dnata is hiring a Chief Operating Officer (COO) at our Corporate office based in Orlando Florida!

Salary range $175,000-$250,000 plus full suite of benefits including- Health, 401(K), Performance Bonuses, etc.

dnata is one of the world’s largest air services providers. Established in 1959, the company ensures the aviation industry operates smoothly and efficiently in 129 airports. Offering ground handling, cargo, travel, and flight catering services in 35 countries across six continents, dnata is a trusted partner for over 300 airline customers around the world. Each day, the company handles over 1,900 flights, moves over 8,500 tons of cargo, books over 16,000 hotel stays, and uplifts over 320,000 meals.

As Chief Operating Officer (COO) for dnata US Ground, you will hold a pivotal role on the Senior Executive Board, based in our Orlando corporate office and reporting directly to the CEO. In this role, you will drive business strategies prioritizing safety, service, and performance across the network, aiming to achieve measurable results by delivering high-quality services, enhancing financial performance, and improving customer satisfaction. Your leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the aviation industry.

Your role also involves fostering continuous operational improvements, identifying challenges, and proposing effective solutions within the sector, balancing strategic and tactical considerations. You will collaborate with executive and field teams spanning over 26 different airports with a team of 3,000 employees to ensure commitments to customers are met through strong leadership and partnerships. Overseeing operations, safety, human resources, and equipment management, you will also work closely with finance and sales to drive profitability and revenue growth, while developing customer strategies and building strong relationships. This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development.

You are accountable for budget preparation, financial performance monitoring, and strategic financial management, including cost-saving initiatives and asset optimization. Additionally, you will ensure compliance with local legislation, establish robust governance, and promote a culture of risk awareness and responsibility, always acting in the best interest of the Company.

• Oversee Ground operations and employee productivity, fostering a highly inclusive culture that enables team members to thrive and achieve organizational goals.
• Lead the development, execution, and communication of business strategies across the network, spearheading strategic initiatives that incorporate operational expertise into long-term planning, technology integration, and cross-functional alignment.
• Collaborate and innovate with all executive and field leadership teams to consistently deliver on our commitments to customers through effective leadership, colleague development, and customer partnerships.
• Identify and proactively resolve complex operational challenges within the aviation environment by analyzing root causes, developing practical solutions, and implementing proactive measures.
• Work with all functional teams (Commercial, Safety, Human Resources, Finance, and GSE) to ensure objectives in service, revenue, and profitability are met across the organization.
• Ensure effective recruiting, onboarding, professional development, performance management, and employee retention throughout the organization. Partner with HR for effective Talent Management, Succession Planning, and reward/recognition initiatives that drive a high-performance culture.
• Adhere to company, federal, state, and local business requirements, holding teams accountable for compliance. Establish and maintain robust governance and control mechanisms by consistently applying and adhering to established policies and procedures.
• Promote a safety-centric culture by consistently executing and implementing company programs and processes throughout the region, leading with safety as a priority and role-modeling safe behaviors.
• Communicate effectively, both vertically and horizontally, within the organization to keep management teams informed about issues related to safety, logistics, and planning. Proactively communicate and collaborate with senior management and cross-functional teams to ensure a consistent understanding of corporate goals.
• Ensure that facilities operate in compliance with all company policies and procedures, aligning with the Company's mission, vision, and values. Develop and oversee the implementation of business policies, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with procedural/legislative requirements.
• Utilize consistent practices and processes in asset management, financial reporting, and adherence to state and local government regulations.
• Provide operational input for strategic business planning, technology integration, innovation, and process improvements across the network's facilities.
• Develop teams to enhance performance and maximize potential through succession planning, KPI integration, coaching, ongoing training, and mentoring. Set clear and measurable objectives for direct reports and drive performance accountability.
• Develop initiatives to enhance cost performance and profitability by analyzing the operational budget and utilizing the findings to drive targeted improvements. Oversee and be accountable for preparing and consolidating business budgets, monitoring financial performance, and optimizing asset utilization.
• Ensure that all station management is knowledgeable about Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Service Guarantees for Handling Agreements (SGHAs) related to current and future customers and leverage these documents to fulfill our commitments.
• Oversee the scheduling, rostering, and recruiting processes by regularly reviewing all station schedules and holding teams accountable for proper roster management, compliance, and staffing needs. Plan over a 2-to-3-year period, integrating diverse functions, and orchestrate meticulous operational planning.
• Use business acumen to review and analyze operational, functional, and customer data, collaborating with appropriate resources to execute informed business strategies.
• Schedule periodic communication with customers to ensure satisfaction and provide recognition or redirection to station teams as needed, fostering strong customer partnerships and cultivating a customer-centric culture.
• Partner with station and national equipment teams to review budgets, maintain equipment plans, and address issues while anticipating capital requirements.
• Carry out management responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Drive the dnata Vision, Mission, and Values in the business and model the behaviors and intent of the dnata way in all people leadership practices.
• Act as a role model for the leadership team and the broader organization in all interactions with people and customers.

To successfully perform this job, you must be able to complete each essential duty satisfactorily. The following requirements outline the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to fulfill these essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree and over 10 years of relevant experience or training or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven track record in strategic and tactical operations management and leadership, with oversight of multiple accounts and facilities across various states and/or countries.
• Experience leading Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, and Safety functions within the airline industry.
• Strong knowledge of operations, including asset management, system management, government regulations and compliance, budgeting, and expense analysis.
• Key business competencies include industry knowledge, negotiation skills, strategic and tactical planning, warehousing and logistics, problem-solving, decision-making, and effective written and oral communication.
• Ability to develop people and foster creativity.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license, as well as any necessary FAA or airport-required identification, seals, or authorizations.
• Willingness to travel as required.