Operational & Technical Manager

Based in the South of the UK.

The Operational and Technical Manager UKI is a critical senior leadership position within Swissport UK&I, based in the South region. The role supports the UKI cargo business in delivering operational excellence, assisting with operation and commercial targets, and projects whilst reporting to the Director of Cargo.

• Safety Leader – Lead, drive, and continuously improve health & safety measures and KPIs related to people, equipment, facilities and aircraft involved in the operation to achieve best‑in‑class QHSE targets. Provide internal controls, QA auditing and ensure compliance with QHSE operational manuals, security and SOPs; align with Swissport’s global health & safety values and promote a just culture.
• P&L Management – Provide a working understanding of P&L targets; support Station Managers to deliver financial EBIT targets, analyze financial and operational performance, forecast data, and identify improvement opportunities; assist with operating budgets, capital expenditure proposals and infrastructure investments.
• Quality Focus, Service Delivery and Operational Efficiency – Mentor and manage quality improvement measures, align closely with airline customers, embed innovation and continuous improvement, monitor quality standards, and drive a culture of efficiency and maximum productivity across the SGM teams.
• Leadership – Develop and coach the cargo Station Manager team, enhance colleague performance and well‑being through communication, training and development, recruitment, succession planning, and celebrating success.
• Business Growth – Develop and strengthen customer relationships at a strategic operational level; ensure new business or renewal aligns with regional P&L objectives.
• Strategic – Challenge the operational status‑quo to improve business performance and growth; work closely with the Director of Cargo and Senior Cargo Leadership to define strategic objectives and service improvement.

• Strong decision‑making capabilities in a highly pressured, time‑sensitive, low‑margin service business.
• Strategic skills and commercial acumen, with the ability to motivate teams to deliver high‑quality standards across a diverse multi‑site leadership group.
• Ability to drive constant change in an unpredictable environment.
• Clear communication to help teams understand Swissport Western Europe's direction.
• Resilience and effective operation in ambiguous environments.
• Capacity to build positive and trusting relationships.
• Openness to different opinions and a collaborative approach.
• University degree or equivalent; advanced degree or professional certifications are advantageous.
• Excellent working knowledge of business management principles, financial concepts and key drivers of profitability and performance.
• 5‑7 years’ experience with significant P&L responsibility, preferably in the aviation industry.
• Fluent spoken and written English (additional languages beneficial).

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Engineering and Information Technology

Airlines and Aviation

Slough, England, United Kingdom