Chief Operating Officer Ground Handling (m/w/d)

Are you ready to take off in the dynamic and fast-paced aviation industry? Swissport, a global leader, provides ground handling, cargo handling, and passenger services for over 300 million passengers each year. Our mission is clear: “To deliver consistent and tailored solutions to the aviation industry worldwide for a better customer experience.”

We believe that it is our employees who set us apart from the competition. At Swissport, we live by our core values: “Show You Care,” “Do the Right Things,” and “Win as a Team.”

We are currently looking for a dedicated Chief Operating Officer Ground Handling who share these values and want to strengthen our team.

Responsibilities

• Full accountability for operational excellence in Frankfurt am Main
• Lead and develop station management and coach the next generation of leaders
• Ensure the highest standards in safety, quality, and efficiency
• Full P&L responsibility: from budgeting to profitability
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with airlines, airports, authorities, and internal stakeholders
• Continuously optimize processes and drive KPI performance (productivity, OTP, customer satisfaction)
• Drive business growth through customer retention and new opportunities
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and operational innovation
• Act as a trusted partner to the CEO and senior leadership team in driving regional strategy

Your Profile

• Extensive experience in senior operations roles, ideally in aviation or logistics
• Proven track record in P&L responsibility and process optimization
• Strong leadership skills: able to inspire teams and build trust at all levels
• Skilled in working with unions and works councils
• Solid financial acumen and results-driven mindset
• Fluent in German and English
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural environment

We Offer:

• A key leadership role within a global market leader
• The opportunity to shape operations across an entire region
• Collaboration with a dedicated leadership team and global decision-makers
• An environment where innovation and continuous improvement are encouraged
• A culture that values leadership, accountability, and professional growth