Regional Vice President of Aviation Ground Handling Operations

Menzies Aviation

$150K — $180K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration, or Logistics (Master's or MBA preferred).
  • 10+ years of leadership experience in aviation ground handling or airport operations.
  • 5-7 years in a regional or multi-station executive role with P&L responsibility.
  • Strong background in ground service equipment (GSE) and IATA standards.
  • Experience managing diverse workforces in a 24/7 operational setting.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute regional strategies for ground handling services.
  • Oversee performance and resource allocation for various operational areas.
  • Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive improvements.
  • Identify and implement initiatives for continuous operational excellence.
  • Lead commercial efforts to expand service scope across airports.
  • Manage financial performance including budgeting and cost control.
  • Champion safety and compliance with all relevant regulations.

Benefits

  • Opportunity for executive mentorship and talent development.
  • Engagement in strategic growth initiatives within the aviation sector.
  • Leadership role in fostering a safety-first culture.
  • Experience in contract negotiations and customer relations at a senior level.
  • Access to industry forums and critical incident management.
Full Job Description
Main accountabilities include:

Strategic Leadership & Operations

Develop and execute multi-station/regional strategies for ground handling services to align with corporate objectives, drive growth, profitability, and service excellence.

  • Oversee day-to-day and long-term operational performance, including resource allocation (staffing, equipment/GSE), process optimization, and service delivery for passenger services, ramp, baggage, cleaning, and cargo.
  • Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time performance, mishandled baggage rates, turnaround times, productivity, and customer satisfaction scores.
  • Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives, standardization of best practices, and innovation in operations.
  • Lead the regional commercial agenda, proactively identifying opportunities to expand service scope, increase service density, and deliver additional solutions across the airports within the region.


Financial & Business Management

  • Hold full P&L accountability for the region, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control (especially labor and equipment), revenue optimization, and margin improvement.
  • Support contract negotiations, renewals, expansions, and new business development with airlines and airport authorities.
  • Drive efficiency in labor management, staffing models, overtime control, and equipment utilization.


Safety, Compliance & Quality

  • Champion a strong safety-first culture and ensure full compliance with FAA, TSA, DOT, OSHA, IATA, local airport authority, and other regulatory requirements (including security, hazardous materials, and environmental standards).
  • Oversee audits, inspections, incident investigations, and corrective action plans.
  • Maintain certifications, training programs, and risk management protocols across all stations.


Team Leadership & Development

  • Provide executive direction to Regional Managers, Station Managers, and operational teams; mentor and develop talent.
  • Foster a high-performance, inclusive culture with focus on employee engagement, diversity, and succession planning.
  • Handle complex employee relations, labour relations (where applicable), and union matters.


Stakeholder & Customer Relations

  • Serve as the senior executive liaison with airline customers, airport authorities, regulators, and vendors.
  • Manage customer escalations, performance reviews, and relationship-building to ensure high satisfaction and contract retention.
  • Represent the organization in industry forums, audits, and critical incidents.


Safety, Security and Compliance

All employees have a responsibility and duty while at work to:

  • Take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions whilst at work.
  • Fully versed in International Aviation Safety and Security standards and passionate about promoting them within the organization.
  • Co-operate with their manager / supervisor to allow them to perform or comply with any legal requirements imposed on the company.
  • Not intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided by the company in the interests of health, safety, or welfare reasons.
  • Inform their manager / supervisor of any work situation, equipment or activity that represents a serious or immediate danger to health and safety.
  • Report any hazards, near misses, incidents, accidents, or dangerous occurrences to their manager / supervisor, who will then follow the procedures contained in this manual.
  • Carry out work in accordance with information and training provided and any specific workplace health and safety rules or procedures.
  • Fully understand the company health and safety policy.
  • Attend training courses as may be arranged by the Company.


Qualifications and Experience

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field (Master's or MBA preferred).


Experience:

  • 10+ years of progressive leadership in aviation ground handling, ramp services, or airport operations, with at least 5-7 years at a regional or multi-station executive level. Proven P&L responsibility for large-scale operations.
  • Strong background with ground service equipment (GSE), IATA standards, AHM/IGOM, and airline/airport contracts.
  • Experience managing large unionized or diverse workforces in a 24/7 operational environment.


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