At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations at Heathrow, manage teams, and ensure service excellence.
- Company: Join a dynamic staffing agency specialising in travel retail and airport operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, pension, and product discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and leadership development.
- 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 business that values trust, collaboration, and innovation. Our dynamic work culture fosters a supportive environment where employees are recognised for their contributions, and we offer ample opportunities for career progression and leadership development within the exciting context of Heathrow Airport operations. Join us to be part of a fast-growing team that delivers exceptional brand experiences while enjoying competitive benefits and a vibrant workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager – Heathrow Airport
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to current employees at 36T Hub Intl. A friendly chat can open doors!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, understand their values, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Practise common interview questions and have some examples ready that showcase your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for operations! When you get the chance, share your ideas on improving efficiency or enhancing customer experiences. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and commitment to service excellence.
✨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 team at 36T Hub Intl.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager – Heathrow Airport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Operations:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for operations management. Share specific examples of how you've driven service excellence and led teams in fast-paced environments like airports.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in airport operations or similar fields. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key qualifications and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Heathrow!
How to prepare for a job interview at 36T Hub
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research 36T Hub Intl. Understand their values, recent achievements, and the specifics of their operations at Heathrow. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their culture and goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Operations Manager, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on approach and how you lead teams from the shop floor. Share specific examples of how you've motivated staff, resolved conflicts, or improved team performance in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle operational challenges. Think of scenarios where you've had to make quick decisions under pressure, manage escalations, or improve service delivery. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the dynamic nature of airport operations, it's essential to convey your flexibility. Be ready to discuss how you've adapted to changing circumstances in past roles, whether it’s adjusting schedules or managing unexpected issues. Highlight your willingness to work varied hours and your commitment to meeting operational demands.
