Ground Operations Manager

**WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY**

We are committed to making sure that **everyone, everywhere can benefit from travelling at the lowest prices**, while keeping the social, economic and environmental impact of our operations in mind. Our strategy is built on low fares and a diverse network, supported by **efficient and sustainable operations** and high-quality customer service
- WIZZ is a **fresh, vibrant & contemporary** brand, we are confident & not shy
- We always strive to break out of category & **think outside the box**:

- Our 5 brand values lead the way:

- **Inclusivity** - We collaborate together to achieve our goals
- **Positivity** - We are an optimistic, happy, inspired and inspiring team
- **Dedication** - We have an entrepreneurial ‘can do’ attitude: we take individual & collective ownership and are accountable for everything we do
- **Integrity** - We hold ourselves to the highest possible standards of business ethics in everything we do
- **Sustainability** - We strive to be the greenest choice of air travel and work hard on continuously decreasing our environmental footprint

**PLACE IN THE ORGANIZATION**:
The Ground Operations Manager reports to the Regional Ground Operations Manager.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:
The Ground Operations Manager is responsible to the Regional Ground Operations Manager for:

- Owning and maintaining local relationships at the nominated airports, including but not limited to airport authorities, ground handling, control authorities and relevant state departments;
- Ensuring that Wizz Air has the best possible representation in the local markets and all key internal stakeholders are kept fully informed and suitably represented as required on all issues concerning the operation, including quality of product and customer service;
- Ensuring the safety, security and compliance of ground operation activities including all contracted activities at the nominated stations;
- 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 authorities on ground operations matters in the nominated market;
- 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;
- Ensure that the nominated ground handling companies and airport authorities comply with the relevant regulations, company policies and standards and with Wizz Air safety requirements at all times;
- Co-ordinate and manage the nominated ground handling suppliers and airport companies to deliver targeted performance outcomes in all areas of safety, cost control and operational performance;
- Communication and follow up in case of flight disruptions and follow up on service recovery procedures, based on EU261 and/or other local regulations;
- Monitor operational messages and delay codes, follow up with non-complying stations;
- Maintain continuous oversight of deviations from company standards at nominated stations, ensuring the on-time execution of safety and compliance corrective and improvement actions;
- Undertake station visits and relevant audits/inspections and trainings as follow up on outstanding items as Air Safety reports, mystery passenger report, audit findings within the confines of Ground Operations processes;
- Participate in cross-functional projects and new product development from planning to introduction stage;
- 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 the relevant Safety, Security and Compliance Managers on safety, security and compliance matters affecting ground operations at the nominated stations.

**MEETINGS**:
Participating in:

- Functional Safety Action Group - attend
- Weekly Ground Operations meeting - attend
- Weekly Regional GO meeting - attend
- Operations Control meeting - attend
- Operational Performance Review (D15 & AOG) - attend
- Bi-weekly Ground Ops, Airport Development meeting - attend

**AUTHORITIES OF THE FUNCTION**:
The Ground Operations Manager has the authority to:

- Take actions in response of operational problems and disruptions at nominated stations;
- Act in case of safety issues affecting his stations;
- Take part in the company’s emergency response activity / crisis management team;
- Escalate safety & compliance concerns to the Regional Manager or to the Nominated Person;
- Liaise with Authorities in the local market;
- Liaison with other external entities.

**SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES**:

- Shall have an understanding of the airline ground operations concept;
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