Vice President, Ground Operations (Relocation to Bangladesh)

Founded in July 2014 and headquartered in Dhaka, Bangladesh, US-Bangla Airlines has grown into Bangladesh's largest private passenger airline. Guided by its motto, Fly Fast, Fly Safe, the airline operates an extensive network across Asia and beyond. With a modern fleet of ATR 72-600, Boeing 737-800, and Airbus A330-300 aircraft, US-Bangla continues to expand its routes and strengthen its position as a leading regional carrier.

This role is based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. For the selected candidate, the company will provide visa support, furnished accommodation (apartment or hotel), and office pick-up and drop-off transportation.

Primary purpose of the position

Provides strategic and operational leadership for all ground operations across the US-Bangla Airlines network, ensuring safe, secure, on-time, and cost-effective ground operations at airports and a consistent customer experience.

Level of responsibility/accountability - Sets the ground operations strategy, policies, and standards, and is accountable to the MD for safety and regulatory compliance, on-time performance, customer service quality, and the ground operations budget.

Enabling environment - A member of the senior leadership team, leading the heads of Guest Services & Experience, Ramp Services, Baggage Services, Load Control and Cabin Appearance & Safety, and building a strong safety and service culture across all stations.

Internal/External focus of the job - Internally, Flight Operations, Engineering, Commercial, Safety and Quality, Security, Finance, and HR. Externally, CAAB, airport authorities, Biman Ground Handling at HSIA, ground handling agents, customs, immigration, and IATA.

Duties and Responsibilities

Guest Services:

• Passenger Services: Lead check-in, boarding, lounges, and special assistance to deliver a safe, efficient, and consistent passenger experience.
• Baggage Services: Oversee baggage handling, mishandled baggage, and lost and found, driving down mishandling rates and claims.

Ramp Operations and GSE:

• Ramp and Turnaround: Ensure safe loading and efficient aircraft turnaround, with close load control coordination and ground handling standards across the ATR 72-600, Boeing 737-800, and Airbus A330-300 fleet.
• GSE Management: Manage the ground support equipment fleet, including maintenance, serviceability, replacement planning, and procurement.

Station and Airport Operations:

• Station Management: Lead domestic and international station managers and ensure consistent standards at every station.
• Handling Agents and SLAs: Select, contract, and oversee ground handling agents against service level agreements and performance audits.
• Airport Coordination: Manage relationships with airport authorities, CAAB, and Biman Ground Handling at HSIA on slots, facilities, and handling issues.
• OTP and Disruption Management: Drive on-time performance and lead the ground response to irregular operations, delays, diversions, and disruptions.

Safety, Compliance and Standards:

• Safety and Security: Embed SMS in ground operations and ensure compliance with CAAB, aviation security, and dangerous goods requirements.
• Industry Standards: Align procedures with IATA ISAGO and the IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM), and lead audit readiness.

Resources and Performance:

• Budget and Cost Control: Own the ground operations budget and drive cost efficiency without compromising safety or service.
• Workforce and Training: Lead workforce planning, rostering policy, recruitment, and training to meet network growth.
• KPIs and Reporting: Set and track ground operations KPIs (OTP, turnaround times, baggage performance, customer satisfaction, safety events) and report to the CEO.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Safety Awareness and Compliance
• Customer Service Excellence
• Professional Integrity and Ethical Conduct
• Team Collaboration
• Adaptability and Continuous Learning
• Strategic Thinking
• Decision Making and Problem Solving
• People Development
• Change Management
• Accountability and Performance Management

Functional Competencies:

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to set direction for ground operations in line with network growth and business goals.
• Operational Excellence: Proven record of improving safety, OTP, turnaround, and service quality.
• Stakeholder and Regulator Management: Builds strong relationships with CAAB, airport authorities, handling agents, and internal leaders.
• Crisis Management: Calm, decisive leadership during disruptions, emergencies, and irregular operations.
• Financial Acumen: Skilled in budgeting, cost control, and contract negotiation.
• People Leadership: Develops and motivates large, diverse, multi-station teams.

Recruitment Requirement

A seasoned ground operations leader with extensive airline or airport experience and a strong safety and compliance track record.

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree from a reputed university; a Master's degree or MBA is preferred.
• IATA ground operations certifications will be a plus.

Experience:

• 15+ years of experience in airline or airport ground operations, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken English.