Aviation Manager

Travel Trade Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Travel Trade Recruitment seeks an Aviation Manager in Manchester to lead the aviation and ticketing function in a hands-on, senior role. You will manage a team of Ticketing Coordinators/Executives, drive performance and ensure accurate, efficient, commercially focused ticketing and operations.

In this busy hybrid environment you will develop processes, manage systems and partner with airlines and consolidators to optimise schedules, fares and service levels while supporting wider business

Qualifications

• Excellent GDS system knowledge.
• Experience in aviation/ticketing with supervisory responsibility.
• Strong knowledge of airline fares, routes, products and ticketing processes.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Solutions-focused, adaptable and calm under pressure.
• Strong commercial awareness.
• Interest in systems, automation and process improvement.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Long-haul destination knowledge advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop the aviation/ticketing team.
• Set and monitor standards around accuracy, productivity, customer service and commercial performance.
• Support recruitment, appraisals and performance management.
• Ensure airline tickets are issued accurately and on time.
• Provide expert knowledge across airline routes, carrier products, fare structures and GDS systems.
• Own aviation systems, automation and robotic processes.
• Monitor automation performance and identify efficiency improvements.
• Work with IT, suppliers and internal teams to resolve system issues.
• Manage airline schedule changes and out-of-range flights.
• Build relationships with airlines and consolidators.
• Support wider business with aviation expertise.
• Assist with crisis situations and operational disruption.
• Participate in a Duty Manager/out-of-hours rota.

Skills

Team leadership

GDS knowledge

Fare structures

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Commercial awareness

Customer service

Tools

GDS systems

Job description

AVIATION MANAGER | MANCHESTER | HYBRID

We're delighted to be recruiting for an exciting Aviation Manager opportunity with an established and growing travel business based in Manchester.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced aviation professional who enjoys a hands-on management role, combining team leadership with strong operational, ticketing and commercial responsibilities.

Location: Manchester - Hybrid

Full Time | Monday-Friday | Office Hours

Aviation / Ticketing Management

Salary: Competitive/DOE

The Role

As Aviation Manager, you'll take responsibility for the day-to-day performance of the aviation function, ensuring the team delivers accurate, efficient and commercially focused ticketing and operational support.

You'll lead and develop a team of Ticketing Coordinators/Executives, while remaining hands-on yourself and acting as a key point of expertise across aviation operations.

The role of Aviation Manager will include:

• Leading, coaching and developing the aviation/ticketing team
• Setting and monitoring standards around accuracy, productivity, customer service and commercial performance
• Supporting recruitment, appraisals, performance management and ongoing development
• Ensuring airline tickets are issued accurately and within required deadlines
• Providing expert knowledge across airline routes, carrier products, fare structures, booking classes and GDS systems
• Taking ownership of aviation systems, automation and robotic processes
• Monitoring automation performance and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability
• Working with IT, suppliers and internal teams to resolve system issues and develop new solutions
• Managing airline schedule changes and out-of-range flights
• Building strong relationships with airlines and consolidators
• Supporting the wider business with operational and aviation expertise
• Assisting with crisis situations and operational disruption when required
• Participating in a Duty Manager/out-of-hours rota

Commercial & ODR Responsibility

A key element of the position will be taking ownership of the ODR flight process, with a strong focus on reducing avoidable losses and maximising commercial opportunities.

You'll regularly analyse performance, looking at areas such as:

• Gains and losses
• Airline performance
• Emerging trends
• Significant individual losses
• Process and behavioural improvements
• Opportunities to improve overall commercial return

You'll use this information to challenge existing processes where appropriate and introduce improvements that deliver measurable results.

We're looking for someone who is confident working in a busy, varied aviation environment and is comfortable balancing people management with being actively involved in the day-to-day operation.

You'll ideally have:

• Excellent GDS system knowledge
• Previous experience within aviation/ticketing, ideally with management or supervisory responsibility
• Strong knowledge of airline fares, routes, products and ticketing processes
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• A positive, adaptable and solutions-focused approach
• The ability to remain calm and effective under pressure
• Strong commercial awareness
• A genuine interest in systems, automation and improving processes
• Excellent customer service skills
• Long-haul destination knowledge would be advantageous, but isn't essential