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Red Sky Personnel Ltd; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation service provider is seeking a Station Manager for its operations in Southampton. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of station performance, including operational leadership, financial management, and stakeholder engagement. Key responsibilities include leading a high-performing team, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Candidates should have proven experience in aviation operations and strong leadership skills, along with proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a managerial or supervisory role within aviation, airline, or airport operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and manage teams.
• Ability to perform under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the station.
• Lead, motivate, and manage a high-performing station team.
• Prepare and manage station budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Operational awareness

Problem-solving

Negotiation

Education

Management & Leadership qualification or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Station Manager

Location : Southampton

Contract : Full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Reporting to : Head of Ground Operations

Role Purpose

The Station Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and effective operation of a key UK airport station, supporting the flight schedules of a flagship airline and customer airlines. The role has full ownership of station performance, people management, safety and compliance, operational delivery, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring services are delivered within agreed budgets and performance standards.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

Overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the station, ensuring safe and compliant ground handling services.

Set, maintain, and continuously improve operational and ground handling standards.

Ensure on-time performance targets are consistently achieved or exceeded.

Ensure customer service standards remain at the highest level at all times.

Implement new working practices and operational improvements where required.

Review ground incident reports and identify corrective actions within agreed timescales.

People & Resource Management

Lead, motivate, and manage a high-performing station team.

Plan and manage staff rosters, annual leave, and coverage to meet seasonal demand.

Plan the efficient use of manpower and ground equipment.

Support recruitment of permanent and temporary staff.

Conduct performance reviews, manage performance issues, and identify training needs.

Promote a strong health & safety culture across all direct reports.

Financial & Commercial Management

Prepare and manage station budgets, including manpower, equipment, overtime, and ad-hoc costs.

Monitor expenditure against budget and identify variances.

Negotiate terms with suppliers within approved financial parameters.

Authorise supplier payments in line with company procedures.

Obtain approval for capital expenditure as required.

Stakeholder & Supplier Management

Act as the senior on-site representative for the Company.

Manage relationships with airlines, suppliers, and service partners.

Represent senior management in local negotiations and supplier discussions.

Ensure contractual service levels are met for customer and contract carriers.

Governance, Safety & Compliance

Ensure all operations comply with company procedures, manuals, and regulatory requirements.

Maintain compliance with health, safety, and security standards.

Protect confidential and commercially sensitive information.

Undertake duties in line with the Company Emergency Procedures Manual as required.

Assets & Planning

Recommend and manage local suppliers based on commercial and service quality considerations.

Produce manpower and equipment forecasts aligned to seasonal operations.

Plan cost-effective staff coverage and equipment allocation.

Ensure appropriate coverage for contracted airline operations.

Essential Skills & Experience

Proven experience in a managerial or supervisory role within aviation, airline, or airport operations.

Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and manage teams.

Strong operational and commercial awareness.

Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Highly organised with strong attention to detail.

Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work on own initiative.

Ability to perform under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Flexible approach to working hours in line with operational requirements.

Professional / Regulatory Requirements

Satisfactory basic police clearance.

Valid driving licence (airside driving capability).

Management & Leadership qualification (or equivalent experience).

Personal Attributes

Friendly, approachable, and supportive team leader.

Customer-focused with a strong service mindset.

Adaptable and positive in a fast-paced operational environment.

Acts as a strong ambassador for company values internally and externally