Cargo Operations Manager - Airside (Maternity Cover)

Looking for a challenge in one of the world’s largest airfreight logistics organisations?

At IAG Cargo we are in the business of moving things. From antibiotics to rhinoceros, gold bullion to avocados and everything in between. Whatever people need, wherever they are. In an era of digital screens and closed borders, we open the skies and fly the world to bring people the things they really need.

We are the logistics and cargo brand of International Airlines Group (Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Level and Vueling). At IAG Cargo, we believe in keeping the world’s economies turning, and do everything with determined attitudes, curious minds, collaborative actions and heartfelt pride. Join us at our globally recognised logistics business, where we are building a great place to work for customers and colleagues alike.

About the role

Operations Managers have full accountability for their departmental operations on a shift by shift basis. The role operates 24/7, 365 days a year. Operations Managers are accountable for monitoring and delivering high quality operational performance every shift and mitigating risks to protect IAG Cargo’s performance. The role requires proactive and collaborative communication, strong leadership and pragmatic decision making as well effective coaching, performance management and development of a team.

Please note that this is a 15 month FTC/secondment opportunity for maternity cover from October 2026 - February 2028.

What you’ll do

• Accountable for leading and motivating the London Operations team on shift in IAG Cargo by driving a highly engaged and performance focused working environment where teams are driving the highest level of operational quality metrics

• Accountable for ensuring high levels of productivity to meet the needs of the operation

• Conduct flow meetings, identifying risks to performance and implementing effective mitigations into the relevant parts of the operation

• Lead a performance driven culture through effective performance & line management of direct reports and on the day shift teams delivering in the moment feedback as well as structured one-to-ones.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders such as Senior Manager, Cargo Operations, regional and sales teams as well as with third party stakeholders such as airline operating companies and airport authorities to ensure IAG Cargo’s interests are protected

• Work flexibly where required across different areas of the IAG Cargo London Operation

• Work collaboratively with the wider management team to introduce performance improvements

• Accountable for the health, safety and security of the operational area whilst on shift to comply with operational and legislative requirements whilst working with the IAG Cargo Safety Team to role model and champion safety behaviors; challenging non-compliance.

• Coach and support Team Leaders and Specialists to run the day to day shifts by ensuring that the environment, facilities, systems, and materials are available to deliver a smooth and efficient operation.

• Manage data within multiple systems, ensuring a high level of operational delivery and proactive customer recovery. Conduct causal analysis where needed to get to the root of operational issues.

• Representation during safety events and accountable for ensuring the correct reporting processes are followed

• Understand the application of industrial agreements across the IAG Cargo London Operation.

It's all about you

What you’ll bring to IAG Cargo:

• Excellent communication and leadership skills

• Strong problem solving ability, able to make effective decisions quickly with information available

• Proactive mindset with a problem-solving orientation and initiative using data

• Ability to hold teams accountable for delivery of actions and results

• Demonstrated resilience, ability to prioritise workload, and make decisive decisions in a pressurised environment.

• Ability to build constructive relationships with colleagues and trade unions

• Able to work to own initiative, detecting issues and taking the required actions with minimal guidance

• Uncompromising in safety, security, process and adhering to regulatory requirements

• Delivery focused, can manage a complex and diverse set of requirements

Experience

• Proven experience in an operational and/or industrialised environment

• People management in an operational environment

• Able to hold an airside pass

• Full UK drivers' licence and ability to obtain and hold an airside driving permit

• Excellent internal and external stakeholder management

• Proven experience in managing, coaching, and leading teams

We’ll treat you right

Wherever you work within IAG Cargo, you’ll play a part in helping us deliver what the world needs and join a diverse and inclusive business that’s making a difference.

As well as a competitive salary, bonus, we offer a range of benefits to support our colleagues, which include:

• From the day you join us, you’ll get access to brilliant staff travel benefits including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways and group airlines. You’ll also receive up to 30 discounted ‘Hotline’ airfares per year for yourself, friends, and family.

• Flexible bank holiday policy- Individuals not on shift have the flexibility to swap the statutory public holidays, with the days you choose to take off instead.

• All our colleagues get access to LinkedIn learning and Rosetta Stone Language courses

• For health and wellbeing we offer a free onsite gym facility as well as access to the UNMIND app and a community of Mental Health First Aiders

• Access to discounts on Apple, Cinema tickets and loads of other goodies through Perks at work

Diversity and Inclusion

Our recruitment procedures positively support our diversity and inclusion agenda.

All candidates are considered strictly on their merits in relation to the criteria for the role, treated fairly and consistently, and have their individual needs responded to throughout the process.

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