Senior Operations Manager

We’re looking for an experienced operations leader who thrives in complexity and knows how to take ownership when it counts.

As Senior Operations Manager, you will be the most senior leader on-site during your shift in our brand-new Cargo Terminal at Schiphol. You’ll be fully accountable for delivering the day’s operation across all departments. You’ll provide clear direction, resolve disruptions decisively, and ensure performance, safety, and compliance targets are met in real time.

This role requires strong operational oversight, sound judgment under pressure, and the ability to maintain alignment across multiple teams and stakeholders. You will play a key role in ensuring seamless daily execution while contributing to continuous improvement and long-term resilience.

Responsibilities

• Take full operational ownership during your shift, acting as the senior escalation point across all functions

• Deliver the daily operational plan while responding swiftly to changes, disruptions, and competing demands

• Monitor service levels and operational KPIs, ensuring targets are achieved and standards upheld

• Manage flight delays, cargo offloads, and recovery actions with a clear focus on customer and business impact

• Ensure full compliance with HSE and aviation security regulations across all activities.

• Maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external partners, holding all parties accountable

• Collaborate with department managers to ensure resource and equipment plans are aligned and executable

• Lead and support operational projects that drive performance, efficiency, and service quality Head up our dnata Control Center where our Production Control team, Operations Control Managers and Operational Key Account Managers are based

What you bring

• A bachelor’s degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Operations Management or similar

• Certifications such as Lean Six Sigma, IATA or NEBOSH would be considered a plus

• Significant experience in operational leadership within a complex, regulated environment — aviation, logistics, or transport preferred

• Strong strategic awareness combined with hands-on leadership in time-critical situations.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage effectively at all levels, internally and externally

• A solid understanding of HSE, compliance, and security requirements in a 24/7 setting

• A calm, structured approach — even when the pressure is high

• Flexibility to work on a rotating shift schedule

What we offer

This is a senior position in a complex, fast-paced operational environment where you will have end-to-end responsibility for daily performance. You’ll be trusted to make critical decisions that directly impact service delivery and operational continuity. You will have the opportunity to shape how operations are executed and drive measurable improvements. Continuous improvement is a core part of the role, not an added extra.

Ready to bring your expertise to the front line of a high-performing operation?

Apply now and lead where it matters most.

Screening requirement:

A security screening is mandatory for this position. It is required that you hold a Dutch or EU passport and reside in the Netherlands. Candidates who do not meet these conditions will unfortunately not be considered in the application procedure.