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Sr Manager, Airport Customer Operations

Charlotte, NC, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Work Schedule

Flexible
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Benefits

Travel perks
health benefits
wellness programs
401(k) program
Employee assistance program
Pet insurance
Discounts on hotels, cars, cruises

Job Description

American Airlines is the largest airline in the world, known for its extensive global network serving 365 destinations on more than 6,800 daily flights. Renowned for its commitment to excellence in customer service and operational efficiency, American Airlines provides a dynamic, inclusive workplace where team members have the opportunity to grow professionally while enjoying excellent travel perks and comprehensive benefits. As a leader in the aviation industry, American Airlines fosters an environment of diversity and inclusion, encouraging employees to be their authentic selves and reach their full potential through various Employee Business Resource Groups and professional development programs.

This role is a key position within the Hubs & Gateways Team of the Customer Experience Division, focusing on overseeing Customer Operations at the airport. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, leading, and coordinating all phases of Customer Operations in close collaboration with department leaders such as Customer Care, Facilities, and the Hub Control Center, as well as American Airlines’ local business partners. Serving as a vital link between corporate initiatives and frontline execution, the position demands a strong operational leader capable of cultivating high-performing teams, implementing innovative solutions, and driving continuous improvement in key performance areas.

The individual in this role will lead and develop a team of operational leaders, providing oversight, counseling, performance evaluations, and training to support frontline staff. They will monitor operational metrics such as departure dependability and baggage handling performance, ensuring that customer service goals are met or exceeded. This position requires strategic oversight of resources including manpower, equipment, facilities, and budgeting to maximize operational efficiency and advance organizational objectives.

In addition to leadership and operational responsibilities, this role involves collaboration with various internal teams including Customer Care, Aircraft Maintenance, Regional Operations, Facilities, Tower Operations, Premium Service, Flight, Flight Service, and Sales. The role requires a forward-thinking approach to problem-solving, data analysis, and process optimization to mitigate risks and enhance overall performance. It also involves oversight of technology and tools related to baggage process improvements, ensuring seamless service delivery aligned with regulatory standards and quality controls.

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to drive change across a large and complex organization while fostering an inclusive culture that encourages teamwork and innovation. The role demands strong analytical skills, labor relations experience, flexibility, and the creativity to handle dynamic situations with executive leadership attributes. It also requires adherence to security protocols including FAA background checks and applicable local licensing requirements.

American Airlines offers an attractive benefits package from day one, including health, dental, vision, and prescription coverage, virtual doctor visits, flexible spending accounts, wellness programs, and 401(k) retirement plans with employer contributions. Additional benefits include travel perks for employees and their families and access to various discounts such as those for hotels, car rentals, and cruises. This position represents an incredible opportunity to join a world-class company that values its employees and offers a fulfilling, challenging career where personal and professional growth go hand in hand.

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
  • Thorough understanding of the budget process, headcount and staffing
  • Demonstrated proficiency in identifying areas for improvement in a large-scale operation
  • Ability to advocate and manage change
  • Prior experience in applying budgetary knowledge to drive business results
  • Operational background in a leadership role
  • Experience managing front line leaders preferred
  • Ability to lead large complex organizations
  • Strong analytical and labor relations skills
  • Action oriented and results driven
  • Flexibility and creativity in dynamic situations
  • Fulfill FAA criminal background checks for airport security access if applicable
  • Valid driver's license if required locally

Job Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
  • Prior experience in leadership roles within large-scale operations
  • Proven ability to manage budgets, headcount and staffing
  • Demonstrated proficiency in identifying areas for improvement and managing change
  • Experience managing frontline leaders preferred
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Labor relations experience including knowledge of agents and collective bargaining agreements
  • Capability to implement procedures ensuring consistent service delivery
  • Ability to lead and serve a complex organization through management leaders and frontline teams
  • Strategic thinking with long-term solution orientation
  • Excellent problem-solving and relationship-building skills across all organizational levels
  • Action-oriented and results-driven leadership style
  • Flexibility and creativity in dynamic situations
  • Ability to fulfill FAA criminal background checks for unescorted airport security access as required
  • Valid driver's license as applicable

Job Duties

  • Leads and develops a team of operational leaders including but not limited to daily oversight, counseling, performance reviews and training
  • Plans, leads and coordinates all phases of Customer Operations at Airport
  • Collaborates with other department leaders such as Customer Care, Facilities, and Hub Control Center, as well as AA's local business partners
  • Engages with frontline employees as an advocate of team members and forward looking initiatives
  • Evaluates, recommends and implements new processes to improve performance impacting industry critical KPIs
  • Analyzes data from multiple sources and identifies needs and opportunities for improvements to mitigate failures
  • Responsible for oversight and leading program development regarding technology and tools associated with baggage process
  • Manages operational responsibilities including departure dependability, baggage handling performance, customer experience, budget and adhoc analysis
  • Interfaces and collaborates with multiple internal and external stakeholders
  • Develops and directs service programs to ensure optimum product delivery and customer service quality
  • Optimizes manpower, equipment, facilities and funds for Customer Operations
  • Demonstrates and cultivates collaborative relationships across all work groups and teams
  • Establishes quality controls with regulatory agencies, other stations and staff groups
  • Monitors and develops performance metrics to enhance sustainable delivery of customer operations goals

Job Criteria

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)


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