Aviation Senior General Manager, Cabin Services

The Aviation Senior General Manager (SGM) is the senior-most leader responsible for overseeing all operational, financial, and administrative functions for an airport station or multi-department aviation services operation. This executive role ensures safety, regulatory compliance, customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, workforce performance, and sustainable business growth. The SGM acts as the primary liaison with airline partners, airport authorities, government agencies, and internal stakeholders, ensuring high-quality service delivery and operational excellence across all departments

Benefits: ABM offers a comprehensive benefits package.  For information about ABM’s benefits, visit ABM Employee Benefits: Staff & Mgmt

• Strategic Leadership & Operational Excellence
• Provide overall leadership and direction for multiple aviation service departments (e.g., ramp, cabin services, janitorial, cargo, catering support, GSE, security).
• Develop and execute long-term strategies to improve operational performance, safety culture, customer satisfaction, and financial results.
• Ensure full compliance with FAA, TSA, OSHA, Airport Authority, and company standards.
• Implement operational best practices and continuous improvement initiatives to optimize productivity, quality, and on-time performance.

Financial & Business Management

• Own P&L performance for the station or region; create annual budgets and forecasts.
• Monitor revenue, labor costs, overtime, operational expenses, and warranty/chargeback exposure.
• Identify growth opportunities, negotiate airline contracts in partnership with corporate teams, and support new business transitions.
• Analyze operational and financial data to drive cost efficiency and maintain profitability.

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a large, diverse workforce including managers, supervisors, and front-line employees.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, safety, and high performance.
• Oversee staffing strategies, succession planning, and employee development programs.
• Partner with HR on employee relations, investigations, corrective actions, and workforce planning.
• Support union environments where applicable, including interpretation of CBAs and labor relations management.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a safety-first culture across all operational environments, including ramp, terminal, airfield, and facility operations.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols such as FOD control, equipment inspections, hazard assessments, and incident reporting.
• Lead incident investigations and corrective action plans.
• Maintain compliance with all airport security requirements, including SIDA/AOA policies.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for airline partners, airport officials, FAA/TSA representatives, and executive leadership.
• Lead regular performance meetings with customers to review KPIs, SLAs, operational challenges, and improvement plans.
• Build strong relationships to enhance customer confidence and support contract renewals.
• Respond to escalations and ensure timely resolution to operational service issues.

Operational Oversight & Performance Management

• Oversee daily operations to ensure service delivery meets or exceeds airline SLAs.
• Manage KPIs including on-time service, quality audits, safety metrics, financial performance, and employee productivity.
• Lead cross-department coordination to support smooth aircraft turns, facility cleanliness, and overall station performance.
• Implement technology platforms to support scheduling, WFM, QA, and operational reporting.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Business, Operations, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in aviation operations, airline services, airport management, or logistics.
• Experience leading large teams (150+ ; employees) across multiple departments.
• P&L management experience required.
• Previous experience in a heavily regulated, time-critical operational environment strongly preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to interpret financial data and drive results.
• Expertise in safety management systems (SMS) and aviation regulatory frameworks.
• Proven ability to lead in fast-paced, dynamic environments with frequent operational changes.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and manage within complex stakeholder environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and operational systems (WFM, scheduling, QA platforms, reporting dashboards).

Other Requirements

• · Ability to obtain and maintain airport-required badges (SIDA/AOA).
• · Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• · Willingness to work extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays based on operational demands.
• · Travel may be required for multi-airport oversight.

Key Competencies

• Executive Leadership & Vision
• Financial & Business Management
• Safety & Regulatory Compliance
• Operational Strategy & Execution
• Customer Relationship Management
• Crisis Management & Problem Solving
• Talent Development & Employee Engagement

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to work in both office and airport ramp environments.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs.; ability to walk, stand, and climb jet bridge/ramp areas as needed.
• Exposure to weather, noise, and fast-paced operational settings.