Support UK Defence Operations in the South Atlantic

Tax-Efficient Income | Free Accommodation & Meals | Free Gym | Return Flights Provided | Professional Development | Unique Lifestyle

We are looking for an Aerodrome Manager to lead the safe, compliant and effective delivery of airfield maintenance services at a strategically important military aerodrome in the Falkland Islands. As the Supplier's competent lead for the aerodrome, you will be responsible for ensuring Air Operating Surfaces, Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) systems and airfield signage are maintained to the highest standards, supporting the continuity of safe flying operations in a demanding operational environment.

This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of a critical airfield operation in a remote South Atlantic location, working closely with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), Military Aviation Authority (MAA), Air Traffic Control and other military aviation stakeholders.

About the Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands offer a unique lifestyle, combining facilities with incredible scenery, wildlife, and outdoor activities. With accommodation, meals and travel provided, this is an opportunity to experience life overseas while developing your career in a highly supportive Defence environment.

What's On Offer

• Tax-Efficient Income: Benefit from a simplified income tax structure, helping you maximise your take-home pay and saving potential.
• Free Accommodation & Meals: Free single accommodation and three daily meals provided, allowing you to retain more of your earnings.
• Return Flights to the UK Twice a Year: Stay connected with family and friends.
• 33 Days Annual Leave Plus Bank Holidays: Plenty of time to rest, travel, and recharge.
• Free Gym & Swimming Pool Access: Access to CrossFit, yoga, spin classes, squash, swimming, and more.
• Professional Development: Access to a range of learning opportunities, including business, science, arts, and language courses.
• Additional Financial Benefits: 5% Site Allowance paid monthly, and a 10% Tour Bonus paid annually.
• Relocation Support: Dedicated onboarding and experienced teams to help you settle into island life.
• Career-Defining Experience: Play a key role in supporting high-profile UK Defence operations.
• Unique Lifestyle: Live and work in one of the world's most remote and fascinating British Overseas Territories.

What You'll Be Doing

As Aerodrome Manager, you will:

Airfield Operations and Maintenance

• Lead all airfield pavement inspection and maintenance activities in accordance with MAA regulations and Practitioner Guide (PG) 06/11.
• Plan, manage and assure daily, periodic, detailed and annual airfield pavement inspections.
• Produce annual pavement condition reports and oversee the delivery of remedial works.
• Manage Foreign Object Debris (FOD) control, friction testing, rubber removal, sweeping and surface marking activities.
• Provide technical advice on pavement defects and operational impacts, implementing temporary safety measures where required.

Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL)

• Ensure all AGL maintenance activities are delivered in accordance with MOD SFG20, BS EN 61821 and relevant MAA requirements.
• Develop, implement and maintain AGL Maintenance Management Plans.
• Lead and manage an on-call AGL technician capability during operational flying periods.
• Maintain serviceability, photometric testing and calibration records for AGL assets and associated infrastructure.

Compliance and Assurance

• Act as the nominated competent person for aerodrome maintenance compliance.
• Maintain compliance with MAA Regulatory Articles, Manual of Aerodrome Design and Safeguarding (MADS) requirements and associated standards.
• Lead audit readiness activities and manage findings through to closure.
• Ensure statutory and mandatory inspection records are accurately maintained within CAFM systems.
• Apply Permit to Work (PTW) procedures and airside safety controls for all works.

Leadership and Stakeholder Management

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary airfield maintenance team, including AGL Technicians and Airfield Maintenance Operatives.
• Maintain training, competence and compliance records across the team.
• Act as the primary point of contact for Air Traffic Control, DIO, the Aerodrome Operator and the Buyer.
• Coordinate maintenance activities around operational flying requirements, minimising disruption while maintaining safety and compliance.
• Support the delivery of remedial and project works arising from inspection programmes.

Health, Safety and Environment

• Ensure all activities are delivered safely and in accordance with Mitie QHSE standards and applicable legislation.
• Develop and maintain Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS).
• Promote a strong safety culture, including FOD awareness, wildlife hazard management and air safety reporting.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Proven experience managing airfield or aerodrome maintenance within a military or regulated civil aviation environment, including airfield pavements and AGL systems.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • MAA regulatory publications.
  • Practitioner Guide (PG) 06/11.
  • DWFS 06, Guide to Airfield Pavement Maintenance.
  • MOD SFG20.
  • BS EN 61821.
• HNC, HND or equivalent qualification in an engineering, electrical, construction or related discipline, or substantial equivalent experience.
• Experience managing planned preventative maintenance programmes and statutory compliance requirements.
• Strong communication skills and leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience using CAFM systems and compliance management processes.
• Ability to obtain and maintain SC Security Clearance and an MOD airside driving permit.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Ability to deploy and work within the Falkland Islands on a rotational basis.

Desirable

• Formal airfield pavement inspection training in accordance with PG 06/11.
• AGL maintenance and photometric testing qualifications.
• Electrical qualifications, including 18th Edition and HV/LV Authorised Person experience.
• Experience working on MOD Hard FM contracts.
• Experience working with DIO and military stakeholders.
• Previous experience operating in remote or overseas locations.
• IOSH or NEBOSH qualification.
• Membership of a relevant professional institution such as IET, ICE or CIBSE.

Personal Qualities

• Strong leadership and decision-making capability.
• Safety focused with a commitment to compliance and operational excellence.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Organised and able to manage multiple priorities in a demanding operational environment.
• Practical and proactive approach to problem solving.
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to thrive in a remote island environment.

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

If you're an experienced aerodrome or airfield professional looking to develop your career, maximise your earning potential, and gain unique overseas experience supporting UK Defence operations, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and join our team in the Falkland Islands.