At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead airport ground handling operations and drive strategic initiatives for excellence.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in the aviation industry, focused on innovation and customer satisfaction.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, leadership development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transforming airport operations while fostering a culture of diversity and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in aviation, strong commercial acumen, and a passion for operational excellence.
- Other info: This role is based in the vibrant City of London, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of ground handling.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
The Vice President of Airport Ground Handling Services and Operations is responsible for leading and executing strategies that ensure operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and commercial success across all ground handling functions. This executive role is central to aligning operational delivery with evolving airline and airport partner needs, integrating tech advancements, and upholding the brand identity and commercial objectives of the organisation.
The Vice President will oversee the development of high-performing teams, drive continuous improvement and innovation, and identify new business opportunities both locally and internationally. As a key decision-maker, the role demands strong leadership, deep industry insight, and a proactive approach to stakeholder management and strategic partnerships.
Key Responsibilities:- Provide strategic leadership and direction for all airport ground handling operations.
- Establish and implement long-term visions, goals, and business strategies.
- Direct initiatives to enhance customer experience and optimise operational profitability.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with senior executives across airline, airport, and regulatory bodies.
- Forge international partnerships and represent the organisation.
- Identify new business opportunities and assist with developing proposals to support commercial growth.
- Lead organisational capability development, succession planning, and talent engagement.
- Act as a mentor and coach, fostering leadership and professional development across teams.
- Align human resource strategies with evolving operational and business requirements.
- Plan and enforce robust workplace safety and aviation security programmes.
- Ensure compliance with national and international aviation regulations and standards.
- Promote an inclusive culture that values diversity and collaboration across global stakeholders.
- Champion a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and service excellence.
- Visionary leadership and strategic thinking
- Strong commercial and operational acumen
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influence
- Deep knowledge of airline and airport operations, regulations, and global trends
- Proven track record in business development and performance optimisation
- Skilled in crisis management and operational risk mitigation
- Commitment to safety, security, and service integrity
Contact Detail:
Unifi Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land VP Ground Handling UK & IRELAND (City of London)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals who have experience in airport ground handling. Attend relevant conferences or seminars to meet potential contacts and learn about the latest trends in the sector.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the specific airlines and airports you would be working with. Understanding their operational needs and challenges will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your value during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and drive performance improvements.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on aviation regulations and safety standards. Being knowledgeable about compliance will not only enhance your credibility but also show your commitment to operational excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace VP Ground Handling UK & IRELAND (City of London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in airport ground handling and operations. Focus on leadership roles, strategic initiatives you've led, and any measurable outcomes that demonstrate your impact.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of the role and the company. Discuss how your vision aligns with their goals and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven operational excellence in previous positions.
Highlight Key Competencies: In your application, emphasise your competencies such as visionary leadership, stakeholder engagement, and crisis management. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've applied these skills in real-world scenarios.
Showcase Industry Knowledge: Demonstrate your deep knowledge of airline and airport operations by referencing current trends and challenges in the industry. This will show that you are not only qualified but also passionate about the field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Unifi
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a VP, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare to discuss your long-term vision for ground handling operations and how you plan to align it with the needs of airlines and airports. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your strategic thinking.
✨Highlight Stakeholder Engagement Skills
This role requires exceptional stakeholder management. Be ready to share examples of how you've built and maintained relationships with senior executives in the airline and airport sectors. Discuss your approach to collaboration and how you’ve influenced key decisions in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Operational Excellence
Operational excellence is crucial for this position. Prepare to talk about initiatives you've led that enhanced customer experience and optimised profitability. Use metrics and outcomes to back up your claims, showing how your actions directly contributed to business success.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Team Development
As a leader, your ability to develop high-performing teams will be under scrutiny. Share your experiences in mentoring and coaching others, and how you've fostered a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within your teams. Highlight any specific programmes or strategies you've implemented to enhance team capabilities.