Lead Operations Manager

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Looking for a challenge in one of the world's largest airfreight logistics organisations?

At IAG Cargo, we're in the business of moving things. From antibiotics and rhinoceroses to gold bullion, avocados, and everything in between, whatever people need, wherever they are, IAG Cargo is there to bring them the necessary and niche.

As the logistics and cargo brand of International Airlines Group, you'll work across the globally recognised brands of Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Level and Vueling.

As well as helping to keep the world's economies turning, we believe in building a great place for our colleagues to work. Our people are determined, curious, collaborative and take huge pride in everything they do.

The role:

Lead Operations Manager

The Lead Operations Manager will act as the senior manager for a defined area of the IAG
Cargo Ascentis operation. The role will set the strategy for the department to drive high
quality operational performance and will be responsible for successfully implementing this
whilst liaising with the wider business. Working for the Lead Operations Manager will be a
team of Operations Managers and over 200 operational colleagues on shift. This role is
critical to the success of the operation as it drives day to day operational excellence, is
accountable for performance and motivates large teams.

What you'll do:

• Lead the operational strategy within a defined area of the Ascentis operation, driving change to processes and culture that improve IAG Cargo's performance
• Provide insight on area performance to senior management and define clear plan to combat drops in operational quality
• Evidence where changes implemented have resulted in performance improvement
• Line management of a team of Operations Managers, using data to manage their individual and team performance on shift
• Set and communicate a clear departmental strategy that engages Agents, Team Leaders, Specialists and Operations Managers
• Liaise with Manpower Planning teams to ensure correct input metrics are used in the planning process and ensure correct resource levels are optimum on day of operation
• Lead transformation projects acting as Accountable Business Owner from inception to delivery of new ways of working and technology
• Own the maintenance of business continuity plans for relevant area and responsible for these being regularly tested and reviewed
• Lead trade union forums and ensure constructive relationships are built that benefit business performance and culture
• Deputise for Department Manager where necessary
• Drive improvement to wider business metrics such as unit cost, productivity and OHI
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders such as Senior Manager, Cargo Operations, regional and sales teams as well as with third party stakeholders such as airline operating companies and airport authorities to ensure IAG Cargo's interests are protected
• Representation during safety and disruption events and accountable for ensuring the correct reporting processes are followed

What you'll bring to IAG Cargo:

• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Able to motivate teams using data and setting direction
• Strategic thinker able to set and communicate a clear vision to a large industrialised area
• Proactive mindset with a problem-solving orientation and initiative using data
• Ability to hold teams accountable for delivery of actions and results and drive clear improvement plans where needed
• Ability to build constructive relationships with colleagues and trade unions at all levels
• Able to work to own initiative
• Uncompromising in safety, security, process and adhering to regulatory requirements
• Delivery focused, can manage a complex and diverse set of requirements

Your experience:

• Proven management experience in an operational and/or industrialised environment
• People management in an operational environment
• Able to hold an airside pass
• Excellent internal and external stakeholder management
• Experience leading large teams and implementing change programmes

What we offer:

Wherever you work within IAG Cargo, you'll play a part in connecting people and countries and join a diverse and inclusive business that's making a difference to the future of aviation.

Colleagues working for IAG Cargo:

• Benefit from attractive and competitive rewards aligned to the local market and role.
• From the day you join us, you'll get access to brilliant staff travel benefits including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways and group airlines. You'll also receive up to 30 discounted 'Hotline' airfares per year for yourself, friends, and family.
• Work with diverse colleagues in a business that truly values inclusion and diversity.
• Are valued for their ideas and opinions.
• Benefit from opportunities for development and progression.
• Are able to support communities across the world, and close to home.
• Work in an environment in which safety and wellbeing are paramount.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Our recruitment procedures positively support our equity, diversity, and inclusion agenda.

All candidates are considered strictly on their merits in relation to the criteria for the role, treated fairly and consistently and have their individual needs responded to throughout the process.

Please advise us if you require any reasonable adjustments to take part in the recruitment process so we're able to remove any barriers that may present themselves.