Vacancies

Deputy Aviation Safety and Compliance Manager (5344)

Based: Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire
Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience – £33,000 – £37,000
Posted Date: 01/07/2026
Apply by: 02/08/2026

Role description

Cranfield Airport is a commercial and GA airport situated in Class G airspace situated between Bedford and the City of Milton Keynes with a 1799m runway which can accommodate business jets such as the Falcon, Gulfstream and Boeing Business Jet, which currently do not require runway slots.

As a key function of safety and compliance you will be responsible for providing direction and guidance for the planning, implementation and operation of Cranfield Airport’s Safety Management System.

This will cover the University’s Aviation Operation including:

  • Cranfield Airport
  • Cranfield Airport Rescue and Firefighting Service
  • Cranfield Air Navigation Service Provider
  • UAV/Drone Operations
  • Fuel Farm Installation

Working as part of a team, the number one priority is safe operations in accordance with National (CAA) and European (EASA) requirements. As the Deputy Aviation Safety and Compliance Manager you will work with several domain specialists across the various elements of aviation operations to ensure we meet or exceed these standards.

Qualifications and Skills

To have undertaken a recognised course on the management of safety and quality (or equivalent) and being IOSH trained are essential to this role. Along with proven experience in  an aviation or other highly regulated operational environment and proven exposure to a safety and quality management system. Experience in conducting monitoring audits and inspections and a solid understanding of risk management principles and techniques to support the SMS.

Additional information

Cranfield Airport offers a range of excellent benefits which includes 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, a contributory pension scheme and excellent development opportunities.

For an informal discussion, please contact Sarah Warde, Head of Safety and Compliance, E: sarah.warde@cranfield.ac.uk

Apply online now at https://jobs.cranfield.ac.uk or contact us for further details on E:peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 5344.

Airport Administrator and Document Control Officer (5343)

Based: Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire
Hours of work: 40 hours per week on an agreed shift pattern that may include weekend working
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: £27,000 per annum
Posted Date: 30/06/2026
Apply by: 20/07/2026

Role description

Cranfield Airport is a growing commercial, research and General Aviation (GA) airport situated between Bedford and Milton Keynes, and is the home base to many corporate and private aircraft owners.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an Airport Administrator & Document Control Officer to join our Airport team. This role offers the opportunity to work collaboratively across a diverse range of airport functions, including Airport Operations, Safety, Air Traffic Control, Engineering, Fire and Rescue Services, and Fixed Base Operations (FBO), supporting a safe, efficient, and compliant operation.

The successful candidate will play a key role in providing administrative and document control support across the organisation, ensuring effective coordination between departments while maintaining the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive administrative support to the Airport team, undertaking a range of duties including the raising of purchase orders, processing Airside Pass applications, and coordinating projects that contribute to the ongoing development of Cranfield Airport’s capabilities and services.

The role will be responsible for maintaining effective document control processes, ensuring airport documentation is accurately managed, formally issued, and monitored to support regulatory compliance requirements. In addition, the postholder will oversee the administration of crane permits, ensuring applications are processed efficiently and associated charges are correctly managed through Airport Accounts.

The position will also support the delivery of airport projects through the preparation for, attendance at, and documentation of project progress and periodic review meetings. Alongside these responsibilities, the successful candidate will undertake a variety of general office management and administrative tasks to support the effective operation of the Airport.

The successful candidate will be educated to a good standard, including GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics, and will have experience supporting the effective delivery of projects within a professional working environment.

You will possess strong digital and administrative skills, with experience using a range of IT systems and online tools, including video conferencing platforms, workflow management systems, and document control processes. You will be highly organised, self-motivated, and able to work independently, demonstrating a proactive approach to managing priorities and delivering high-quality outcomes.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, with the ability to build effective working relationships and communicate confidently with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels within a diverse and dynamic environment.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a unique and dynamic airport environment, contributing directly to the safe and efficient operation of Cranfield Airport. You will be part of a committed and collaborative team where your contribution will support both day-to-day operations and the continued development of the Airport’s future capabilities.

For an informal discussion, please contact Kristopher Vick, Airport Operations & Fuel Manager, on (T); +44 (0)1234 754562 or (E); Kris.Vick@cranfield.ac.uk

Air Traffic Control Officer (5334)

Based: Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire
Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week (worked to an agreed shift pattern)
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: Competitive, based on qualifications and experience
Posted Date: 18/06/2026
Apply by:  29/07/2026

Role description

Cranfield Airport is located between Bedford and the City of Milton Keynes and has annual movements of circa 35,000. The Airport provides Aerodrome and Procedural Approach control from the UK’s first operational digital control tower, which opened in December 2018. A project to install and commission surveillance radar is in progress, with commissioning due in 2026.

Situated in busy Class G airspace, Cranfield manages a variety of traffic types ranging from single engine training aircraft to BAe146 and ATR-72 and is home to several companies which provide commercial flight training, maintenance, and research and testing for industry and government projects.

We currently have a vacancy for an Air Traffic Control Officer who, as an integral part of the tower team, will provide ATS in accordance with regulation, and be pivotal in the coordination and deployment of the support staff and operators across the business. In addition, you will liaise with the Aerodrome Authority on operational matters, and support the SATCO and Airport Manager, as required, in the smooth running of the airport.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing airport and provide a safety critical function within the airport business. To be successful in this role you must hold an Air Traffic Control Officer’s Licence with ADI rating, ICAO Level 4 English as a minimum, and a CAA Class 3 medical, and will be expected to maintain this standard for the duration of your employment. You will be a flexible, resilient individual with well-developed communication skills, able to cope with the pressures and demands of this safety critical role and adapt your approach to different customers you will meet.

APP and APS ratings, OJTI and Assessor endorsements, are desirable. It would be advantageous if you could further contribute to the business by having a Met Observer’s qualification, operational experience in a Class G environment, or project experience.

Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS Criminal Record check and provide a significant work reference history. Please note that interviews may take place outside of normal business hours and may take place online.

At Cranfield, we value Diversity and Inclusion and aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect and realise their full potential.

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