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.
Apply Today to work at one of the world’s largest air services providers. This position is based at our HDQ office in Orlando, Florida.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and explore a dynamic role with long-term growth potential, apply today to receive additional details regarding the team environment, location, and compensation structure.
The Director of Ground Service Equipment Operations will lead our company to continued growth and profitability by partnering with all levels of our US and Global organization. You will be an essential leader in the development, execution, and communication of business strategies to achieve consistent excellence in safety, service, and performance. Your focus will be to deliver consistent and measurable results by inspiring our teams to deliver high quality services, maximize financial performance, and deliver customer service across the enterprise. As a function of this position, you will engage, align, and influence internal and external business partners and stakeholders at every level to maximize results.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for day-to-day ground support equipment (GSE) operations, including but not limited to daily fluid inspections, preventive and corrective maintenance, and ensuring timely return to service.
- Work closely with station leadership and local technical teams to provide both technical and transactional support.
- Provide leadership and direction to GSE managers, supervisors, and technicians across all locations.
- Demonstrate strong alignment to dnata USA GSE Strategy and monitor station level compliance.
- Coordinate with operations, safety, procurement, and logistics to ensure GSE support aligns with operational needs.
- Monitor creation and timely completion of work orders, ensuring accurate and thorough recordkeeping.
- Lead the process of scheduling, rostering, and recruiting of GSE employees through consistent review of all station schedules by week, and hold teams accountable for proper rosters, compliance, and recruiting needs.
- Oversee procurement activities related to materials, supplies, and parts required for maintenance of company-owned and operated equipment and facilities.
- Ensure effective stock level management and controls for GSE-related items including de-icing fluids, PPE, uniforms, and airfield supplies to meet demand.
- Organize and manage tracking of asset expenses to maintain and adhere to annual OPEX budgets.
- Monitor monthly maintenance (OPEX) spend by station and report variances.
- Act as liaison between OEMs/vendors and the accounting team to ensure invoice accuracy and timely payments.
- Plan and coordinate the relocation and transportation of equipment between stations as needed.
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for work order management, inventory planning and tracking, procurement, invoicing, and other maintenance functions, leveraging the Maintenance Management System.
- Assist in Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operating Budget (OPEX) planning and forecasting.
- Proactively identify opportunities for cost reduction; benchmark internal performance against industry standards and drive continuous improvement.
- Stay current on technical advancements, market trends, and supply chain developments to inform strategy and operations.
- Foster a safety-centric culture through consistent execution and implementation of company safety programs and processes across all locations.
- Maintain strong communication across all levels of the organization to ensure alignment on safety, logistics, and supply chain planning.
- Carry out management responsibilities in accordance with company policies and all applicable laws and regulations.
- Demonstrate integrity, fairness, professionalism, and respect in all interactions, setting a benchmark for others.
- Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.
- Travel as required.
Qualifications
- 10+ years related management experience or training in Ground Service Equipment and/or Diesel Equipment.
- Airport/Aviation Experience (preferred).
- Successful record of workshop management, with oversight of multiple accounts and facilities.
- Strong organizational and negotiation skills.
- Knowledge of GSE includes asset management, system management, government regulation and compliance, budgeting, and expense analysis.
- Business and intellectual competencies include industry knowledge and understanding, negotiating, strategic and tactical planning, logistics, problem analysis, written and oral communication, people development and creativity.
- Ability to analyze and evaluate customer needs.
- Possess/maintain a valid state driver's license and other FAA/Airport required identification/seals or authorizations.
Education:
Bachelor's degree (BA or BSc) from four-year college or university in a relevant field (preferred)
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
salary $100,000-$175,000
