Area Manager - Ground Operations

About the role

The Area Manager – Ground Operations reports to the Head of Ground Operations and is responsible for overseeing airport operations across Morocco, Spain and France. The role ensures safe, efficient and compliant ground handling activities while supporting regional strategy implementation and business plan execution.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Head of Ground Operations in developing and monitoring regional strategies and business plans, ensuring operational efficiency and cost control.
• Lead the start‑up and operational readiness of new hubs, overseeing contracting, manpower, facilities, systems and training.
• Build and maintain relationships with airports, civil aviation authorities and ground handling agents, negotiating contracts and ensuring commercial terms.
• Conduct field visits, audits and performance reviews, analysing data to identify gaps and drive improvements.
• Partner with HR to set objectives and KPIs for station teams, providing coaching and ensuring resource optimisation.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in aviation management, business administration or related field; Master’s degree is a plus.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in ground operations, with at least 2 years in a managerial or multi‑station leadership role.
• Proven experience managing airport operations, ground handling agents and compliance with IATA, ICAO and GCAA standards.
• Strong commercial mindset, analytical and negotiation abilities, and willingness to travel extensively across the assigned regions.
• Moroccan nationality or residency is mandatory.

Required skills

• Proficiency in MS Office.
• Experience with operational management systems.