Director Gateway Cargo Operations

The Director of Gateway Cargo Operations is responsible for overseeing and optimizing all aspects of gateway operations to ensure compliance with security, safety, regulatory, and performance standards while delivering high-quality service to customers. This role ensures operational efficiency, vendor and equipment management, and alignment with corporate goals through effective leadership, budgeting, and collaboration with internal teams and external agencies.

Responsible for maintaining, supporting and improving the overall gateway operation to support all business units of the company.
• Responsible for achieving all ground operations and corporate goals as related to performance, safety, service, and regulatory compliance. Ensures all employees and vendors are aware of station and corporate goals and expectations.
• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all gateway operations, including gateway administration, warehouse cargo processing, ramp operations, and customer service.
• Oversee frontline, supervisory, and management staff to ensure effective execution of operational tasks in compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with Flight Operations, Technical Operations, Sales and Marketing, and other company departments to support on-time aircraft departures and optimize cargo load planning and aircraft capacity utilization.
• Maintain oversight of customer service standards and ensure appropriate team responses to customer needs, inquiries, and issue resolution.
• Monitor regulatory compliance across all operations (TSA, FAA, OSHA, CBP) and ensure adherence to internal and external policies.
• Supervise the achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs), including on-time performance, cargo throughput, safety metrics, and service quality.
• Liaise with Sales and Marketing to support commercial objectives, facilitate smooth customer onboarding, and ensure operational readiness for business growth.
• Maintain oversight of billing accuracy, budget and financial controls, and the timely processing of operational charges. Ensure all invoices are sent forward to be paid promptly.
• Manage third-party contracts and service providers involved in gateway operations, ensuring adherence to contractual terms and service levels.
• Enforce and continuously improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cargo handling and ground operations through team leadership and process governance.
• Ensure teams are prepared for scheduled and unscheduled flight operations by overseeing flight readiness, documentation, cargo build-up/breakdown, and coordination with operational groups.
• Lead response planning for irregular operations (IROPs), safety events, and disruptions, ensuring appropriate team actions and reporting are conducted.
• Oversee the safe and compliant handling of special cargo, including hazardous, perishable, and high-value items.
• Manage staffing plans, labor allocation, and scheduling needs in accordance with budget and operational forecasts.
• Maintain a high standard of facility safety, security, cleanliness, and readiness across warehouse and ramp areas.
• Promote a workplace culture focused on safety, accountability, performance, and continuous improvement.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum 10 years' experience required; at least 7 years of extensive airline operational experience involving large stations or regional concepts and progressive experience in air cargo, warehouse, or airport operations.
• Previous experience in Aviation Management, Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field (required).
• Relevant certifications (e.g., IATA, OSHA, TSA, Dangerous Goods) are a plus.
• Multilingual in English and Spanish (preferred)
• Proven leadership experience in managing cross-functional teams, including frontline, supervisory, and management levels.
• Experience working with regulatory bodies such as TSA, FAA, CBP, and OSHA.
• Strong knowledge of cargo handling procedures, ramp operations, warehouse management systems (WMS), and ground support equipment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant operational/logistics software (e.g., CargoSpot, SAP, or similar).
• In-depth understanding of aviation safety, security protocols, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with handling special cargo (e.g., hazardous materials, perishables, valuables).
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities; able to interface effectively with all levels of internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities under pressure and during irregular operations (IROPs).
• Ability to manage crises, respond to operational disruptions, and drive process improvements.
• Experience managing budgets, financial controls, and vendor contracts.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required.
• Physical ability to inspect warehouse and ramp areas as needed.
• Ability to travel for business from time to time.
• Experience with B747/B777/B767 cargo operations preferred.
• Ability to pass background checks and meet airport security clearance requirements.

Salary Range: $117,500-$158,500

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to afford equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, place of birth, age, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

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