Chief Operating Officer Ground Handling (m/w/d)

Are you ready to take off in the dynamic and fast-paced aviation industry? Swissport, a global leader, provides ground handling, cargo handling, and passenger services for over 300 million passengers each year. Our mission is clear: “To deliver consistent and tailored solutions to the aviation industry worldwide for a better customer experience.”

We believe that it is our employees who set us apart from the competition. At Swissport, we live by our core values: “Show You Care,” “Do the Right Things,” and “Win as a Team.”

We are currently looking for dedicated Chief Operating Officer Ground Handling who share these values and want to strengthen our team at various locations worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Full accountability for operational excellence in Frankfurt am Main
• Lead and develop station management and coach the next generation of leaders
• Ensure the highest standards in safety, quality, and efficiency
• Full P&L responsibility: from budgeting to profitability
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with airlines, airports, authorities, and internal stakeholders
• Continuously optimize processes and drive KPI performance (productivity, OTP, customer satisfaction)
• Drive business growth through customer retention and new opportunities
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and operational innovation
• Act as a trusted partner to the CEO and senior leadership team in driving regional strategy

Your Profile

• Extensive experience in senior operations roles, ideally in aviation or logistics
• Proven track record in P&L responsibility and process optimization
• Strong leadership skills: able to inspire teams and build trust at all levels
• Skilled in working with unions and works councils
• Solid financial acumen and results-driven mindset
• Fluent in German and English
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural environment

We Offer:

• A key leadership role within a global market leader
• The opportunity to shape operations across an entire region
• Collaboration with a dedicated leadership team and global decision-makers
• An environment where innovation and continuous improvement are encouraged
• A culture that values leadership, accountability, and professional growth

At Swissport, we believe in diversity, equal opportunity, and the power of our values to drive our success. We are committed to providing a workplace that fosters inclusion and where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Visit our website at Swissport Careers to learn more about Life at Swissport.

Join Swissport today and be part of a team that connects the world of aviation!