information and make objective decisions.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Capacity to challenge external proposals when required.
- High attention to detail and organisation.
- Ability to work independently under pressure and manage competing deadlines.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable Additions
- Health & Safety certification (e.g., IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH).
- Experience interacting with Local Planning Authorities.
- Background in airport expansion, reopening, or major infrastructure Phases/A (complex project timelines and communication).
- Knowledge of dangerous goods handling & safeguarding.
What We Offer
You’ll be part of an airfield team shaping the future of Doncaster Sheffield Airport. In return for your expertise, we provide:
Competitive Benefits Package
- Generous defined benefit pension (with employer contributions).
- 29 days annual leave (34 days after 5 years), plus 8 bank holidays.
- Shared Cost AVC eligibility.
- Relocation support up to £8.5K.
- Family-friendly policies, wellness incentives.
- Health Cash Plan (healthcare support).
- Cycle-to-work & salary sacrifice schemes (technology/tech benefits).
- Broad discounts & wellbeing programs (fintech, pet sitting, etc.).
- Financial support incl. affordable internal loans.
- Free access to Occupational Health, counselling, and physiotherapy.
This is a unique opportunity to influence modern aviation from its roots—helping establish systems that ensure safety, compliance, and growth.
If you’re passionate about safe, compliant, and resilient operations, apply today.
The full job summary applies—not all criteria may appear here. Candidates must reference their fit to all stated requirements in their application.
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