IAH Sr. Ramp Manager

Senior Ramp Manager

About the Opportunity

Our client, a leading aviation services provider, is seeking an experienced Senior Ramp Manager to oversee airport ramp operations and lead a large team of ground handling professionals. This position is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant movement of aircraft, baggage, cargo, and ground support equipment while maintaining exceptional service standards for airline customers.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on operational leader with extensive airport ramp experience, a strong safety mindset, and a proven track record of managing large teams in a fast-paced, 24/7 airport environment. This role requires strong leadership, operational decision-making, customer relationship management, and the ability to drive performance while maintaining strict compliance with FAA, TSA, airline, and airport regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Direct all daily ramp operations, including aircraft loading and unloading, baggage handling, aircraft servicing, and turnaround activities.
• Ensure safe, efficient, and on-time aircraft operations while minimizing delays and operational disruptions.
• Monitor operational performance and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and service quality.
• Coordinate closely with airline customers, airport operations, maintenance teams, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless execution of ramp activities.
• Lead operational response during irregular operations, weather events, and emergency situations.

Team Management & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop ramp supervisors, leads, and frontline team members.
• Manage staffing levels, scheduling, workforce planning, and labor utilization.
• Conduct performance evaluations, coaching sessions, and disciplinary actions as needed.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure all employees receive required operational and safety training.

Safety & Compliance

• Maintain strict compliance with FAA, TSA, OSHA, airport authority, and company safety requirements.
• Conduct safety audits, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.
• Ensure proper use, maintenance, and inspection of ground support equipment.
• Promote a strong safety culture focused on risk mitigation and operational excellence.

Customer & Stakeholder Relations

• Serve as the primary operational point of contact for airline partners and airport stakeholders.
• Address service concerns, operational challenges, and customer escalations in a timely manner.
• Build strong relationships with airline station management and airport leadership teams.
• Support contract performance metrics and customer service objectives.

Financial & Performance Management

• Support budgeting, cost control, and resource allocation initiatives.
• Monitor operational KPIs including on-time performance, safety metrics, productivity, staffing efficiency, and service quality.
• Prepare operational reports and provide updates to senior leadership.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability while maintaining service standards.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 5 years of airport ramp operations, ground handling, or aviation operations experience.
• Previous leadership experience managing ramp teams, supervisors, and airport operations personnel.
• Strong knowledge of aircraft ground handling procedures, ramp safety standards, and airport regulations.
• Proven ability to lead large teams in a fast-paced, high-pressure operational environment.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass all required background checks, drug screenings, and airport security clearances.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain FAA, TSA, Airport Authority, Customs, and other required credentials.

Preferred

• Experience managing multiple airline accounts or large-scale airport operations.
• Previous experience in station management, ramp management, or airport operations leadership.
• Experience with workforce planning, labor management, and operational budgeting.
• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Business, Logistics, or a related field preferred.

Schedule Requirements

Airport operations run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Candidates must be flexible and available to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and irregular operations as business needs require.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work in both office and airport operational environments.
• Ability to walk, stand, and move throughout airport facilities as required.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to hear and respond to verbal communications, alarms, and operational radio traffic.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong people leader who leads by example and is highly visible in the operation.
• Safety-focused with a commitment to operational excellence.
• Customer-oriented with experience managing airline relationships.
• Decisive problem solver who performs well under…