Role Summary
Reporting to the Senior Vice President, the Operations Director North Region is a senior leadership role accountable for overseeing and optimising the performance of multiple airport operations across multiple airport locations. This includes services such as Cabin Cleaning, De-icing, Exterior Aircraft Cleaning, Security, and Ground Handling.
The successful candidate will drive operational excellence, lead cross-functional teams, and ensure delivery of high service standards across all bases. A core part of the role includes strategic workforce planning, financial control, systems integration, and end-to-end de-icing management. This role is essential to enhancing operational efficiency, maintaining safety, and supporting growth during peak seasons and beyond.
Location: Covering multiple stations across North region.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Strategic Oversight
• Lead and inspire the regional operations team, fostering a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Support and develop Station Managers to meet service delivery expectations and team objectives
• Deliver and execute business plans to enhance operational efficiency and consistency across all locations
• Collaborate with key stakeholders in Finance, HR, and Commercial to ensure alignment with business goals
Operational Excellence:
• Drive best practice and innovation to improve airport operations
• Define and monitor KPIs, ensuring operational targets are consistently achieved
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising safety or service
• Champion a continuous improvement culture and operational discipline across the region
Systems Integration & Process Optimisation:
• Oversee integration of operational systems and digital tools to enhance visibility and performance
• Use data analytics and performance reporting to drive effective decision-making
• Identify opportunities for automation and workflow improvement to reduce inefficiencies
Resource Planning & Financial Management:
• Lead headcount planning, equipment allocation, and resource deployment to meet operational demand
• Manage regional budgets and ensure financial discipline
• Work closely with Finance to monitor spend, identify risks, and deliver cost-effective solutions
De-icing Operations:
• Lead all regional de-icing activity, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient delivery
• Own seasonal readiness, including workforce planning, equipment preparation, and procedural adherence
• Monitor operations to ensure minimal disruption, optimal turnaround times, and environmental compliance
• Work in partnership with the EHSS team to meet safety and sustainability obligations
• Continuously review de-icing strategy to improve performance year-on-year
Customer & Stakeholder Relationships:
• Build strong relationships with airline clients, airport stakeholders, and service partners
• Proactively address concerns and deliver service recovery where needed
• Identify and develop commercial opportunities to support growth and client success
Health, Safety & Compliance:
• Lead the implementation of EHSS policies across the region, ensuring full regulatory compliance
• Promote a safety first culture at all levels of the organisation
• Conduct regular audits and ensure all sites remain audit-ready
• Collaborate with EHSS partners to uphold safety, health, and environmental standards
Performance Management & Continuous Improvement:
• Conduct regular operational reviews with Station Managers to identify trends and areas for improvement
• Drive performance improvement initiatives, coaching teams to meet targets and KPIs
• Continuously assess operational data, financial results, and service metrics to inform change
Reporting & Strategic Contribution:
• Deliver clear, timely, and data-led reporting to senior leadership
• Provide input into strategic decision-making based on insights from across the region
• Ensure alignment between operational execution and long-term business goals
Essential Requirements:
• Previous experience in aviation operations is essential
• A full UK driving licence is required due to the multi-site travel nature of the role