At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teams in a fast-paced airport environment, ensuring safety and operational excellence.
- Company: Join British Airways, a globally recognised airline with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Career development opportunities, inclusive culture, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Flexible shift-based role with a focus on teamwork and innovation.
- Why this job: Be an influential leader in one of the busiest airports, driving continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational leadership and strong people management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
A Career Without Limits
At British Airways, we connect Britain with the world and the world with Britain.
Behind every successful flight is a team of dedicated operational professionals working together to deliver a safe, secure and punctual operation for our customers.
We're looking for an experienced and motivated Operations Manager to join our Critical Services team at Heathrow.
This is an exciting opportunity for a proven operational leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, enjoys leading people, and is passionate about delivering exceptional safety and operational performance.
The Role
As an Operations Manager within Critical Services, you will play a key leadership role in one of the busiest and most complex airport environments in the world.
Working at the heart of our Ground Operations function, you will lead teams responsible for delivering critical operational services, ensuring the highest standards of safety, compliance and performance are maintained around the clock.
You will be a visible and influential leader, supporting colleagues on the frontline, managing operational challenges, and driving continuous improvement across the operation.
- What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Leading Critical Services teams across a 24/7, 365‑day operation.
- Acting as the management representative during operational and safety‑related incidents, ensuring appropriate reporting and duty of care processes are followed.
- Creating a positive, high‑performing culture where colleagues feel engaged, supported and empowered to succeed.
- Driving operational excellence, safety performance and customer‑focused outcomes.
- Working closely with Heathrow operational leaders, safety and security teams, and other stakeholders to deliver a safe and efficient operation.
- Coaching, developing and motivating frontline colleagues and managers to achieve outstanding results.
- Managing operational disruption and ensuring effective decision‑making in a dynamic environment.
- Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and leading change initiatives that enhance performance.
- What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking an inspirational leader who combines operational expertise with strong people management skills.
You will ideally have
- Significant experience working in a fast‑paced operational or airport environment.
- Proven leadership and people management experience, including coaching and developing teams.
- Experience managing operational performance, safety and compliance requirements.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- The ability to make sound decisions under pressure and lead through operational challenges.
- An understanding of working with trade unions and employee relations processes.
- Knowledge of people policies and performance management processes.
- A proactive, collaborative approach with a passion for continuous improvement.
Essential Requirements
- Full UK manual driving licence held for a minimum of 12 months.
- No more than three penalty points on your licence.
- Ability to obtain and maintain an airport airside pass.
- Ability to obtain and maintain an airside driving permit.
- Flexibility to work a shift‑based roster covering days, nights, weekends and public holidays.
Location: London Heathrow Airport (Terminal 5) Contract: Full Time, Shift-Based (24/7/365 Operation)
Why British Airways
At British Airways, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact in one of the world’s most recognised airlines.
We invest in our people, encourage career development, and provide opportunities to grow your leadership capability while working alongside talented colleagues who are passionate about delivering excellence.
Inclusion & Diversity
At British Airways, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves and thrive.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives because we know that diverse teams drive innovation, creativity and better outcomes for our customers and colleagues alike.
Join us and be part of our journey to become a Better BA.
We reserve the right to close this campaign earlier than the advertised closing date if a sufficient number of suitable applications are received
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Operations Manager - Critical Services in London employer: British Airways PLC
At British Airways, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at Heathrow where every team member is valued and empowered to reach their full potential. With competitive salaries, extensive staff travel benefits, and a strong commitment to inclusion and diversity, we foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth. Join us in delivering world-class service while enjoying the unique advantages of working for the nation's flag carrier, where your ambition can truly take flight.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Critical Services in London
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
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✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by British Airways PLC. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Critical Services in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at British Airways PLC, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at British Airways PLC and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into British Airways PLC. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Airways PLC
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at British Airways PLC.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to British Airways PLC.
