We can’t wait to share our passion for aviation with you! Join a team that works hard, cares for each other and offers plenty of opportunities to grow.

At Piedmont Airlines, our strength is the way we deliver industry-leading service to our customers and airline partners. To continue our standard of excellence, Piedmont is seeking a motivated, reliable leader to join our team as Vice President of our Ground Handling Department. The primary responsibility of the position is to provide safe, secure, reliable, and efficient ground handling and airport customer service according to company, industry, and regulatory standards. The successful candidate will either hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration, aviation, or another related field or possess equivalent experience leading complex teams or organizations. This position will report to the President and Chief Executive Officer. 

Essential Duties:

• Lead a team of 8,000+ aviation professionals to deliver safe, compliant, and financially responsible ground handling and customer service to parent company American Airlines

• Maintain operating standards for ground operations and airport customer service in accordance with company policies, manuals, applicable government regulations, and appropriate industry best practices

• Oversee the ground handling training department, ensuring all customer service/ground handling personnel within areas of responsibility are trained and qualified to perform assigned duties

• Maintain systems for effective management and supervision of airport customer service and ground handling operations at all company stations, destinations, and at locations within areas of responsibility.

• Maintain service level agreements and contracts in support of customer service/ground handling operations and cargo operations within areas of responsibility

• Foster and maintain relationships with unions representing airport customer service/ground handling within areas of responsibility

• Actively support the companys Internal Evaluation Program (IEP)

• Work closely with internal departments, including Flight Operations, Maintenance, Safety, People and Finance, to ensure unified execution of company operational and financial goals

• Manage budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities

• Ensure execution of safety risk management, performance of safety assurance following safety management systems (SMS) principles

• Ensure communication and promotion of safety information throughout the organization

• Represent Piedmont Ground Handling to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Regional Airline Association (RAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and other industry organizations in a professional manner

• Encourage and exemplify professionalism

• Effectively communicate company objectives, goals, business plan, concerns, and philosophies to team members

Job Qualifications and Competencies:

• Ten (10) years of commercial airline or related industry experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, aviation, related field, or possess equivalent experience leading complex teams or organizations

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role

• Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships across all levels of the organization

• Project management and budget management skills

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and results-oriented environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Business Administration, Aviation, or another related field

• Previous leadership experience in an aviation and/or public transportation industry

• Previous experience leading represented (CBA covered) work groups

• Previous leadership experience in a safety sensitive industry

Work Environment:

• Standard office environment, use of telephones, computers, and other office equipment

• Extensive travel may be required

Physical Requirements:

• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds

The above statements provide a brief description of the general nature of work performed and are not intended to be a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required for this position. Duties and expectations are subject to change as needed.

Employment is contingent upon a clear driving record, 10-year Criminal History Records Check, and drug screen as required. We also require proof of high school or GED completion. Minimum 18 years of age.

Benefit package includes paid training, holiday pay, 401(k), vacation, and family travel on the American Airlines network.  Medical and dental available.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. ​

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer bonuses awarded in accordance with company policies and applicable criteria.

Job Application Deadline: