Director of Operations

Dnata•Jamaica, NY

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Based at JFK International Airport, the Terminal 8 Director of Operations provides tactical and strategic guidance to achieve company goals across Terminal 8 Operations. The role focuses on continuous operational and business improvement, identifying issues that impede current or future operations, and developing solutions to complex problems in the aviation environment. The Director partners in developing, executing, and communicating business strategies across multiple airline customers to support consistent excellence in safety, service, and performance. The role also delivers customer commitments through effective leadership, colleague development, and customer partnerships, while engaging and influencing internal and external stakeholders at every level. The position leads regional operational practices, safety programs, compliance, asset and financial management, workforce planning, and performance improvement. It works with station teams, customers, senior management, and cross-functional support groups to meet company and customer requirements, improve profitability, and ensure operational alignment.

Requirements

At least 5 years of related experience or training in ground handling and/or the aviation business.
Experience operating wide-body aircraft.
Experience with British Airways operations, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
A successful record of strategic and tactical operations management, including oversight of multiple locations and facilities.
Knowledge of airport operations, asset management, system management, government regulations and compliance, budgeting, and expense analysis.
Business and intellectual competencies including industry knowledge, negotiation, strategic and tactical planning, warehousing and logistics, problem analysis, written and oral communication, people development, and creativity.
Ability to analyze and evaluate customer needs and anticipate potential business opportunities.
Ability to possess and maintain a valid state driver's license and required FAA/airport identification, seals, or authorizations.
Ability to travel as required.

Responsibilities

Lead a safety-centric culture through consistent execution and implementation of company programs and processes throughout the region.
Communicate throughout the organization so management teams are informed of safety, logistics, and planning issues.
Ensure facilities comply with company policies and procedures and adhere to the company's mission, vision, and values.
Ensure consistent practices in asset management, financial reporting, and compliance with state and local government regulations.
Provide operational input for strategic business planning, technology integration, innovation, and process changes across facilities.
Develop teams through succession planning, KPI integration, coaching, training, and mentoring to improve performance and maximize potential.
Develop cost and profitability improvement initiatives through oversight and analysis of the operational budget.
Ensure station management understands current and future customer SLAs and SGHAs and uses them to meet customer commitments.
Lead scheduling, rostering, and recruiting processes by reviewing station schedules and holding teams accountable for rosters, compliance, and recruiting needs.
Analyze operational, functional, and customer data and partner with appropriate resources to execute informed business strategies.
Schedule periodic customer communications to assess satisfaction and provide recognition or redirection to station teams.
Partner with station and national equipment teams to review budgets, maintain equipment plans, address issues, and anticipate capital requirements.
Partner with senior management and Commercial, Finance, HR, Safety, and other support teams to align on corporate goals and requirements.
Carry out management responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws.
Perform related duties as assigned.