Head of Operations – Aviation Ground Handling

An exciting opportunity for an experienced aviation professional to join a leading multinational ground handling company as Head of Operations. Reporting directly to the COO, this role will oversee operations across 27 stations in Indonesia, driving excellence in ramp operations, passenger services, cargo handling, safety, and security. Ideal for candidates with strong multi-site leadership experience and exposure to international airline operations.

Head of Operations

Salary: Competitive and based on experience

Location: Jakarta

Keywords: Aviation ground handling, Strategic operations management, Multi-site leadership, International carrier experience, Operational excellence, Safety and security oversight, Ground support equipment management, Team coordination across Indonesia

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Operations to join a rapidly expanding aviation services provider, overseeing the seamless functioning of 27 stations across Indonesia. This newly created role is based in West Jakarta and offers you the chance to shape operational strategy at a national level, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer. You will play a pivotal part in driving operational efficiency, ensuring safety and security standards, and supporting teams across multiple locations. The organisation is committed to providing comprehensive benefits including annual bonuses, medical coverage for your family, and flexible working arrangements. If you are passionate about aviation ground handling and ready to make a significant impact on a national scale, this is your moment to step into a high-profile leadership position.

• Oversee all aspects of ramp operations, passenger services, cargo handling, safety and security, and ground support equipment across 27 stations throughout Indonesia, ensuring consistent service delivery and compliance with international standards.
• Work closely with senior leadership and station managers to streamline workflows, optimise reporting structures, and foster collaboration among diverse teams in a fast-growing environment.
• Enjoy generous benefits such as annual bonuses, comprehensive medical coverage for your family (including up to two children), car allowance within the package, and opportunities for professional growth with a clear pathway towards executive leadership.

What you'll do:

As Head of Operations, you will be entrusted with shaping the future of aviation ground handling services across Indonesia. Your day-to-day activities will involve collaborating closely with both central leadership and local station managers to ensure smooth operations at every location. You will travel frequently to oversee activities on-site, offering guidance while fostering an atmosphere of teamwork and shared success. By streamlining processes and championing best practices in safety, security, and customer service, you will help elevate operational standards nationwide. Your ability to connect teams across diverse regions will be key in building a cohesive network that consistently delivers outstanding results. This role offers you the platform to demonstrate your expertise in managing complex multi-site operations while preparing for potential advancement into executive leadership.

• Provide strategic direction and hands-on oversight for ramp operations, passenger services, cargo operations, safety protocols, security measures, and ground support equipment management across all Indonesian stations.
• Collaborate directly with the Chief Operating Officer to develop and implement operational strategies that drive efficiency and consistency throughout the network.
• Coordinate with station managers at 27 locations to ensure alignment with organisational goals while nurturing an inclusive and supportive team culture.
• Streamline systems and reporting structures by identifying areas for improvement and implementing best practices that enhance productivity and communication.
• Monitor compliance with local regulations as well as international aviation standards to maintain the highest levels of safety and service quality.
• Lead regular site visits across Indonesia to assess station performance, provide guidance, address challenges promptly, and share knowledge between teams.
• Foster strong relationships with international carriers by understanding their requirements and ensuring exceptional service delivery at every touchpoint.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives by encouraging feedback from staff at all levels and facilitating training opportunities where needed.
• Prepare detailed reports for senior management on operational performance metrics, resource allocation, risk assessments, and project outcomes.
• Support the professional development of station managers through mentoring, coaching, and sharing expertise gained from years in senior aviation roles.

What you bring:

To excel as Head of Operations, your background should reflect substantial experience within aviation ground handling—ideally gained through progressive responsibility over more than a decade. Your proven track record managing large-scale airport operations equips you with the insights needed to navigate regulatory complexities while maintaining high standards of safety and service. Advanced English language skills are crucial given the need for clear communication with both local teams and international airline partners. Your approach should emphasise collaboration; by connecting people from different backgrounds you will foster unity across all stations. Experience working alongside international carriers gives you an edge when adapting global best practices locally. A strategic yet empathetic outlook enables you to inspire trust among colleagues while guiding them through change initiatives designed for sustainable growth.

• Demonstrated expertise in aviation ground handling is essential for this position as you will be responsible for overseeing complex airport operations across multiple sites.
• Advanced proficiency in English is required so you can communicate effectively with international partners and internal stakeholders alike.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in ground handling operations is necessary to bring depth of knowledge to this senior role.
• At least 5 years spent in senior or managerial positions within the aviation sector ensures you have developed strong people management skills.
• Proven ability to streamline systems and workflows across geographically dispersed teams will enable you to drive operational improvements efficiently.
• Experience working directly with international carriers or airlines is highly desirable as it provides valuable insight into global best practices.
• A strategic mindset combined with practical operational know-how allows you to balance long-term planning with day-to-day problem-solving responsibilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are vital for coordinating efforts among station heads while nurturing an inclusive team environment focused on shared goals.
• Flexibility regarding frequent travel within Indonesia demonstrates your commitment to hands-on leadership at each location under your remit.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as one of Indonesia’s most respected names in aviation services due to its unwavering commitment to operational excellence and employee wellbeing. With rapid expansion driving new opportunities nationwide, they offer an environment where your contributions are valued—and where your career can flourish alongside company growth. Employees benefit from comprehensive medical coverage that extends to immediate family members (including up to two children), annual bonuses recognising outstanding performance, THR payments aligned with local customs, as well as car allowances included within competitive remuneration packages. The company’s inclusive culture encourages ongoing learning through training opportunities while promoting work-life balance via flexible arrangements whenever possible. As part of a supportive leadership team dedicated to nurturing talent from within, you’ll find ample scope for personal development—including a clear pathway towards executive roles such as COO—making this an ideal destination for those seeking both challenge and reward in equal measure.

What's next:

If you are ready to take on a transformative leadership role in aviation operations at a national level—this is your chance!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided; we look forward to discovering how your expertise can help shape the future of aviation services across Indonesia.

Due to the high volume of applications we are experiencing, our team will only be in touch with you if your application is shortlisted.