Aviation Manager

Travel Trade Recruitment; Ringway; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Travel Trade Recruitment in Manchester is seeking an Aviation Manager to lead the aviation/ticketing function, combining hands-on management with operational and commercial duties.

The role involves developing the team, ensuring accurate ticketing, and driving performance across airline routes, fare structures, and GDS systems, in a busy hybrid environment.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop the aviation/ticketing team.
• Set and monitor standards around accuracy, productivity, customer service and commercial performance.
• Support recruitment, appraisals, performance management and ongoing development.

Skills

GDS knowledge

Aviation/ticketing

Leadership

Customer service

Commercial awareness

Process improvement

Systems automation

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 rotaCommercial & 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