Deputy Aviation Safety and Compliance Manager

Organisation: Cranfield Airport Operations Limited
Faculty or Department: Cranfield Airport Operations Limited
Based at: Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire
Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week
Contract type Permanent
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience - £33,000 - £37,000
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
• Canfield 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:

Apply online now at or contact us for further details on E: . Please quote reference number 5344.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 2 August 2026