At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the PRS service at Heathrow, ensuring top-notch operations and compliance.
- Company: Join a leading aviation service provider with a focus on excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the aviation industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven senior management experience in aviation or regulated services required.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 ÂŁ per year.
The General Manager is responsible for the effective, compliant and profitable operation of the PRS service at Heathrow Airport. The role ensures the delivery of a professional, high‑quality service that meets and exceeds the requirements set out in the Contract / Service Level Agreement (SLA) agreed with the client. The role holds full accountability for planning and allocation, HR and vetting, training and development, continuous improvement and innovation, safety, auditing, compliance and financial performance, while driving operational excellence and supporting business growth opportunities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Operational Leadership, Planning & Allocation
- Lead the delivery of PRS shared services function, ensuring sufficient staffing levels to meet demand, service levels, KPIs and contractual requirements are met or exceeded.
- Ensure effective short‑, medium‑ and long‑term planning and allocation of resources aligned to demand, productivity and budget.
- Act as the senior operational point of contact with the client, maintaining professional and effective day‑to‑day relationships.
- Maintain site logbooks and ensure all operational documentation is accurate, current and audit‑ready.
- Manage third‑party resources operating on behalf of the business.
- P&L accountability for the front‑line staff and shared service costs associated with the contract.
- Deliver budgetary targets, financial forecasts and margin improvement plans.
- Monitor expenditure and income against plan, ensuring effective cost control.
- Ensure accurate submission of wage sheets and that staff are paid correctly and on time.
- Ensure completed works are invoiced promptly and accurately.
- Support tender preparation and commercial submissions as required.
- HR, Vetting & Industrial Relations
- Overall responsibility for HR management, ensuring compliance with company policy and employment legislation.
- Oversee recruitment, selection, onboarding and security vetting, ensuring all regulatory and right‑to‑work requirements are completed prior to deployment.
- Ensure employment records are accurate, current and compliant.
- Lead performance management, appraisals and succession planning.
- Ensure disciplinary and grievance procedures are applied consistently and fairly.
- Lead industrial relations activity, including engagement with Trade Unions and pay negotiations where applicable.
- Training & Development
- Ensure all staff receive appropriate induction, recurrent and role‑specific training.
- Ensure staff are competent and trained in the duties for which they are employed.
- Maintain training records and compliance matrices to audit standard.
- Support the development of future leaders through coaching and structured development plans.
- Safety, Compliance & Auditing
- Overall accountability for Health & Safety team, ensuring compliance with statutory, contractual and airport‑specific requirements.
- Ensure Health & Safety procedures are embedded and practised by all employees.
- Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Conduct and oversee monthly safety, quality and compliance audits.
- Ensure all non‑conformances are addressed promptly and effectively.
- Implement and maintain Quality Management Systems and continuous compliance monitoring.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement and innovation across the operation.
- Identify and implement improvements in service delivery, productivity, safety, quality and customer experience.
- Use performance data, audits and customer feedback to inform and develop specific improvement plans.
- Promote innovative working practices and efficiency improvements.
- Administration & Reporting
- Produce monthly operational, financial, safety and performance reports.
- Attend internal and client meetings as required.
- Respond to customer queries professionally, both verbally and in writing.
- Undertake investigations as requested by senior management.
About You
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Proven senior management experience within PRS, aviation, or a regulated service environment.
- Strong leadership capability with experience managing large, multi‑skilled workforces.
- Sound commercial acumen with P&L responsibility.
- Strong planning, organisational and decision‑making skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Competent IT skills including Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Previous experience of primarily working in a similar role is desirable.
- A minimum of 2 years of General Manager experience with Aviation or 5 years’ General Manager experience in Transport & Logistics.
- Must have the right to work in the UK.
- Must pass a DBS check.
- Must be able to provide 5 years of reference information.
- Must hold a full UK driving license.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrable experience in Health & Safety management and auditing.
- Experience of HR management and industrial relations.
General Manager in London employer: Heathrow Employment & Skills Academy
Contact Detail:
Heathrow Employment & Skills Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the aviation and PRS sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your experience in operational leadership and HR management. This will help you tailor your responses and show them you’re the perfect fit for the General Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on showcasing your leadership skills and P&L experience, as these are key for the General Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications that way!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the General Manager role. Highlight your experience in operational leadership, HR management, and financial performance. We want to see how your skills align with our needs at Heathrow Airport!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence and supported business growth in your previous positions.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a General Manager, strong leadership is key. In your application, emphasise your experience managing large teams and your ability to foster a positive work environment. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and lead others!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heathrow Employment & Skills Academy
✨Know Your Numbers
As a General Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of P&L responsibility. Brush up on financial metrics relevant to the role, like budgetary targets and margin improvement plans. Be ready to discuss how you've managed costs and driven profitability in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership capabilities, so think about examples that highlight your experience managing large, multi-skilled teams. Prepare to share specific instances where you’ve successfully led a team through challenges or implemented training and development initiatives.
✨Be Audit-Ready
Since compliance and auditing are key responsibilities, make sure you understand the importance of maintaining accurate operational documentation. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past roles and how you would approach audits in this position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills are crucial. Think about how you've built relationships with clients or partners in the past. Prepare to discuss strategies you've used to maintain effective day-to-day relationships and how you handle customer queries professionally.