Operations Manager

About Vanderlande

Vanderlande is a global leader in logistics process automation, specializing in automated material handling systems for airports, warehouses, and parcel operations. Our innovative solutions help move millions of products and pieces of luggage around the world every day. With a strong focus on technology, collaboration, and continuous improvement, we are committed to delivering reliable solutions for our customers while providing meaningful career opportunities for our employees.

Our services division offers a full-service portfolio, which includes operation and maintenance services, process optimization, system upgrades and modifications throughout the material handling system's life cycle at airports.

The Operations Manager is responsible for the operation of our baggage handling system at JFK – Terminal One.  Provides leadership, management, and direction to the onsite team to achieve safety, quality, productivity, cost objectives, along with meeting customer service goals. 

Essential Functions (Job Duties and Responsibilities): 

• Works under the direction of the Service Manager to oversee site system operations for Individual Carrier System (ICS) and Passenger Boarding Bridges. 

• Manages a small to normal sized maintenance contract. 

• Manages a team performing a variety of less interrelated activities. 

• Manages the daily operation activities, leads and sets direction of the operational team including subcontractors. 

• Participate in weekly, monthly and quarterly meetings with Service Manager, Customer and corporate management to review performance, as needed. 

• Responsible for the implementation and adherence of staff to our health and safety plan, training requirements and overall participation in the company health and safety program. 

• Administer Operational documentation and system readiness such as flight plans, System Availability, and labor hours. 

• Improve capability and capacity of operations personnel. 

• Plan and manage resources to ensure the cost-effective execution of the system operation. 

• Train, manage, and lead employee performance to ensure continuous improvement. 

• Process administrative work that supports the maintenance and operational processes. 

• Ensure a safe work environment for employees and ensure that safe work practices are utilized. 

• Maintain, and enforce site specific policies and procedures including but not limited to: Communication plans, safety plans, contingency plans, attendance, quality control of craftsmanship, inventory management, training requirements, PLC code control (per TSA's PODS 4.2 guidelines). 

• Track Operational KPIs with the use of SCADA, VIBES, ITMC and others. 

• Promote training initiatives 

• Generate standard operating procedures. 

• Conduct BHS failures root cause assessments. 

• Conduct ongoing BHS Assessments. 

• Promote Equipment and vicinity cleanliness and good housekeeping practices. 

• Provide written reports of any kind requested by the airport. 

• Work with Service Manager to oversee and manage Site Budget to achieve budgetary cost and margin goals. 

• Identifies recurring issues and elaborates ideas for improvement, i.e. the quality of work, performance of employees and cooperation with other departments. 

• Sets priorities, distributes work, and monitors progress and quality. 

• Improves departmental processes and performance of the crew. This may lead to people’s development 

• Liaise with maintenance manager on the impact of maintenance ability on the equipment during day-to-day operations. 

• Liaise with VIBES Specialist, IT Engineer or Operator for system readiness and anticipate issues.  

Required Education and Experience:  

• 5+ years of experience with system operations management and managing employees, leading, motivating, and mentoring teams. 

• Experience with Control Systems and Networks.

• Experience in industrial, commercial construction, or material handling/conveyor systems industries. 

• Experience adhering to and implementing customer contracts. 

Other Requirements: 

• Must be able to attain and sustain an Airport I.D. Badge.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical) field preferred 

• Airport, Airlines or Warehouse Operations experience is preferred

• Conveyor services or material handling services experience 

• Experience coordinating training with a team; on-boarding; appraisals; recognition; recruiting etc. 

• Proven track record of problem solving, taking on entrepreneurial challenges and simplifying the complex. 

Knowledge-Skills-Abilities (Competencies): 

• Strong client interface and professional presentation 

• Ability to multitask 

• Strong Microsoft office skills – Excel, Word Processing and Outlook 

• Entrepreneurial attitude – problem solving and innovation 

• Able to communicate (written and verbal) both within the organization 

• Organizational and time management skills 

• Capable of analyzing issues and developing solutions 

• Strong work ethic, technical affinity, ability to grow and mentor as company expands 

• Ability to be creative and innovative, and overcome objections and turn them into opportunity 

• Confidence and professionalism in representing the Company 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: 

• This is Full time position; 24/7 operation; overtime and weekend work is common.

Travel: 

• This position requires up to 10% travel.   

Supervisory Responsibility: 

• Oversee and Manage Operations Team and subcontractors  

Work Environment and Physical Demands: 

The work environment/physical requirements described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job and/or stepping in when needed: The Manager works in a secured baggage handling area, in repair stations, or on airfields. They often must meet strict deadlines to maintain flight schedules.  

Workers frequently bend, stoop, and reach from ladders and scaffolds.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The employee at times will lift and/or move items over 50 pounds. They will be lifting parts and tools for extended periods of time and handling equipment such as conveyor systems. They will identify and fix mechanical problems with machinery, and they commonly work with greasy parts and tools, sometimes in uncomfortable positions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is working with and exposed to the baggage handling system, mechanical parts and vibration. The environment can also be loud because of aircraft engines and equipment.  

Other Duties: 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

This is a full-time, exempt position, eligible to receive a salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. The salary range listed represents the maximum and minimum starting base pay for this position as of the time of posting. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate-dependent.

Salary range: 80,000.00 - 110,000.00

Vanderlande offers a variety of Benefits such as:  

• Full-time (40 hours a week) Effective 1st day of employment.

• Health insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)

• Paid Time off

• Vanderlande offers free Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Basic Life Insurance and

• AD&D and an Employee Assistance program.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Vanderlande is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.