Operations Director, Aviation

As an experienced operational director, you will be accountable for the strategic direction of the Aviation business. Your main responsibilities include delivering the strategy, controlling and overseeing all business operations, people, and ventures within scope of Aviation services and geographies. You will steer, drive, and grow the Company to enable the implementation of its vision, mission, and long-term goals aligned to the Company Enterprise strategic direction.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute the strategy and champion operational excellence to guarantee that daily operations and strategic choices are in harmony with our business objectives.
• Optimise operational efficiencies to meet and exceed on-time delivery goals while implementing enhanced operating procedures. Strive for standardisation in design and aviation processes wherever feasible.
• Oversee and manage operations and services across all locations within the division.
• Foster and maintain strong relationships with client representatives.
• Ensure all locations within the division are equipped with the necessary resources, assets, personnel, and processes to deliver effective operations and related services.
• Uphold compliance with all safety, security, environmental, and quality standards set by the Company, our clients, and regulatory authorities such as the DfT, CAA, TSA, and HSE across each operation in the Division. Responsible for delivering and/or implementing policies, systems, programs, processes, procedures, and plans throughout the areas of control.
• Secure and maintain all necessary approvals for Airport Ground Operating Licenses, CAA Training Provider Status, Aviation Security (AvSec), Authorised Signatories, and CAA Listed Status for Inflight Supplies.
• Serve as the technical liaison and main contact for customers, with a requirement for regular travel to customer sites.
• Communicate effectively with team members and clients to ensure the monitoring and fulfillment of performance requirements and reporting. Collaborate with the Managing Director to establish departmental KPIs. Gain a thorough understanding of client performance metrics/SLAs/KPIs and their financial implications.
• Regularly review operational performance metrics with clients and the internal team.
• Execute and implement annual business strategic objectives, measuring and reviewing performance against established goals for direct reports and the broader team.
• Build and nurture effective communication and collaborative relationships with all team members.
• Take charge of the training and mentoring for all direct reports and broader teams. Partner with HR to create talent and succession plans for the operations team.
• Oversee the hiring and performance management processes for directors, general, and regional managers within the division.
• Collaborate with Shared Services to align necessary support directions and resources as part of an enterprise business approach.
• Prepare for and actively participate in weekly leadership calls within Aviation UK and the wider UK business team, discussing key business initiatives, compliance, new business opportunities, recruitment, financial updates, and any operational concerns as needed.
• Encourage collaborative work across all IGs.
• Adhere to all safety, security, authorised signatory, compliance, training, environmental, and quality standards and procedures established by the Company, clients, and regulatory authorities.
• Advocate for new technology, data reporting, and innovation to bolster business growth and sustainability.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, promoting a “Just Culture” around health and safety and security compliance to facilitate lesson learning and reduce risk.
• Manage the profit and loss income statement for Aviation UK.
• Prepare for and lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reviews for the operational business.
• Ensure that the division’s planned profits are achieved through effective financial controls, forecasting, and management.
• Responsible for division financial planning and budgeting in collaboration with the FP&A function.
• Lead the delivery of proposals and risk management in response to RFPs and other bids within the business, together with the Commercial and Sales teams.
• Participate in or lead sales and operational presentations to clients.
• Ensure timely payment of all accounts, managing cash flows and accounts receivable efficiently.
• Supervise compliance training programs at each operation within the Division, ensuring proper maintenance of training documents in files or databases.
• Maintain an active client engagement program and follow-up actions throughout the division.
• Support business development growth by identifying potential mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and large-scale TUPEs within the region in conjunction with the Commercial team.

Required Skills and Experience

• Degree or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience as an operations director, divisional director, or other senior managerial position.
• Demonstrable experience in delivering strategic and business plans.
• Proven track record of driving and delivering transformational change.
• Thorough knowledge of market changes and forces that may influence the business.
• Strong understanding of corporate finance and measures of performance.
• Familiar with H&S, Security and Corporate law and management best practice.
• Commercially and business astute with an entrepreneurial and enquiring mindset.
• Natural, charismatic people leader with the ability to operate and influence at all levels and strong desire to progress as an individual.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organisational and presentation skills.
• Highly resilient with the ability to react quickly to change in a fast-moving, complex business.
• Proven track record of being able to make fast and sound business decisions.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience in the Aviation sector or similar background in transport, retail and/or logistics.
• Completed Senior Executive Programme for IOSH or similar safety programme
• Have or held Aviation Security Leadership Programme (AvSec) or similar