Ground Operations Manager

Placements24; Queenstown (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and retirement benefits

Travel privileges

Ongoing training

Job summary

Placements24 client, a regional airline, seeks a proactive Ground Operations Manager to oversee all ground handling at Queenstown, Eastern Cape. You will ensure safe, efficient aircraft turnaround, manage ground crews, and uphold high customer service standards.

You will lead a team, coordinate with flight operations, maintenance and customer service, develop procedures to reduce delays, monitor GSE, and ensure compliance with aviation safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in airport ground operations management or a related leadership role within the aviation industry.
• In-depth knowledge of aircraft ground handling procedures, safety regulations, and airport operations.
• Excellent communication skills in English; fluency in relevant local languages is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise daily ground operations, including aircraft handling, baggage services, passenger boarding, and cargo loading/unloading.
• Ensure all ground operations are conducted in strict accordance with safety regulations, company policies, and airport procedures.
• Lead, train, and motivate a team of ground handling staff, fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and customer focus.
• Develop and implement operational plans and procedures to optimize turnaround times and minimize delays.
• Coordinate effectively with flight crews, air traffic control, maintenance, and other airport stakeholders.
• Monitor equipment status and maintenance, ensuring all ground support equipment (GSE) is operational and safe.
• Manage inventory of ground handling supplies and consumables.
• Handle customer complaints and operational issues, providing timely and effective resolutions.
• Prepare performance reports, analyze operational data, and identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all aviation security protocols.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Tools

Flight scheduling software

Dispatch systems

Operations management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic regional airline, is seeking an experienced and proactive Ground Operations Manager to oversee all ground handling activities at their Queenstown, Eastern Cape facility. This pivotal role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely turnaround of aircraft, managing ground crew, and maintaining high standards of customer service. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a comprehensive understanding of airport operations, and a commitment to safety and operational excellence. You will be instrumental in coordinating with various departments, including flight operations, maintenance, and customer service, to ensure seamless airport operations. We are dedicated to providing exceptional service and maintaining the highest safety standards, and this position is key to achieving these goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise daily ground operations, including aircraft handling, baggage services, passenger boarding, and cargo loading/unloading.
• Ensure all ground operations are conducted in strict accordance with safety regulations, company policies, and airport procedures.
• Lead, train, and motivate a team of ground handling staff, fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and customer focus.
• Develop and implement operational plans and procedures to optimize turnaround times and minimize delays.
• Coordinate effectively with flight crews, air traffic control, maintenance, and other airport stakeholders.
• Monitor equipment status and maintenance, ensuring all ground support equipment (GSE) is operational and safe.
• Manage inventory of ground handling supplies and consumables.
• Handle customer complaints and operational issues, providing timely and effective resolutions.
• Prepare performance reports, analyze operational data, and identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all aviation security protocols.

Requirements

• Proven experience in airport ground operations management or a related leadership role within the aviation industry.
• In-depth knowledge of aircraft ground handling procedures, safety regulations, and airport operations.
• Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and planning abilities, with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and manage complex operational challenges.
• Proficiency in relevant software systems for flight scheduling, dispatch, and operations management.
• Excellent communication skills in English; fluency in relevant local languages is an advantage.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays, and be available on call.
• Must pass a background check and pre-employment medical examination.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional growth within a growing airline.
• Employees benefit from a supportive work environment and access to ongoing training.
• Additional benefits may include performance-based incentives and travel privileges.