At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cross-functional projects and drive operational improvements in a fast-paced airport environment.
- Company: Join Gatwick Ground Services, a proud British Airways subsidiary focused on exceptional customer service.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounted flights, private healthcare, generous leave, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and encourages personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the travel industry while connecting with diverse people every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management, stakeholder collaboration, and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Gatwick Ground Services (GGS) provide airport ground operations at London Gatwick and London City Airports.
As a wholly owned British Airways subsidiary we take great pride in delivering the same impeccable customer service and fully comprehensive training.
We are proud to deliver the highest standard of ground handling to British Airways and our other airline partners.
Gatwick Ground Services was established in 2016, to support the ramp operations of British Airways at Gatwick.
Following its success, the company branched into Aircraft Cleaning in 2018.
In 2020, Passenger Services formed the newest department within the GGS business to provide an all-round ground handling solution across London Gatwick and London City Airports.
Our operations across two stations supports British Airways, Air India, Iberia Express, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Vueling Airlines providing a complete ground handling solution.
It’s an exciting and fast-paced life when you’re working in some of the world’s most important travel hubs, and you’ll be part of a global gateway connecting with people from all walks of life and helping to make each and every journey original and unique.
Whether you are a welcoming face at check in, have a keen eye for aircraft appearance, or thrive in a detail-oriented fast paced ramp environment, a job at Gatwick Ground Services is yours to make.
When you join the Gatwick Ground Services team, an exceptional travel experience from the ground up starts with you.
The role
Operations Support Manager
The Operations Support Manager is accountable for driving and supporting day-to-day priorities across the operation, whilst owning the continuous improvement portfolio.
The role exists to align teams, maintain pace and ensure agreed actions and improvements are delivered on time and embedded into operational ways of working.
The role will partner with internal and external stakeholders to ultimately help in delivering a safe and punctual operation across all of GGS.
Accountabilities
- Lead and deliver cross‑functional projects and regular day-to-day improvements from agreement through to implementation
- Align operational and functional teams around shared priorities, plans and timelines
- Translate operational issues and leadership priorities into clear, deliverable actions
- Track progress, manage dependencies and ensure timely completion of agreed tasks and improvements
- Actively remove barriers, esc…
- Provide clear oversight, accountability and progress reporting to operational leaders, supported through strong analytical skill
- Owns the financial processing across the entire Operations area
- Track all key operational metrics, across all customer airlines, and identify areas of focus and improvement
- Represent GGS at airline and airport governance meetings
- Support in the strategic vision and priorities for our GSE fleet, owning the future asset renewal and requirements plan
Behaviours and attitude
- Demonstrates strong leadership and ownership, taking accountability for delivering cross‑functional projects, operational performance, and financial processes end‑to‑end.
- Communicates clearly, translating complex operational issues into actionable plans and providing transparent progress updates.
- Maintains a strong results‑driven focus, ensuring timely delivery, continuous improvement, and high performance against key operational metrics.
- Applies analytical thinking to identify trends, manage risks, and support decision‑making.
Proactively removes barriers, escalates issues, and sustains delivery momentum in a fast‑paced environment.
- Shows a strategic mindset, balancing day‑to‑day operational demands with long‑term planning, alongside a proactive, resilient, and detail‑oriented approach with a commitment to continuous improvement and commercial awareness.
Core traits
- Resilient
- Courageous
- Collaborative
- Influential
- Tenacious
- Inquisitive
- Discrete
Qualifications & Experience
- Project management and delivery
- Stakeholder management and cross‑functional collaboration
- Communication and influencing
- Planning, prioritisation and organisation
- Performance tracking and KPI management
- Risk management and issue resolution
- Problem‑solving and decision‑making
- Data analysis and insight generation
- Financial oversight and budget awareness
- Reporting and governance
- Continuous improvement and process optimisation
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Operational and commercial awareness
Skills & Capabilities
- Project and programme management
- Cross‑functional coordination and stakeholder management
- Strong communication and influencing skills
- Ability to translate strategy into clear, actionable plans
- Performance tracking and delivery management
- Risk identification, escalation and mitigation
- Problem‑solving and decision‑making capability
- Data analysis and interpretation of operational metrics
- Reporting, governance and presentation skills
- Continuous improvement and process optimisation
- Strategic planning and forward‑thinking capability
- Strong Commercial and operational awareness
Key enablers
- Centres of Expertise
- Head of Gatwick
- Health & Safety
- Security
- Legal
- Gatwick Airport Limited (GAL)
Key Performance Indicators
- Measures success through consistent on‑time delivery of projects and improvements, effective tracking and achievement of operational KPIs, and strong stakeholder alignment.
- Ensures robust risk and issue management to maintain delivery momentum, alongside accurate financial processing and budget control.
- Delivers high‑quality reporting and governance, with a focus on driving continuous improvement, efficiency gains, and effective asset and strategic planning across operations.
What we offer
We believe that all the people who work with us should feel valued for the part they play. It’s one of the reasons our rewards go far beyond a competitive salary.
Key benefits include
- Access to discounted flights known as hotline fares, standby tickets and concessions with British Airways and other code share airlines
- Access to a Private Health Care scheme and additional health benefits including free winter flu jab
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free staff parking
- Discounts on public transport and airport food vendors
- A generous leave allowance (in addition to Bank Holidays) of 23 days, increasing to 24 days after 5 years service
- Pension scheme
At Gatwick Ground Services you’ll have the chance to take on new challenges and move forward in a way that feels right for you.
We encourage all those who work for us to consider opportunities right across our business to help you develop and progress.
We never stand still, and we don’t expect our people to either.
Inclusion & Diversity
At Gatwick Ground Services we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive place to work.
Diverse representation among our people is really important to us and we recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to work.
Inclusion and diversity are a key driver of innovation and we’re committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they can be themselves.
We’re looking for people from all backgrounds and cultures to join us and be a part of our journey as we continue to assist with connecting Britain with the world and the world with Britain.
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Operations Support Manager in Crawley Down employer: British Airways
At British Airways, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Lead Network Engineer, you'll enjoy unparalleled staff travel benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to inclusion and diversity that ensures every voice is heard. Join us in shaping the future of air travel while enjoying a fulfilling career that truly takes you places.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Support Manager in Crawley Down
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like British Airways and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at British Airways!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like British Airways keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Support Manager in Crawley Down
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to British Airways:This is your chance to really connect with the team at British Airways. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Airways
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with British Airways.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show British Airways that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at British Airways. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
