Aviation Manager

AVIATION MANAGER | MANCHESTER | HYBRID

We're delighted to be recruiting for an exciting Aviation Manager opportunity with an established and growing travel business based in Manchester.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced aviation professional who enjoys a hands-on management role, combining team leadership with strong operational, ticketing and commercial responsibilities.

Location: Manchester - Hybrid

Full Time | Monday-Friday | Office Hours

Aviation / Ticketing Management

Salary: Competitive/DOE

The Role

As Aviation Manager, you'll take responsibility for the day-to-day performance of the aviation function, ensuring the team delivers accurate, efficient and commercially focused ticketing and operational support.

You'll lead and develop a team of Ticketing Coordinators/Executives, while remaining hands-on yourself and acting as a key point of expertise across aviation operations.

The role of Aviation Manager will include:

Leading, coaching and developing the aviation/ticketing team
Setting and monitoring standards around accuracy, productivity, customer service and commercial performance
Supporting recruitment, appraisals, performance management and ongoing development
Ensuring airline tickets are issued accurately and within required deadlines
Providing expert knowledge across airline routes, carrier products, fare structures, booking classes and GDS systems
Taking ownership of aviation systems, automation and robotic processes
Monitoring automation performance and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability
Working with IT, suppliers and internal teams to resolve system issues and develop new solutions
Managing airline schedule changes and out-of-range flights
Building strong relationships with airlines and consolidators
Supporting the wider business with operational and aviation expertise
Assisting with crisis situations and operational disruption when required
Participating in a Duty Manager/out-of-hours rotaCommercial & ODR Responsibility

A key element of the position will be taking ownership of the ODR flight process, with a strong focus on reducing avoidable losses and maximising commercial opportunities.

You'll regularly analyse performance, looking at areas such as:

Gains and losses
Airline performance
Emerging trends
Significant individual losses
Process and behavioural improvements
Opportunities to improve overall commercial returnYou'll use this information to challenge existing processes where appropriate and introduce improvements that deliver measurable results.

We're looking for someone who is confident working in a busy, varied aviation environment and is comfortable balancing people management with being actively involved in the day-to-day operation.

You'll ideally have:

Excellent GDS system knowledge
Previous experience within aviation/ticketing, ideally with management or supervisory responsibility
Strong knowledge of airline fares, routes, products and ticketing processes
Excellent organisational and communication skills
A positive, adaptable and solutions-focused approach
The ability to remain calm and effective under pressure
Strong commercial awareness
A genuine interest in systems, automation and improving processes
Excellent customer service skills
Long-haul destination knowledge would be advantageous, but isn't essentialInterested? Apply now or email or call Nichola on (phone number removed)