At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations at Heathrow Airport and manage high-performing teams.
- Company: Join a dynamic staffing agency specialising in travel retail and airport operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with exposure to exciting retail activations.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced environment and make a real impact on service excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
We are a people driven business with a team of over 20 years’ experience in our industry sector looking for a core member of our operations team to achieve mutual success in driving service, fresh ideas and a strong team culture across our operation! 36T Hub Intl is a dynamic staffing and project management agency specialising in travel retail, airport operations, experiential marketing, and brand activations across the UK. We deliver tailored workforce and project solutions to leading brands, retailers and agencies, supporting campaigns from planning through to execution.
Over the past two years, we have achieved significant growth and are now seeking an energetic candidate to further develop our Heathrow business, strengthen our operations team, and enhance our service proposition across our business at Heathrow. Trust is one of our core values. We foster a supportive and respectful environment where our leadership team and wider colleagues are recognised and valued for their individual contributions and collective success.
36T Hub collaborates with prestige brands across all categories within the travel retail sector and is rapidly growing its non-travel retail client portfolio. We specialise in delivering premium customer experiences and high-impact retail activations across airports and key retail destinations. Driven by service excellence, innovation and a people-first culture, 36T Hub is committed to creating exceptional brand experiences while nurturing a collaborative, inclusive, and dynamic environment for our teams.
The Role: We are looking for an experienced, hands-on, and commercially driven Operations Manager to work within our Heathrow leadership team to drive our business at Heathrow. This is a site-based operational leadership role, responsible for managing the day-to-day performance of teams across Heathrow Airport, ensuring service excellence, operational efficiency, stakeholder engagement, and delivery of key commercial and operational KPIs.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced airport environment and enjoys being operationally involved, visible on the shop floor, and leading teams from the front. The successful candidate will report directly to the Head of Operations – Heathrow and will play a key role in managing airport teams, maintaining strong stakeholder relationships, and supporting business growth across the Heathrow operation.
Please note this role requires flexibility to work weekdays and weekends (not every weekend), as well as early starts and late finishes depending on operational requirements, with working hours rostered in line with business needs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and oversee day-to-day operations across Heathrow Airport
- Manage and support airport-based teams, Team Leaders, and shop floor staff to ensure high performance and service delivery
- Deliver operational, financial, and service KPIs across the Heathrow operation
- Support the development and implementation of strategic and operational plans
- Lead recruitment, onboarding, and training of new team members
- Support the Passing Team and ensure staff compliance with airport security and pass requirements
- Coach, mentor, and develop Team Leaders and operational staff
- Maintain a strong shop floor presence, leading by example and supporting teams operationally
- Coordinate workforce planning and rostering to meet operational demands
- Manage operational issues, escalations, and emergencies as they arise
- Work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to improve operational efficiency
- Attend operational service level meetings and performance meetings as required
- Build and maintain strong relationships with World Duty Free (Avolta) and other key stakeholders
- Monitor service standards, compliance, and team performance across the Heathrow operation
- Support reporting, commercial performance, and business development initiatives
- Participate in on-call operational support when required
About You:
- Proven experience in an Operations Manager, Team Manager, or leadership role
- Experience within airport operations, travel retail, luxury retail, hospitality, staffing, or fast-paced operational environments
- Strong leadership and people management experience
- Commercially minded with a focus on delivering operational and revenue targets
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
- Hands-on leadership style with the ability to lead from the shop floor
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure
- Strong organisational and rostering experience
- Flexible and adaptable to changing operational requirements
- Able to work weekdays and weekends (not every weekend), with flexibility for early starts and late finishes based on operational needs
Reporting Line: This role reports directly to the Head of Operations – Heathrow Airport.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary package
- All statutory benefits
- Company pension
- Performance – related bonus
- Working with leading global beauty and travel retail brands
- A fast-growing and entrepreneurial business environment
- Career progression and leadership development opportunities
- Collaborative and supportive team culture
- Exposure to exciting high-profile airport retail operations and activations
- Access to product discount platform
If you are a hands-on operational leader with a passion for people, service excellence and delivering results in a fast-paced airport environment, we would love to hear from you.
Operations Manager – Heathrow Airport employer: 36T Hub
At 36T Hub Intl, we pride ourselves on being a people-driven organisation that values trust, collaboration, and innovation. As an Operations Manager at Heathrow Airport, you will thrive in a dynamic environment where your contributions are recognised, and you have the opportunity to lead a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences. With competitive salaries, performance-related bonuses, and clear pathways for career progression, we offer a supportive culture that empowers you to grow while working with prestigious brands in the travel retail sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager – Heathrow Airport
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already working at Heathrow or in similar roles. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Be visible! Attend industry events or job fairs related to airport operations. Show up, engage with potential employers, and let them see your enthusiasm for the role. It’s all about making that personal connection!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Since 36T Hub values trust and collaboration, think of examples from your past experiences that showcase these traits. Be ready to share how you can contribute to their team!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our dynamic team at Heathrow.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager – Heathrow Airport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how your passion for operations and people aligns with our values at 36T Hub Intl.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure to customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in airport operations or similar fast-paced environments. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to spot and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into our hiring process smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at 36T Hub
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure to research 36T Hub Intl thoroughly. Understand their values, recent projects, and the specific role they play in airport operations. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams, managed operational challenges, or improved service delivery. Be ready to discuss how you can bring that hands-on approach to the shop floor.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle pressure. Think of scenarios related to airport operations, such as managing a staffing crisis or improving service standards. Practising these responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the dynamic nature of airport operations, it's crucial to highlight your flexibility. Be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to changing circumstances in previous roles, whether it’s adjusting schedules or responding to unexpected operational issues. This will reassure them that you're ready for the fast-paced environment at Heathrow.
