Director - AO Ramp Service

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Description

Key Responsibilities:

Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all aspects of ramp performance and service delivery. This is an onsite role in Chicago at ORD.

Strategic Leadership

• Direct all ramp operations and establish performance standards for safety, efficiency, and service quality
• Develop and implement operational strategies to optimize aircraft turnaround times and resource utilization
• Drive a proactive partnership with cross-functional leaders to align ramp operations with broader station goals
• Establish and achieve financial objectives; manage department administration, manpower, and financial controls

Team Leadership & Development

• Execute all departmental training in a timely manner and coordinate development of additional training as needed
• Build a high-performing team culture focused on safety, accountability, and operational excellence
• Lead the management team and execute performance management and succession planning initiatives in partnership with relevant departments
• Develop management and frontline employees through coaching and interaction
• Build and maintain an effective, engaged workforce including union, management, and administrative employees

Safety & Compliance

• Drive departmental safety oversight, proactive safety initiatives, and communication
• Eliminate safety threats through robust frontline communication and ensure all team members maintain focus on safety excellence
• Ensure compliance with all security protocols required by United Airlines, airport authorities, government agencies, and FAA/DOT
• Plan, coach, and safely execute all departmental operations

Operational Excellence

• Provide strategic oversight of baggage sortation systems and operations center and coordinate with appropriate departments to ensure proper functionality
• Develop, implement, and execute baggage-related initiatives and strategy
• Manage STAR Alliance partnerships and United Express operations
• Lead station-level planning for irregular operations, weather events, and peak travel periods
• Achieve operational performance metrics including Turn Compliance Index (TCI), local and transfer bag execution, mishandled bag ratio (MBR), and D:0

Stakeholder Engagement

• Foster strong cross-divisional collaboration; collaborate regularly with airport departments, CSC, hub and line stations, government agencies, airport authorities, business partners, and vendors
• Partner with union representatives
• Engage and collaborate with business partners in the local airport community including government agencies (TSA, Airport Authority, FAA) and other airlines
• Fulfill additional responsibilities as assigned by leadership

Qualifications

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent work experience
• 8+ years of relevant professional experience
• 4+ years of leadership experience leading a team
• Proven success managing multi-department, multi-layered operations including logistics, business systems, performance metrics, and budgets
• Demonstrated success in people management, decision-making, and goal-directed leadership
• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to apply continuous improvement methods and industrial engineering principles
• Familiarity with safety, operational, and corporate processes and procedures
• Experience overseeing safety programs and regulatory requirements in a data-driven operational environment
• Effective management of unionized workforce
• Excellence in team leadership and mentorship
• Commitment to promoting a safe working environment
• Ability to manage 24/7 operations with onsite presence, shift work, extended hours, weekend work, and travel with short notice availability
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship
• Ability to drive in AOA zones and pass all required training, security/background, and postal checks

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):

• 2+ years of ramp leadership in airport operations or equivalent leadership experience in a fast-paced operational environment
• Strong understanding of hub and station operations
• Experience in airline operations, ramp operations, express operations, or station operations
• Strong data analytics background with ability to identify trends and patterns for operational improvement
• Large-scale manpower planning experience

The base pay range for this role is $159,790.00 to $207,998.00.

The base salary range/hourly rate listed is dependent on job-related, factors such as experience, education, and skills. This position is also eligible for bonus and/or long-term incentive compensation awards.

You may be eligible for the following competitive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, accident & disability, parental leave, employee assistance program, commuter, paid holidays, paid time off, 401(k) and flight privileges.

United Airlines is an equal opportunity employer. United Airlines recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, age, veteran status and other protected status as required by applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled/LGBT.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions. Please contact [email protected] to request accommodation.