At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Virgin Atlantic's punctuality strategy and drive performance improvements across the global network.
- Company: Join Virgin Atlantic, a pioneering airline with a passion for innovation and customer experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that celebrates diversity and empowers everyone.
- Why this job: Shape the future of punctuality in a dynamic and impactful role.
- Qualifications: Experience in airline operations and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: VHQ, Crawley. Hybrid – 3 days per week onsite, must include a Tuesday
Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours Monday to Friday
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: Thursday 12th March 2026
At Virgin Atlantic Airways, we believe that everyone can take on the world, and it's our vision to become the most loved travel company. As we embark on this next exciting stage of our journey, we're harnessing our spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation to challenge the status quo.
In a nutshell
Our On-Time Performance (OTP) is fundamental to delivering a seamless operation and outstanding customer experience. As our Airport Operations Punctuality Manager, you will lead Virgin Atlantic's OTP strategy across the global network. You will act as our subject matter expert, embedding the Precision Turnaround Schedule (PTS), driving delay analysis and corrective actions, and ensuring discipline and consistency across all stations. This is a brand-new role created from a successful initiative piloted this year, offering a rare opportunity to shape the future of punctuality performance at Virgin Atlantic.
Day to day
As an Airport Operations Punctuality Manager, you will:
- Lead the network-wide OTP performance framework, setting clear expectations and ensuring accountability
- Own and embed the Precision Turnaround Schedule (PTS) as the standard for turnaround execution
- Carry out delay analysis, identify root causes and create actionable improvement plans
- Lead structured OTP reviews, including the daily operational performance call
- Work closely with Airport Managers, OCC, Engineering, Flight Ops, IFS, Cargo and ground handlers
- Drive performance improvements in D0, D15, arrivals, and connections
- Challenge non-compliance and elevate systemic issues when needed
- Deliver continuous improvement initiatives that reduce primary delay minutes and improve stations performance
- Champion operational discipline that supports our Joint Venture and customer promise
About you
We are looking for someone who brings strong airline operations expertise, with the ability to blend analytical thinking and operational leadership. You will have:
- Experience in airline or airport operations, turnaround management, OCC, or operations performance
- A track record of improving OTP or operational performance in a complex environment
- Strong analytical capability and ability to interpret large data sets into project plans and improvements
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills across operational and senior teams
- Confidence to challenge constructively and navigate conflicting operational priorities
- Knowledge of IATA delay codes, operational reporting tools and turnaround processes
- A passion for operational excellence, precision and customer outcomes
It would be great if you also have:
- Experience delivering global or multi-station operational improvement programmes
- Experience embedding operational standards in complex multi-stakeholder environments
- Experience with continuous improvement or process standardisation initiatives
If this sounds like you, and you're excited about helping us lead the industry in punctuality performance, we'd love to hear from you.
Be yourself – Our differences make us stronger
Our customers come from all walks of life and so do our colleagues. That's why we're proud to be an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. At Virgin Atlantic, we believe everyone can take on the world - no matter your age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs. We celebrate difference and everything that makes our colleagues unique by upholding an inclusive environment in which we can all thrive.
So that everyone at Virgin Atlantic can be themselves and know they belong. To make your journey with us accessible and individual to you, we encourage you to let us know if you'd like a little extra help with your application, or if you have any individual requirements at any stage along your recruitment journey. We are here to support you, so please reach out to our team, recruitment@fly.virgin.com feeling confident that we've got your individual considerations covered.
Our recipe for Leadership
At Virgin Atlantic, our leaders empower teams to thrive through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Explore our Leadership Recipe and discover the 20 core ingredients that define what it means to lead with us, driving our mission to be the most loved travel company and achieve sustainable profit.
Airport Operations Punctuality Manager: Virgin Atlantic in Crawley employer: Manor Royal Business District
Contact Detail:
Manor Royal Business District Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Airport Operations Punctuality Manager: Virgin Atlantic in Crawley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Virgin Atlantic on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and what they really value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Virgin Atlantic's On-Time Performance strategies. Show us that you understand their goals and how your experience aligns with their vision for operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. We want to hear about specific situations where you've improved operational performance or tackled challenges head-on.
✨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 us you're genuinely interested in being part of the Virgin Atlantic family.
We think you need these skills to ace Airport Operations Punctuality Manager: Virgin Atlantic in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Airport Operations Punctuality Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in airline operations and any specific achievements that align with Virgin Atlantic's goals.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, don’t forget to mention your analytical capabilities. Share examples of how you've used data to drive improvements in operational performance or punctuality in previous roles.
Demonstrate Stakeholder Management: This position requires excellent stakeholder management skills. Include instances where you've successfully collaborated with various teams or influenced senior management to achieve operational goals.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at Virgin Atlantic!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manor Royal Business District
✨Know Your OTP Inside Out
Make sure you understand the On-Time Performance (OTP) metrics and how they impact customer experience. Familiarise yourself with the Precision Turnaround Schedule (PTS) and be ready to discuss how you would implement it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your ability to analyse data sets and identify root causes of delays. Bring examples of past experiences where you've successfully improved operational performance through data-driven decisions.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would collaborate with various teams like Airport Managers and Engineering. Be ready to share strategies on how you’ve influenced stakeholders in previous roles to achieve common goals.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Highlight your passion for operational excellence and continuous improvement. Prepare to discuss specific initiatives you've led or been part of that resulted in significant performance enhancements in a complex environment.