Airport Operations Base Manager

Job Description

TUI Group is the world’s leading integrated tourism business. TUI Airline consolidates all airline activities across the UK, Nordics, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Morocco, France, and the Dutch Antilles. The Ground Operations function is a team of experts driving performance, efficiency, and innovation in Ground Operations.

Serving as the most senior public face of TUI at your Airport(s), your role is crucial for the successful delivery of our operations. You’ll have overall accountability for operational delivery, meeting KPIs and SLAs and customer expectations. This role reports to the Region Manager (deputising if required) and requires weekend work on a rotational basis.

Based at Birmingham Airport, you will also have responsibility for selected Regional Airports.

Applications close 11 January 2026

ABOUT OUR OFFER

• Personal benefits: Attractive remuneration, discretionary bonus schemes, generous travel benefits, extensive health & well-being support, and more
• Flexible working: Work is something you do, not somewhere you go. We encourage a healthy work-life balance with a dynamic working environment
• A career to shape: Access the TUI Learning Hub to level-up and reach your ambitions
• Broaden your network: We champion intercultural collaboration and provide opportunities to work on global projects and teams
• Community: Get involved with incredible local charity and sustainability initiatives like the TUI Care Foundation.
  
  
  

ABOUT THE JOB

• Act as the senior manager at your base, coordinating with stakeholders to ensure operational excellence
• Deliver overall station performance, including on-time performance, customer service, strategy, and safety
• Ensure third-party suppliers adhere to TUI policies and processes to satisfy compliance requirements and introduce station improvement plans
• Manage the Ground Operations team, focusing on performance and development
• Contribute to mid- and long-term TUI strategy for airport operations performance
• Represent TUI in airport/airline community forums, championing short- and long-term strategic goals
• Deliver a consistent customer journey and maintain budgetary and financial control at the station level
• Build senior-level relationships at board level with airport operators, control authorities, and suppliers to leverage value for TUI
• Drive continuous improvement and strategic development across departments
• Lead senior operational performance meetings with stakeholders and suppliers
• Identify and implement product and operational enhancements to keep TUI ahead of competitors
• Own and deliver project workstreams on behalf of the Region Manager / Head of Airport Operations
• Participate in on-call response rosters and implement station emergency plans.
  
  

ABOUT YOU

• Degree or substantial relevant experience
• Significant management experience in aviation, airline, ground handling, and supplier management
• Proven ability to build, foster and maintain strong internal/external stakeholder relationships
• Leadership qualities that align with TUI values
• Proven experience in leading diverse teams and fostering continuous development and engagement
• Self-motivated with a collaborative approach, positive outlook, and ability to inspire teams and suppliers
• Excellent communication skills, with experience in building industry relationships and influencing stakeholders
• Ability to stimulate and inspire teams to deliver operational excellence in our pan European environment
• Proficiency in using analytical tools to improve performance
• Successful project and product implementation management
• Results-oriented with experience in managing KPIs and problem-solving
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, which embrace our TUI values
• Experience in delivering safe and compliant operations in an airline environment, with knowledge of risk management and auditing
• Certification in ground handling procedures and regulations is desirable
• Strong business English and competency with MS Office systems
• Flexibility in working hours to resolve operational issues.
  
  

#LI-DD1
#LI-ONSITE

From a workplace to a place to belong. At TUI we embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging everyone to come as you are, because together, our potential is limitless.

We are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities and impairments so if you require any support, please do let us know.

SECURITY CLEARANCE STATEMENT

At TUI, safety is our top priority. We conduct thorough background checks on all employees who join our Airline. Rest assured; we’ll guide you on the necessary information you need to provide at each stage.

Please note that if you are applying for a role in the UK, you must ensure you can provide a full 5 years referencing, plus a criminal record check for all countries you’ve resided in for more than 6 months in the past 5 years (some costs may apply).