DEA Specialised Airborne Operations
Operations Controller

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Operations Controller
The Operations Controller is the hands-on, day-to-day engine of the department. Responsible for the active coordination and execution of live operations, the role ensures that flights are planned, dispatched and monitored safely and efficiently, acting as the central point of communication across crew, customers and internal departments.
Key Responsibilities
Create and present daily operational briefings for the team Assess the feasibility of all flights prior to dispatch, covering weather conditions, crew compliance (licences, ratings and currency), NOTAMs and remaining aircraft hours Understand and apply Flight Time Limitation (FTL) knowledge to assist pilots with operational planning Carry out audits on pre and post-flight documentation to ensure regulatory compliance Plan and file flight plans, including ATC coordination, NOTAM assessment and airspace coordination Coordinate all aircraft ground movements, including handling, fuelling, immigration and customs requirements Assist the Dispatch team with fuelling, loading, navigation updates and aircraft inventory checks Liaise with customers and external stakeholders on operational matters Assist the Travel team in arranging and coordinating all aspects of company travel Communicate proactively with all relevant internal and external stakeholders in accordance with DEA standard communication procedures, ensuring all parties remain informed and aligned Monitor and maintain flight watch on applicable flights Handle all incoming and outgoing internal and external telephone communications Open and close the operations office in line with operational requirements
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Private Pilot Licence (PPL), currently undertaking a PPL, or an equivalent aviation-related qualifi cation Strong computer literacy; this is primarily an offi ce-based role requiring confi dence with digital tools and platforms Operational coordination and day-to-day task management Clear and professional written and verbal communication Profi ciency with aviation management platforms (e.g. Leon or equivalent) High attention to detail in documentation and record-keeping Ability to prioritise effectively under time pressure Competent in conducting and receiving operational briefi ngs and debriefs


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Behavioural Competencies
This is a junior role; no prior leadership experience is required Calm and methodical thinker who performs well under pressure Intelligent and confi dent, with the ability to make sound decisions within their remit Works effectively as part of a tight-knit team Proactive - identifi es and communicates problems early rather than waiting Accountable and takes full ownership of their work and its outcomes Safety-fi rst mindset across all operational decisions
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