Senior Regional Manager, Airport Operations

United Ground Express • Chicago, IL

3d

About The Position

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Regional Manager, Airport
Operations to lead and oversee all ground and terminal operations across
multiple U.S. airport locations. This leadership role is responsible for
ensuring consistent, safe, efficient, and customer-focused operations in
alignment with regulatory standards and corporate objectives. The ideal
candidate will have extensive experience in managing airport operations across
multiple locations, with a strong focus on team leadership, operational
excellence, compliance, and strategic execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration, or equivalent professional experience in a related field.
• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in airport or airline operations, with 5+ years in a multi-location leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of airport operations, safety and regulatory compliance, and airline ground handling functions.
• Must be flexible to work at stations throughout the U.S. for long periods of time. May have to cover shifts when necessary, available 7 days a week/24 hours a day including holidays and weekends, to deal with any operational and/or unforeseen situations.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with operational reporting tools and performance dashboards.
• Experience managing unionized workforces.

Responsibilities

• Regional Oversight: Lead and manage airport operations across a designated U.S. region.
• Team Leadership: Supervise, mentor, and support Regional Support Managers (RSM’s) and General Managers and their teams, ensuring high performance and alignment with company goals.
• Performance Management: Partner with HR to support complex employee relations investigations ensuring fair, thorough, and timely resolutions, and foster and maintain collaborative relationships with union representatives.
• Operational Excellence: Drive improvements in operational KPIs, including on-time performance (OTP), baggage handling, passenger service, turnaround times, and safety metrics.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure full adherence to FAA, TSA, DOT, OSHA, and local airport authority regulations, including the development and enforcement of safety protocols.
• Budget Management: Oversee regional budgeting, cost control, and resource allocation, identifying opportunities for cost savings and efficiency.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Act as the primary liaison between corporate headquarters and local airport authorities, vendors, and regulatory agencies.
• Crisis Management: Lead the response to operational disruptions, weather events, and emergencies, ensuring coordinated and timely communication and recovery.
• Strategic Initiatives: Implement corporate strategies at the regional level, including new service rollouts, technology adoption, and sustainability efforts.
• Customer Experience: Champion a consistent, high-quality customer experience across all stations, collaborating with frontline teams and corporate partners.
• Performance Reporting: Regularly report on regional performance, challenges, and initiatives to executive leadership.

Benefits

• Flight privileges: Our employees and their families can fly anywhere in the world on stand-by across United Airlines’ amazing global network
• Discount Program: 20% off for flight tickets with United Airlines
• Vacation, Sick Time, and Floating Holidays
• Access to Medical Plan Options including PPO, Dental, Vision, Personal Accident, and Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Long Term Disability
• 401(k)
• Paid Training
• Paid parking or transportation assistance
• Participation in the UGE annual incentive plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level