Overview
Operational Risk & Compliance Officer
Location: Edinburgh Airport, Ground Handling
Contract Type: Fixed-Term – 12-Week Operational Trial
Reports to: Station General Manager – EDI
About the Role
Swissport is introducing an exciting new frontline assurance role at our Edinburgh Ground Handling operation. As our Operational Risk & Compliance Officer, you'll play a key part in strengthening safety, reducing operational risk, and improving procedural compliance across our ramp, baggage, and aircraft turnaround activities.
Working within a live operational environment, you'll conduct targeted, risk-based observations, provide real-time coaching, and support management in delivering sustainable improvements — all while championing a fair, positive, and learning-focused safety culture.
Responsibilities
What You'll Be Doing
- Maintaining a visible presence across the EDI operation, carrying out planned and risk-based observations of aircraft turnarounds and ground handling activities
- Monitoring key risk areas: aircraft damage prevention, GSE positioning, stand discipline, FOD control, PPE compliance, loading/unloading, and more
- Recording inspections and findings in iCare
- Delivering constructive, real-time coaching to reinforce standards and understand root causes of deviations
- Taking proportionate action where immediate safety risks arise, escalating to the relevant manager
- Identifying trends and recurring risks to support continuous improvement
- Providing clear, objective reporting to the Station Manager and wider stakeholders
- Following up on corrective actions to ensure improvements are sustained
Qualifications
What We're Looking For
Essential:
- Strong knowledge of airport ground handling operations
- Solid understanding of operational safety, risk, and compliance
- Experience in a live, safety-critical environment
- Confidence to professionally challenge unsafe or non-compliant behaviour, regardless of seniority
- Excellent communication, coaching, and report-writing skills
- Sound judgement, objectivity, and strong attention to detail
Desirable:
- Experience in ramp, baggage, or turnaround operations
- Prior supervisory, training, safety, audit, or compliance experience
- Knowledge of Swissport procedures and airline/customer-specific requirements
- Relevant aviation safety or risk-management training
About the Trial
This role is being piloted for 12 weeks as part of Swissport's ongoing commitment to operational safety and compliance. Success will be measured not by the number of issues found, but by the quality of assurance activity, effectiveness of coaching, and evidence of sustained improvement. Following the trial, a formal review will determine whether the role continues, is amended, extended, or discontinued.
Interested in helping us raise the bar on safety and compliance at Edinburgh? We'd love to hear from you!
Operational Risk & Compliance Officer in Edinburgh employer: Swissport International
Swissport is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture at Edinburgh Airport where teamwork and dedication to customer service thrive. Employees benefit from comprehensive training programmes, career advancement opportunities, and wellness initiatives, all while enjoying the convenience of free onsite parking. Join us in delivering excellence in aviation operations and be part of a diverse team committed to making every passenger's journey memorable.
