Head of Ground Operations

Purpose of the role

The Head of Ground Operations reports to the Accountable Manager.  

Responsibilities

• Ensuring the safety, security and compliance of ground operation activities including all contracted activities.  
• Ensuring that all ground operations activities comply with the Safety Management System  
• procedures and processes.  
• Oversight of the start-up of new operational locations (new stations and bases); capacity increase of operational bases, alternate and diversion arrangements.  
• Maintain timely and effective contacts with other departments within Wizz Air and with outside organizations, contractors, external entities.  
• Liaison with the Competent Authority on all Ground Operations matters.  
• In conjunction with the Regional Ground Operations Managers:  
  • ensuring safe, compliant, and secure day-to day operations including operational efficiency, on-time performance, disruption management, customer care, oversight of relevant programmes and system developments.  
  • ensuring that all ground handling operations and activities are carried out in compliance with the relevant regulations, company policies and standards. 
  •  achieve targeted performance outcomes at whole Wizz Air bases and outstations for all areas of safety, cost control and operational performance.  
  • manage mid/long term projects and maintain continuous oversight of deviations from company standards, ensuring the on-time execution of safety and compliance corrective and improvement actions.  
• Liaison with Airport Development and Purchasing departments to secure lowest cost contracts and working on long term cost cutting strategies. Participate in SGHA negotiations, vendor research and selection.  
• Liaison with Finance, Network Development & Scheduling, Customer Experience, and other  
• relevant departments on preparation of the annual budget. Manage cost in line with budget and identify new opportunities for operational improvement and/or cost savings within the function.  
• Representing Wizz Air in relevant industry bodies.  
• Assess future potential risk through an active review of future demands in line with projected operational growth; and proactively identify suitable resources, technologies, systems, or processes to mitigate the risk. 

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in ground operations with demonstrated experience managing outsourced operational models.  
• At least 3 years of senior-level experience in ground operation. 
• Experience working in a multi-cultural, international organization. 

Hard skills

• Shall have a thorough knowledge of the airline ground operations concept.  
• Practical experience and expertise in the application of aviation safety standards and safe operating practices.  

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree 

Language

Fluent English (both written and spoken)   

Skills and competencies

• Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.  
• Work well under pressure.  
• Highly motivated individual with a strong capacity for hard work and responsibility.  
• Strong presentation, influencing, and interpersonal skills.  
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and external stakeholders.  
• Flexibility to travel as required away from Head Office.  
• Ability to live and work in Hungary.