Operations Director

SCOPE OF THE ROLE:

As an experienced operations director reporting to the vice president of operations within the Aviation industry, this is an exciting position with room for future progression and will play an integral part of the senior leadership team. You will be accountable for the strategic direction of the Aviation business within your region. Your main responsibilities include delivering the strategy, controlling and overseeing all business operations, people, and ventures within scope of Aviation services and geographies. As an experienced leader you will steer, drive, and grow the Company to enable the implementation of its vision, mission and long-term goals aligned to the company strategic direction.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership:

• Accountable for the delivery of the strategy ensuring tactical decisions align with business goals.
• Accountable for streamlining operational efficiencies to meet and surpass on-time delivery targets and control implementation of improved operating procedures. Standardiseing design and aviation processes where possible.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to define objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Operational:

• Ensure operations and related services at all locations within the division, are provided with the necessary, equipment, assets, people and processes are in place.
• Accountable for maintenance of approval for all the Airport Ground Operating Licences, CAA Training Provider Status, Aviation Security (AvSec), Authorised Signatories and CAA Listed Status for Inflight Supplies.
• Promote a culture of service excellence and maintain a professional image, both personally and corporately – champion legendary service.

 Engagement:

• Maintain and promote positive relationship with all stakeholders; including colleagues, other leaders and customers.
• Act as customer liaison when necessary (this role will require frequent travel to customer sites).
• Review operational performance metrics with the clients and internal team.
• Establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with all team members.
• Foster collaborative working across all industry groups.
• Participate and/or lead in sales and operational presentations to clients.
• Responsible for the delivery of proposals and risk management, and other bids within the business in conjunction with Commercial and Sales teams.
• Ensure an active client engagement programme and follow up actions is maintained within the division.

Reporting:

• Communicate effectively with team members and clients to ensure monitoring of and fulfilment of performance requirements and reporting. Set-up Departmental KPIs in conjunction with the leadership team. Understand client performance metrics/SLAs/KPIs and the financial ramifications.
• Prepare for, participate, and oversee the weekly leadership calls within Aviation UK and wider UK businesses as part of the UK leadership team. Discuss key business initiatives, compliance, new business, recruitment, financial updates, and operational concerns as required.
• Promote new technology, data reporting and innovation to support the growth and sustainment of the business.
• Analyse customer feedback to identify trends and areas for improvement.

Processes & Procedures:

• Ensure compliance with all safety, security, environmental, compliance and quality standards and procedures established by the Company, by our clients, and by regulatory authorities, including the DfT, CAA, TSA, HSE, at each operation within the Division. Responsible for delivering and/or implementing policies, systems, programmes, processes, procedures and/or plans throughout the locations within the area of control.
• Comply with all safety, security, authorised signatories, compliance, training, environment and quality standards and procedures established by the Company, clients, and regulatory authorities.
• Promote foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation and a “Just Culture” around H&S and security compliance to ensure lesson learning and reduction in risk.
• Oversee the compliance training programmes at each operation within the Division and ensure that all training documents are properly maintained in training files or databases.

People Management:

• Deliver and implement business strategic objectives annually and measure and review performance against goals for direct reports and the wider team.
• Responsible for training and mentoring all direct report and wider teams. Create talent and succession plans in conjunction with HR for the operations team.
• Oversee hiring and performance management of direct reports.
• Effectively manage, coach and mentor team to meet service level agreements.

Finance & Commercial:

• Manage profit and loss income statement for the Aviation UK business.
• Prepare for and lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reviews for the operational business.
• Ensure that planned profits of the division are realised through effective financial controls, forecasting and management.
• Responsible for division financial planning and budgeting.
• Responsible for ensuring that all accounts are timely paid and up to date, managing cashflows and aged debt.
• Supporting business development growth, identifying potential mergers and acquisition (M&A) and large scale TUPE’s within region in conjunction with Commercial.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Degree or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience as an operations director, divisional director, or other senior managerial position.
• Demonstrable experience in delivering strategic and business plans.
• Proven track record of driving and delivering transformational change.
• Thorough knowledge of market changes and forces that may influence the business.
• Strong understanding of corporate finance and measures of performance.
• Familiar with H&S, Security and Corporate law and management best practice.
• Commercially and business astute with an entrepreneurial and enquiring mindset.
• Natural, charismatic people leader with the ability to operate and influence at all levels and strong desire to progress as an individual.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organisational and presentation skills.
• Highly resilient with the ability to react quickly to change in a fast-moving, complex business.
• Proven track record of being able to make fast and sound business decisions.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Maintain a professional image at all times.
• Ability to deal calmly and reasonably in pressurised situations.
• The ideal candidate will have a background of working within the customer service/ customer care industry and have knowledge of working with those who require special assistance.
• We are seeking candidates who have a real passion for people, delivering excellent customer service on a daily basis.
• Set a good example at all times.
• Previous Airline &/or Airport experience is desired although not essential as full training will be provided.
• Competent IT skills, the position holder will need to use ABM systems and communicate effectively via email.
• Excellent communication skills with an empathic nature.
• You must be competent at English language skills including speaking, reading and writing.
• Demonstrate reliability including the ability to deliver high standards of both punctuality and attendance.
• Ability to deal calmly and confidently with all demands from the public.
• Champion principles of equality, inclusion and diversity.
• Valid Right to work documentation.
• 5-year checkable employment/education history, ideally with a maximum of 5 references for vetting purposes.
• Must pass a basic DBS check.
• Overseas Criminal Record Check (if applicable).
• Available for very early morning shifts, outside of normal public transport times.
• Able to obtain an airside pass that allows you access to security restricted areas.
• Must be willing to work weekend and shifts.

Preferable

• Experience in the Aviation sector or similar background in transport, retail and/or logistics.
• Completed Senior Executive Programme for IOSH or similar safety programme.
• Have or held Aviation Security Leadership Programme (AvSec) or similar.