Airport Operations Coordinator | £28,000 FTE + excellent benefits | 3-month FTC | Part-time | On-site | Gamston (Retford) Airport

Based on-site at Gamston, you will be the key point of contact for all airport front-of-house and administration processes and practices for this dual operations facility encompassing aviation and vehicle testing activities. You will be a self-motivated team player who works collaboratively with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, adapting and responding quickly to changing situations in a unique working environment.

As the public face of Thatcham Research and Gamston Aviation Limited, you’ll promote and champion a culture of safety and excellent customer experience, whilst overseeing airport operations within Gamston’s Air Traffic Zone.

This is a fixed-term, part-time role equivalent to 17.87 hours per week on a flexible working schedule (approx. 8 shifts per month), with opportunity for additional shifts when required. We are looking to fill this position immediately and therefore may close the job post early if a suitable candidate is selected.

What you'll be doing:

• Fulfilling all AGSCO (Air Ground Services Communication Officer) duties in line with CAA rules and regulations (CAP 413), communicating with aircraft within Gamston’s Air Traffic Zone, to oversee safe airport operations and providing support in the event of an emergency
• Controlling all track testing and airside vehicles from the control tower while vehicle testing is underway within the critical airside safety environment, including vehicles accessing or transiting the test zones or active runway areas.
• Assisting the Airport Manager with co-ordinating daily airport operations and aircraft movements, reviewing prior permission requests (PPR) and communicating up to date information and activating flight plans
• Liaising with external visitors and overseeing airport front-of-house and administration processes and practices, including hangarage, aircraft parking, controlling entry and egress with responsibility for providing handover to security staff and information for evening flight activity

Skills & experience that will set you up for success in this role:

• Radio Operators Competency Certificate (ROCC) license holder – or to achieve this within 6 weeks.
• Excellent, clear and concise communication skills, including knowledge of the phonetic alphabet.
• Competent use of Microsoft Office: Outlook, Excel, Word and Teams
• Following HS&E, operational and administrative processes/practices
• Aptitude and attitude to learning new and detailed processes and procedures
• Attention to detail whilst working calmly in a high-pressure environment
• Adapting to changing and emergency situations
• Working as part of a team, but also comfortable using initiative to work independently.

This role is based on-site at Retford Gamston Airport, Nottinghamshire DN22 0QL.

Did you know...

Research tells us that men are more likely to apply to jobs if they meet only 60% of the criteria, whereas women often hesitate or don't apply unless they meet all of the criteria. This difference in application behaviour can contribute to the gender gap in career advancement and opportunities.

We know the perfect candidate doesn't exist! If you think you have what it takes but don't tick every box, we'd still encourage you to apply - it could be a perfect fit!

Perks & Benefits

Salary - £28,000 (full-time equivalent) dependent on skills & experience. (£13,000 pro-rata) *salary & annual leave will be calculated pro-rata based on 17.87 hours per week

• 10% non-contributory pension
• 22 days holiday (increasing by 1 day each year up to 27 days) + public holidays
• Group Life Assurance (equal to 4 x basic salary)
• Group Income Protection (after 6 months’ service)
• Moneyhealth’s Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform
• Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)
• Reward & Recognition Programme

When we work

You’ll join a flexible shift pattern, working a minimum of 8 shifts per month covering the Airport opening hours

• 07:30 to 18:00 Monday to Friday
• 08:30 to 18:00 Saturday/Sunday and Bank Holidays (including overtime pay)

What we do

At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair. With an on-site Crash Laboratory, Repair Technology Centre and Training Academy, our research expertise is driving some of the very latest automotive developments in technology, materials and standards in this fast moving and highly technical industry. Our Gamston facility is one of the UK’s leading sites for active safety, trialling and assessing the latest crash avoidance and driver assistance technologies.

The Gamston site is also home to Gamston Aviation Limited (GAL) which is a fully operational private Airport with onsite restaurant facilities open to the public, owned by Thatcham Research Group.

Our Values

As an organisation that believes a strong set of Values are key to our organisational success and a sense of belonging for all colleagues, we ask that you understand, represent and apply our Values of Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive and Trusted and demonstrate these Values throughout the recruitment process.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace which values diversity and embraces each individual's authentic self. We are proud to champion a culture where colleagues freely share their diverse perspectives, recognising that these contribute to our innovative spirit. Our journey of growth and understanding is continuous as we actively invest in diversity training, workshops, and partnerships to ensure positive change.

Beyond our partnerships with the Automotive 30% Club and Women in Data (WiD), we collaborate with various organisations to advance equity not only in gender but also across ethnicity, age, disability, social mobility, LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and thinking. Our aspiration is to create an environment where everyone thrives, achieves, and experiences a genuine sense of belonging.

Recruitment process

We’re proud to manage our recruitment in-house and believe this direct approach enables us to give you the best possible Employee Experience we can – which starts right here, your application! We’re continuously striving to improve the candidate journey, and transparency (or communication) is a key area of focus – yes, even with salary & benefits.

What can you expect from our recruitment process?

• Regular updates on the progress / outcome of your application
• An initial telephone screening call with our Recruitment Business Partner
• First interview with the hiring manager, usually via Teams
• Second/Final interview, in-person at our office (we may give you a role specific task to present on!)
• Personalised feedback following your interview – because everyone deserves that!
• An opportunity to give us your honest feedback in a short survey on all of the above

We’re committed to removing barriers. If there are any adjustments we can make to better support you, please let us know when you apply.

All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.

If you're experiencing any issues with our career site or application from, please let us know here: careers@thatcham.org ⁠