The General Manager, Airport Operations is responsible for leading all aspects of ground operations, including gate, ramp, and related support functions. This role oversees a large group of station employees and ensures operational performance meets or exceeds company Service Level Agreements (SLAs), TSA regulations, safety standards, and customer expectations.
The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in large-scale operations management, people leadership, and continuous process improvement, with the ability to drive performance, safety, and efficiency in a fast-paced, 24 / 7 environment.
Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership : Direct daily airport operations including gate and ramp activities to ensure safe, timely, and efficient service delivery.
- Performance Management : Monitor and achieve SLAs, key performance indicators (KPIs), and productivity goals related to on-time performance, turnaround times, and customer satisfaction.
- People Management : Lead, coach, and develop a large, diverse workforce of over 300 team members, including front-line agents and supervisory staff.
- Safety & Compliance : Champion a culture of safety, ensuring all operations comply with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
- Strategic Planning : Collaborate with corporate leadership to develop and implement operational strategies, staffing models, and cost-control measures.
- Continuous Improvement : Identify process inefficiencies, implement corrective actions, and drive initiatives that improve reliability, employee engagement, and service quality.
- Stakeholder Communication : Serve as the primary point of contact for airline partners, vendors, and internal departments, ensuring alignment on priorities and issue resolution.
- Budget & Resource Management : Oversee budget planning, labor utilization, and equipment maintenance to support operational objectives.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent operational experience).7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in airport, airline, or ground operations, including management of large, multi-shift teams.Demonstrated success managing service level performance, safety standards, and financial outcomes in a complex operational environment.Strong interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills, with the ability to lead effectively across diverse teams and shifting priorities.Proficiency in interpreting operational and financial data to inform decisions and strategic planning.Ability to work flexible hours and respond to operational needs outside normal business hours.Working Conditions
Environment : The position operates in both office and outdoor ramp environments, often exposed to varying weather conditions, noise, and aircraft activity.Schedule : This is a full-time position that requires flexibility to work extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to support a 24 / 7 operation.Physical Requirements : Must be able to stand, walk, and move between airport facilities for extended periods. Occasional lifting of materials or equipment (up to 50 lbs) may be required.PPE & Safety : Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn in designated ramp areas. Adherence to all company and airport safety procedures is mandatory.