Senior Manager – Cargo Operations

First Call Contract Services, Ltd.; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading airport operations company is seeking a Senior Manager to oversee cargo operations at London Heathrow. This pivotal role involves leadership of a large team, ensuring efficient operations, and collaborating with airline partners. Ideal candidates should have extensive experience in logistics and crisis management, along with excellent decision-making abilities. This is a shift-based role with a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Benefits

9% employer pension contribution

Life insurance

Generous airline ticket concessions

Qualifications

• Experience managing large operational teams in an industrial or logistics environment.
• Proven leadership in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to analyse data for operational improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the on-the-day cargo operation across various departments.
• Manage a team of at least 5 shift managers and approx. 400 operational staff.
• Make fast, high-stakes decisions during shifts.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Decision-making

Data Analysis

Stakeholder Management

Job description

Location: London Heathrow
Salary: Up to £60,000 (depending on experience) + Excellent Benefits
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time (Shift-Based)

Our client is seeking a Senior Manager to lead Cargo Operations at London Heathrow, responsible for overseeing ongoing operations and acting as the strategic liaison with airline partners.

In this high-impact, leadership role, you will be responsible for the safety, performance and overall efficiency of a large-scale cargo operation. Leading a team of shift managers and over 400 operational colleagues, you'll ensure day to day performance is delivered to the highest standards while maintaining resilience and focus in a complex, fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the on-the-day cargo operation across multiple departments including Airside, Premia, Planning, Mail, Secure, and Retail.

• Directly manage a team of at least 5 shift managers, while overseeing a wider team of approximately 400 operational staff.

• Act as the most senior point of escalation during your shift - making fast, high-stakes decisions that protect service levels and revenue.

• Respond effectively to operational disruptions, activating business continuity plans and where required, leading the Crisis Management Team.

• Engage and challenge internal and external stakeholders to protect and optimise cargo performance.

• Use operational data to inform strategic decisions and adapt plans in real time.

• Coach, support and lead operational teams, fostering a high-performance culture across a unionised workforce.

What We're Looking For:

• Proven experience managing large operational teams in an industrial or logistics environment.

• Demonstrated leadership in high-pressure situations with a strong decision-making track record.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills - internally and externally.

• Confidence to influence, challenge and collaborate with senior leaders and external partners.

• Ability to analyse data to drive operational improvements and manage conflicting priorities.

• Experience managing in a unionised environment is highly desirable.

• Eligibility to hold an airside pass is essential.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary up to £60,000 depending on experience

• 9% employer pension contribution

• Life insurance

• Generous airline ticket concessions

Ready to take the next step and lead a major global cargo operation at one of the world's busiest airports? Apply today!

Please note: this is a shift-based leadership role at London Heathrow and will require flexibility across operational hours.