Aviation Operations Manager Needed - DEN Airport

Location: Denver International Airport (DEN) – Denver, CO

Company: National Aviation Services (NAS)

Department: Operations

Reports To: Director of Operations

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

National Aviation Services (NAS), a leader in aviation ground support services, is seeking an experienced and motivated Operations Manager to oversee our Aircraft Services operation at Denver International Airport (DEN). This leadership role is responsible for managing all day-to-day operational activities, ensuring exceptional service delivery, maintaining regulatory and company compliance, and leading a team of Supervisors, Leads, and Aircraft Cleaning Agents.

The Operations Manager plays a critical role in maintaining operational excellence by driving safety, quality, productivity, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced airport environment that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operation of the aircraft cleaning department, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality service delivery.
• Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, coach, and develop frontline employees and operational leadership.
• Maintain appropriate staffing levels while managing labor costs and scheduling.
• Conduct performance evaluations, employee coaching, corrective actions, and recognition programs.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, airport regulations, OSHA requirements, TSA security standards, and customer operating procedures.
• Foster a strong culture of safety by conducting daily safety briefings and ensuring compliance with all required safety training.
• Monitor operational performance through quality audits, productivity metrics, and customer feedback.
• Partner with airport customers and station leadership to resolve operational issues and ensure service expectations are consistently met.
• Oversee employee training, recurrent certifications, airport badging, and required operational documentation.
• Manage station budgets, labor expenses, supplies, equipment inventory, and operating costs.
• Review and approve employee timecards, attendance, payroll, and scheduling within ADP.
• Ensure aircraft reports, operational reports, expense reports, and required documentation are completed accurately and submitted on time.
• Monitor the condition and maintenance of company vehicles, equipment, uniforms, and facilities.
• Maintain accurate employee records, schedules, and compliance documentation.
• Lead investigations into operational concerns, employee issues, and customer complaints while partnering with Human Resources as appropriate.
• Maintain regular communication with Corporate Operations, General Manager, Human Resources, and customer representatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of management experience in aviation, airport operations, ground handling, aircraft services, logistics, transportation, or a related operational environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading large frontline teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and employee development skills.
• Experience managing staffing, scheduling, payroll, budgets, and operational performance.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong customer service and relationship management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous airline, aviation, aircraft cleaning, ground handling, or airport operations experience.
• Experience working in a union or non-union operational environment.
• Knowledge of FAA, TSA, OSHA, and airport operational requirements.
• Experience using ADP Workforce Now or similar HRIS/payroll systems.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Technical Skills

• Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams, PowerPoint)
• ADP Workforce Now or similar payroll/timekeeping systems
• Ability to analyze operational reports and performance metrics

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the airport environment.
• Frequently lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to safely navigate aircraft ramps and operational work areas.

Schedule

This position supports a 24/7 airport operation. Candidates must be available to work flexible schedules, including:

• Days
• Evenings
• Overnight shifts
• Weekends
• Holidays

The Operations Manager is expected to maintain a minimum on-site presence of 40 hours per week while remaining available to support operational needs outside of scheduled hours when necessary.

Why Join National Aviation Services?

National Aviation Services is committed to operational excellence, safety, and providing exceptional service to our airline partners. We invest in our leaders by offering opportunities for professional development, career growth, and advancement within one of the nation's leading aviation services organizations.

If you are a results-driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced operational environment and enjoys building high-performing teams, we encourage you to apply.