Evening Shift Operations Manager, Aviation

ABM Industries; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ABM Industries in Chicago seeks an Operations Manager to oversee airport transportation operations, lead a 4:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. shift, and ensure safety, service, and on‑time performance across Terminal 5 and related gates.

You will manage 25–30 employees on shift, coordinate with a 60‑person 24‑hour team, and respond quickly to disruptions with sound decisions in a fast‑paced environment. The role requires hands‑on leadership, strong communication, and collaboration with client contacts and

Qualifications

• Airport operations and shuttle service knowledge.
• Supervisory experience leading 25–30 employees.
• Ability to communicate clearly under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day airport transportation operations.
• Lead 4:00 p.m.–12:30 a.m. shift including weekends.
• Ensure safety, service, and client requirements are met.
• Coordinate with Account Manager and leadership.

Skills

Leadership under pressure

Communication

Team supervision

Decision-making

Fast-paced environment

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDL required

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Description

Under the direction of the General Manager or Senior Field Operations Manager, the Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to‑day oversight of airport transportation operations. This role leads overnight operations, coordinates employee shuttle routes and bus availability, supports service reliability across Terminal 5 and assigned gates, and ensures that all service, safety, security, and client requirements are met. The position requires a hands‑on leader who can manage approximately 25‑30 employees on a shift, respond quickly to service interruptions, communicate clearly, and make sound decisions in a fast‑paced, 24‑hour airport environment.

Schedule

4:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. schedule, including weekends and holidays.

Benefit Information

ABM offers a comprehensive benefits package. For information about ABM’s benefits, visit Recruiting Flyer - Frontline

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Own the day-to-day operation of assigned airport transportation services, including employee and passenger shuttle routes, parking areas, and other assigned operating locations.
• Lead the 4:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. shift and provide strong management coverage during evenings, weekends, holidays, peak travel periods, and service interruptions.
• Supervise, coach, and direct approximately 25-30 employees per shift while coordinating with the broader 24-hour team of approximately 60 employees. Review the operations board at the start of each shift to confirm current and upcoming lines are fully staffed and covered; identify gaps and take immediate action to maintain service.
• Monitor bus availability, vehicle readiness, route coverage, and maintenance-related interruptions; elevate issues promptly and develop safe contingency plans when buses or routes are unavailable.
• Ensure shuttle runs operate on time and according to schedule, including frequent employee transportation and increased passenger‑transfer activity during peak evening operations.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for client concerns, delays, missed buses, route disruptions, and other operational issues; communicate timely updates to the Account Manager and senior leadership.
• Conduct safety audits, reinforce safe work practices, and support accident investigations, documentation, corrective actions, and follow‑up as required.
• Ensure compliance with ABM policies, airport rules, federal security requirements, OSHA standards, drug and alcohol requirements, and applicable transportation procedures.
• Maintain accurate reports, spreadsheets, work records, schedules, incident documentation, and other operational information required by the client and ABM leadership.
• Use email, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, work‑order or reporting systems, and other computer tools to communicate information and prepare professional, presentable reports.
• Manage labor, uniforms, supplies, equipment, and other resources responsibly while supporting service‑level agreements, contractual requirements, and financial goals.
• Support hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, performance management, attendance follow‑up, and employee engagement in partnership with leadership and Human Resources.
• Respond to emergencies, inclement weather, layovers, special events, staffing shortages, and other irregular operations; adjust schedules and priorities while maintaining safe, reliable service.
• Build effective working relationships with airport representatives, airline contacts, vendors, maintenance teams, security personnel, and other stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support safe, efficient, and customer‑focused airport transportation operations.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required. A CDL permit alone does not meet the requirement.

Experience

• Prior airport experience is required, preferably in airport transportation, passenger service, shuttle operations, airline support, or another airport‑based operation.
• Previous supervisory or management experience leading a high-volume, time‑sensitive, or transportation‑focused team.
• Experience driving or overseeing buses, shuttles, or other commercial passenger vehicles strongly preferred.
• Basic computer proficiency, including email, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, spreadsheets, and operational reporting.
• Strong communication, organization, decision‑making, problem‑solving, and customer‑service skills.
• Ability to work the assigned 4:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. schedule, including weekends and holidays, and provide reasonable flexibility during emergencies or operational disruptions.
• Ability to pass required employment screening, including drug testing and the federal background check and fingerprinting process required for airport badging. Employment is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required airport credentials.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, 24‑hour airport environment and remain calm, professional, and solutions‑oriented under pressure.
• OSHA or other safety training is preferred but not required.

ABM (NYSE: ABM) is one of the world’s largest providers of integrated facility, engineering, and infrastructure solutions. Every day, our over 100,000 team members deliver essential services that make spaces cleaner, safer, and efficient, enhancing the overall occupant experience. ABM serves a wide range of market sectors including commercial real estate, aviation, education, mission critical, and manufacturing and distribution. With over $8 billion in annual revenue and a blue‑chip client base, ABM delivers innovative technologies and sustainable solutions that enhance facilities and empower clients to achieve their goals. Committed to creating smarter, more connected spaces, ABM is investing in the future to meet evolving challenges and build a healthier, thriving world. ABM: Driving possibility, together.

ABM is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer that does not discriminate on the basis of any trait or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, including disability and protected veteran status. ABM is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in completing the employment application, please call 888-328-8606. We will provide you with assistance and make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case‑by‑case basis.

ABM participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. E-Verify is an internet-based system used to electronically confirm employment eligibility.

ABM is a military‑friendly company proudly employing thousands of men and women who have served in the U.S. military. With ABM, you’ll have access to a world‑class training program and ample opportunities to use the skills you developed while serving our country. Whether you’re looking for a frontline or professional position, you can find post‑military career opportunities across ABM.