Airside Standards Officer

Overview

Introduction There’s nothing quite like the buzz you’ll feel when you’re playing a crucial role at the heart of one of the busiest airports in the world. With more than 1,000 arriving and departing flights on a normal day, the Airside and Airspace Operations team works with customers and suppliers to ensure the safe, efficient and effective operation of the airfield and aircraft.

Every day, you’ll discover a world of fresh possibilities, when every decision taken has a real impact on the way our whole airport operates. You’ll join a high-performing team with a wide range of skills and a shared passion to make every journey better. You’ll be part of a team that not only delivers a safe and efficient operation every day but is also at the cutting edge of innovation, crafting and delivering new technology and infrastructure.

Whether your role is to improve process efficiency, monitor aircraft movements or oversee safety measures, you’ll be vital to the continuing smooth running of our airport.

Job Info

The Airside Standards Officer plays a vital role in maintaining, enhancing airside operational standards and supporting development of operational procedures s position ensures that airside operations consistently adopt continuous improvement methodologies to deliver safe, efficient, and compliant practices across Heathrow’s complex operational environment.

• Airside driving standards
• Airside Driving Permit (ADP) training and assurance processes
• Airside vehicles and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) requirements
• Other critical airside infrastructure standards

The post holder will research and benchmark industry best practices within their area of responsibility and oversee compliance with standards for third-party ADP training providers. Working collaboratively with airside stakeholders, the Airside Operations team, and the Operational Safety Improvement team, the role ensures that all standards align with Heathrow’s Quality & Safety Management Systems and meet applicable regulatory requirements.

• Develop and maintain, and update airside standards documentation, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements and alignment with Heathrow’s publication and industry best practices
• Support auditing activities for airside companies delivering ADP training. This includes organising audit meetings, verifying evidence, preparing audit reports, and ensuring adherence to established standards
• Act as the primary point of contact for airside operational standards, providing expert guidance to internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure safe, compliant operations in line with all relevant regulatory requirements
• Review and maintain airside operational standards, including airside driving protocols, the ADP process, airside vehicle and GSE requirements, and other critical airside infrastructure
• Drive continuous improvement of airside standards to ensure operations remain safe, practical, and efficient
• Support the review of Operational Safety Instructions (OSIs) and the Airside OSI Manual under the Head of Airside Operations, ensuring technical accuracy and relevance
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key stakeholders including NATS, ground handlers, and airlines while working closely with internal Heathrow teams to ensure all standards align with overarching airside operational objectives
• Provide comprehensive support to the Airside Standards Manager in coordinating and executing ad hoc projects and meetings related to airside standards updates and developments
• Perform any other reasonable duties in support of the Airside Operations team

• Knowledge of the regulatory framework governing Heathrow’s operations, including Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requirements and associated documentation
• Working experience of airside operations and relevant regulatory standards
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex issues, influence stakeholders to drive change, and produce high-quality formal documentation tailored to the intended audience
• A valid UK driving licence and occupational health medical check…