Sr Operations Manager - Aircraft Detailing

PrimeFlight Aviation Services Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading airport services company is seeking a Senior Operations Manager in Chicago, IL. The role involves overseeing day-to-day operations of all airport service departments, ensuring high-quality service delivery while leading cross-functional teams. Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years in airport operations and at least 5 years in a managerial capacity. This position offers competitive compensation ranging from $90,000 to $110,000 annually, and requires strong leadership skills and extensive knowledge of aviation regulations.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and eligible to work in the US.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams effectively.
• Extensive knowledge of airport operations and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily activities across all operational departments.
• Establish operational policies to enhance efficiency.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the operations team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Operational efficiency

Customer service

Education

Minimum 10 years in airport operations

Managerial experience of at least 5 years

Job description

Job Category: Airport Operations

Requisition Number: SROPE015986

• Posted : March 19, 2026
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

Chicago, IL 60638, USA

Description

Sr. Operations Manager

$90,000 - $110,000

SUMMARY OVERVIEW

The Senior Operations Manager is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of all airport service departments, ensuring efficient, safe, and high-quality service delivery. This position leads cross-functional teams—including ground handling, customer service, security, and facilities—while driving operational excellence through strategic planning, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the management of daily activities across all operational departments, ensuring smooth and efficient airport operations
• Formulate and establish operational policies and procedures, and oversee their implementation to enhance overall efficiency and service quality
• Facilitate effective communication and coordination between various departments such as ground handling, customer service, and security to ensure integrated service delivery
• Regularly assess operational processes and outcomes, employing strategies to drive continuous improvement and address inefficiencies
• Manage the operational budget, including the development of financial plans, allocation of resources, and cost optimization strategies
• Ensure strict adherence to aviation industry regulations, safety standards, and environmental guidelines, staying updated with any changes in legal requirements
• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the operations team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment
• Act as the primary point of contact with airport authorities, airlines, and other stakeholders, maintaining strong professional relationships
• Develop and oversee emergency response plans and procedures, ensuring preparedness for crisis situations and swift, effective management of any operational disruptions
• Analyze operational data and generate comprehensive reports to identify trends, measure performance against targets, and inform decision-making
• Oversee the procurement, maintenance, and efficient utilization of equipment and facilities, ensuring they meet operational needs and standards
• Implement high standards of customer service within all operational areas, ensuring passenger satisfaction and adherence to service level agreements
• Conduct and lead regular meetings with department heads and teams to review operational performance, set goals, and align on strategic initiatives
• Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices, integrating innovative solutions into operational strategies
• Lead and manage significant operational projects and initiatives, from conception through to execution, to improve overall operational effectiveness and efficiency
• Perform any additional duties as assigned by management

QUALIFICATIONS

• 18 years of age or older
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in airport or aviation operations, with at least 5 years in a managerial role
• Extensive knowledge of airport operations, regulations, and safety standards
• Proven leadership and team management skills
• Must have a valid state-issued driver’s license with an acceptable driving record
• Communicate effectively in English (reading, writing, speaking)
• Ability to access and interpret information in print and electronically, including the use of electronic devices including IPads/Tablets, Computers, and Mobile Devices
• Effectively communicate with colleagues and clients, both in-person and through electronic means
• Pass a background check and drug screen
• Eligibility to acquire needed credentials and clearances (FAA, TSA, Port Authority, U.S. Customs and U.S. Postal- as applicable)
• Airlines are 24/7, so we need our team members to be flexible to work various shifts including nights, weekends and holidays

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential requirement satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the work environment, knowledge, skill, and/or ability. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential requirements.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY/WORKING CONDITIONS MAY INCLUDE:

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
• Position is generally sedentary, sitting for long periods of time
• Be able to hear and respond to the spoken voice and to audible alarms
• Tasks may involve repetitive motions of the arms, wrists, hands and/or fingers
• Specific vision abilities required for this job include: Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less); distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more); peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point); depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships); ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus)

The pay rate listed on this post is what the company reasonably expects to pay for this position. However, individual compensation may vary based on factors including qualifications, skills, competencies, education, and experience.

PrimeFlight Aviation Services, Inc. is proudto be an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants and employees are considered and evaluated for positions at PrimeFlight Aviation Service, Inc. without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, color, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, uniform service member and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state/province, and local laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.