Regional Director of Operations

dnata is more than a global air and travel services provider. We connect people with possibilities and opportunities across 130+ airports in 34 countries through ground handling, cargo, travel, and catering & retail services. Our purpose is clear: to deliver on the promises our customers make. We are powered by a bold vision to be the world’s most admired air and travel services provider, which guides our strategy, culture, and every role across our teams. Our core values fuel everything we do: we are safe, we play to win, we respect everyone and work together as a team, and we are future thinking. At dnata, we foster diversity, nurture ambition, and celebrate achievement. If you're inspired by purpose and motivated to be part of a global team shaping the future of aviation and travel, we’d love to have you onboard. On the ground, dnata USA keeps 27 of the country’s major airports connected – both with each other and the world - including John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City. Handling 200,000 tonnes of cargo, guiding 15,000,000 passengers and keeping 50,000 flights in the air each year, the work that the dnata USA team complete on the ground is crucial to keeping the country in the air. Regional Director of Operations - West The Regional Director of Operations is responsible for the overall operational leadership, performance, and compliance of ground handling operations across a defined geographic region. Reporting to the COO, this role provides strategic and hands-on leadership to Station Managers and Regional Teams to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective ground handling services in alignment with contractual, regulatory, and company standards. Essential Functions of the Regional Director of Operations Lead initiatives to improve services in the areas of on-time performance, reliability, safety, execution to plan, and overall customer service. Ensure open communication exists throughout the business and that senior executives are kept abreast of issues in the areas of customer service, safety, logistics, and planning. Ensure that Stations operate in compliance with all stated company policy and procedures, and adhere to the company's mission, vision, and values statements. Partner with COO and Senior Team to develop and lead business strategy. Champion Safety Culture and SMS Compliance Own the regional operating budget and cost controls Lead station leadership development, labor relations, and workforce planning Serve as the escalation point for irregular operations and customer issues Ensure consistent practices, processes and policies are adhered to as it relates to corporate, customer, airport, state, and local government regulations. Provide and give operational input to strategic business planning. Ensure all operations are engaged, actively pursue continuous improvement. Look for opportunities to use "best in practice" techniques for Station operations. Oversee operations budgets, review performance to budget. Develop initiatives to improve Station performance. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Operations, Business, or related field. 10–15 years of aviation or ground handling experience. 5+ years of senior multi-station leadership experience. Bachelors Degree Experience in unionized environments and airline SLA management. Working Conditions and Travel Travel up to 25% including nights, weekends, and holidays Availability for operational or safety events as required Airport, ramp, and office-based environments