This role is responsible for leading, supporting, and directing the FLL operation and operations team. This station leadership position has direct accountability for the coordination of the station operations office and a team of operations supervisors, operations coordinators, and lead positions. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the station, meeting or exceeding operational Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and fostering strong relationships with government entities, other airlines, and third-party contracts.
This is a key leadership position within the FLL station, responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the station, achieving operational goals, and fostering strong relationships with various stakeholders. This role requires strong leadership, coordination, and communication skills to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Leadership and Direction:
Provide leadership, support, and direction to the operations team, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives.
Coordinate and oversee the activities of operations supervisors, operations coordinators, and lead positions to ensure smooth operation of the station.
Operational Planning and Coordination:
Pre-plan for the subsequent day and future flight schedules to ensure operational KPIs are achieved or exceeded, with safety as the main focus.
Oversee gate assignments, remote parking, and other operational functions that can impact performance, such as aircraft search team assignments and facility constraints.
Manage added flight segments effectively and ensure operational readiness for all flights.
Relationship Building:
Build strong relationships with government entities, other airlines, and third-party contracts that provide operational support to [Company].
Collaborate and coordinate with these entities to ensure seamless operations and resolve any operational issues.
Performance Tracking and Communication:
Track and trend operational results, identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies for continuous improvement.
Communicate operational results to relevant stakeholders to support decision-making and goal achievement.
Partnering with Spirit Network Planning: Collaborates with the Spirit Network Planning team to drive efficiency and operational success. This involves sharing operational insights, providing feedback on network planning decisions, and working together to optimize routes, flight frequencies, and capacity utilization.
Monthly Flight Schedule Reviews: Assists in reviewing the monthly flight schedule to ensure it aligns with operational goals, resource availability, and customer demand. This involves analyzing flight data, identifying potential bottlenecks or conflicts, and making necessary adjustments to optimize efficiency.
Operational Leadership:
Direct, support, and lead FLL (Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport) operations to achieve or exceed operational goals, including on-time performance, safety, security, and regulatory compliance.
Serve as the leadership escalation point of contact for Operations Supervisors and Shift Managers during significant irregular operations (IROPs) or emergency response situations.
Team Management and Development:
Support, lead, and develop the performance of FLL operations team members.
Oversee and serve as the direct point of contact for third-party contracts related to Cabin Appearance and Aircraft Fueling.
Collaboration and Performance Improvement:
Collaborate with the General Manager Guest Experience and General Manager Ramp Services to review and create action plans to address performance opportunities related to station Fleet Launch, D0 (departure on time), and T0 (turnaround time) key performance indicators (KPIs).
Act as the direct point of contact for Spirit OCC (Operations Control Center) escalations.
External Relations: Work closely with the county to address facility-related concerns that may impact station performance.
Recruiting: Take part in the recruitment process to attract and select qualified candidates for various positions within the operations team.
Co-mail Handling and Schedule Management:
Provide leadership and oversight of co-mail team members and co-mail handling at the station.
Assist with monthly flight schedule reviews and collaborate with Spirit Network Planning to drive efficiency and operational success.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned. Responsibilities and duties may change when circumstances dictate (e.g., emergencies change in workload, rush jobs or technical developments)
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience (Aviation Management, Business Administration or related field).
Experience
3 to 5 years of experience; In-depth knowledge of airport operations required.
Specialized Skills
Previous experience in airline operations or a related field, with a strong understanding of aviation industry regulations and practices.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, and Teams.
Ability to assess priorities and problem-solve effectively under pressure, while managing competing demands.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to foster a safety culture and drive performance excellence.
Capability to build and maintain effective working relationships with various internal and external stakeholders.
Detail-oriented with a focus on compliance and adherence to operational standards.
Aptitude for utilizing resources efficiently to support teams in executing their duties.
Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, ever-changing operational environment and maintain flexibility in scheduling, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as necessary.
Proven leadership skills and ability to effectively manage a team.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships and collaborate with various stakeholders.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
Proficiency in using computer systems and software relevant to airline operations.
Excellent communication skills
Domestic & International Travel under 10% of the time.
100% onsite—because connection and collaboration are core to life at Spirit.
We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits to our team members including medical, dental, STD, LTD, life insurance, 401(k), paid time off, travel benefits and much more. We strive to maintain a professional, yet friendly environment and promote professional and career development for our team