Airport Ground Services Operator Team Leader | Circa £33,700 + excellent benefits | Permanent | Onsite | Gamston (Retford) Airport

We’re looking for an Airport Ground Services Operator Team Leader to join the team at Gamston Aviation Limited. This is a hands-on, operational leadership role where you’ll help ensure the smooth, safe and efficient running of the airport on a day-to-day basis.

As the Airport Ground Services Operator Team Leader, you'll:

• Take responsibility for the provision of an Emergency Response as SAFO (Senior Airport Firefighting Officer), including leading training of new recruits on hot fires, pump and appliance operation and rescue operations.

• Lead and support the AGSO team in the delivery of safe and efficient airport operations.

• Lead daily airfield activities, ensuring compliance with operational and safety standards.

• Lead and participate with aircraft ground handling, tugging aircraft, runway inspections, fueling aircraft and airfield maintenance activities.

• Manage team rosters, training and development including an annual goal and review process

• Foster a positive, safety-focused culture and deliver excellent customer service to airport users and visitors.

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

• Experience in an emergency response team (Airport, Ambulance, Fire Service or Police service)

• Experience in Aviation, airfield, ground operations or other safety-critical environment.

• Previous team leadership or supervisory experience.

• Experience with rota and resource management

• Strong communication, organisation and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to remain calm and make decisions under pressure.

• A proactive, flexible and customer-focused approach.

• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office.

• Full UK driving license.

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 - Circa £33,700 dependent on skills & experience.

• 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)

• Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, home & tech scheme)

• Enhanced and competitive parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender or family structure

• Moneyhealth’s Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform

• Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)

• Benenden Health Care (opt-in benefit)

• Reward & Recognition Programme

When we work

You’ll join a 2-week shift pattern, based on 4 shifts on and 4 shifts off, 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.

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 a Talent Acquisition 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

Check out our post on using AI during your application and interview!

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 experience any technical issues when completing your application, please get in touch at people.team@thatcham.org and we’ll be happy to help.

To ensure fairness and protect your data, we’re unable to accept applications or CVs via email. The best way to apply and to stay updated on your progress, is through our online application form.