What are the responsibilities and job description for the HPN - Ramp Manager position at Avports BIM Ltd.?
Job Description – Ramp Manager
Business Unit: HPN – Airline Services
Reports To: Airlines Operations Manager
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Job Category: Regular, full-time
Primary Work Location: On-Site, Westchester County Airport
Country: USA
The Company
Founded in 1927 as a division of Pan American World Airways, Avports is an experienced and trusted airport manager and operator. Today, the company operates with over 650 staff (of which approximately 300 are unionized) at 14 airports across the US and the Caribbean, with that number slated to grow to 800 during the next year with the addition of new airport projects.
Avports has historically managed and operated a portfolio of airport operations and maintenance (O&M) and public-private partnership (P3/PPP) contracts at more than 30 US airports. These airports have diverse operations, encompassing commercial and general aviation airports, passenger terminals, joint-use airports, heliports, NASA facilities, and spaceports. The company is working to integrate electric aviation, hydrogen fuel cells, and zero-emission decarbonization concepts in existing airport environments.
Westchester County Airport (HPN) https://airport.westchestercountyny.gov/general-information/overview
Westchester County Airport, located at 240 Airport Rd, West Harrison, NY 10604, five miles east of White Plains and about 30 miles north of Manhattan. It has been operating as a public-use airport since 1945, and offers a diverse mixture of commercial, business and private aviation services. Responding to the needs of its surrounding communities and its unique location, the airport has been a pioneer in the management of its environmental impacts caused by aviation operations.
Job Summary
Responsible for overseeing all airline ramp and ground handling operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and on-time servicing of aircraft. Provides direct supervision of ramp personnel, coordination of baggage and aircraft servicing activities, and enforcement ensuring compliance with safety regulations, airline and airport procedures, and operational performance standards. Serve as the operational lead for ramp activities during assigned shifts and is responsible to coordinate staffing, equipment readiness and allocation, aircraft ground handling activities, and real time, operational decision-making, and incident response. Success requires strong leadership, situational awareness, and the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-risk airfield environment, maintaining a strong safety culture and supporting passenger service requirements.
High school diploma, with a bachelor’s degree in aviation, transportation, management, or a related field preferred and at least 3 years of ramp or aviation ground handling experience. Must be able to work flexible schedules, perform in extreme weather and high-noise environments, and maintain physical stamina for extended shifts. Must have knowledge of airline ramp operations and safety procedures, the ability to safely operate or oversee ground service equipment, strong organizational skills, and strict adherence to detailed operating procedures and safety checklists.
Regular, full-time essential services position reports to the Airline Operations Manager and require rotating shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Mandatory background screening, ongoing training eligibility, and onsite presence at the airport required.
Essential Job Functions
- Supervise and direct all ramp personnel in the performance of aircraft ground handling, baggage operations, and related support services.
- Serve as the operational lead for ramp activities during assigned shifts, ensuring safe and efficient aircraft arrivals and departures.
- Assign personnel and ground service equipment (GSE) to scheduled flights and adjust staffing and resources in response to irregular operations.
- Conduct pre-shift briefings and ongoing communications to establish safety expectations and operational priorities.
- Ensure compliance with FAA, DOT, airline procedures, airport rules and regulations, and company safety policies.
- Monitor ramp activity to identify hazards, unsafe acts, or equipment deficiencies and take immediate corrective action.
- Lead response efforts during ramp incidents, aircraft damage events, injuries, or safety occurrences, including required reporting and internal investigations.
- Coordinate with airline representatives, airport operations, maintenance teams, and other stakeholders to support seamless operations.
- Oversee ground service equipment usage, ensuring proper operation, inspections, and reporting of mechanical issues.
- Ensure compliance with the Airport Environmental Management System (AEMS) and applicable environmental requirements.
- Support training, coaching, and performance management of ramp personnel.
- Maintain required operational records, incident reports, and training documentation.
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support airline and airport operational objectives.
Core Competencies
- Demonstrates strong situational awareness in an active ramp and airfield environment.
- Exhibits effective leadership in a 24/7 operational setting with diverse workgroups.
- Maintains calm, decisive judgment during emergencies and high-pressure situations.
- Communicates clearly and professionally with airline partners, airport operations, and team members.
- Enforces safety standards, operational procedures, and regulatory compliance consistently.
- Accept ownership and accountability, consistently delivering accurate, high-quality results with a sense of urgency
- Maintain strict adherence to safety protocols, PPE requirements, and regulatory standards.
- Work effectively in a high-coordinated environment and supports team goals.
- Demonstrate alertness and evaluate conditions in a dynamic airside environment.
- Functions effectively in adverse weather, fluctuating schedules, and high-pressure situations.
- Demonstrates reliability, punctuality, and consistency in shift-based operations.
- Make timely decisions when options are clear, escalating appropriately for higher risk or ambiguity
- Manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- High attention to detail, sound judgment, and conscientiousness in all work
- Communicate timelines, expectations, and progress clearly
- Make timely decisions when options are clear, escalating appropriately for higher risk or ambiguity
- Support team continuity and knowledge sharing
- Seek, receive, and apply constructive feedback to support ongoing development
- Drive continuous improvement through innovative and cost-effective solutions
Required Skills & Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Minimum: High school diploma or GED required
- Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in aviation, transportation, management, or a related field
- Minimum 3–5 years of ramp or aviation ground handling experience, with prior lead, senior, or supervisory experience strongly preferred.
Licenses, Certifications & Eligibility
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Valid New York State motor vehicle operator’s license required with acceptable driving record to support equipment needs
- Ability to obtain required airline-specific ramp certifications
- Must successfully pass TSA background screening and security clearance
- Ability to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
- Ability to work in extreme weather conditions and high-noise environments.
- Maintain all required airport, airline, and security clearances.
- Demonstrated physical stamina for standing, walking, lifting, and long shifts.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
Technical & Functional Skills
- Knowledge of airline ramp operations, safety procedures, and ground handling practices
- Ability to safely operate or oversee the operation of ground service equipment
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- Ability to follow detailed operating procedures and safety checklists
- Work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining effective communication
- Aircraft marshaling and hand-signal communication
- Aircraft pushbacks, brake riding, and towing operations
- Chocking, cone placement, and aircraft securing
- Time-critical turnaround coordination
- Knowledge of common aircraft types and configurations (e.g., A320, A220)
- Load control basics and weight & balance awareness
- Operation of ground service equipment (belt loaders, tugs, GPUs, deicing vehicles)
- Ground power unit (GPU) and air start unit operation
- Use of handheld radios and dispatch/operations systems
- Reading and validating load sheets and flight documentation
- Aircraft servicing coordination (lavatory, potable water, cabin cleaning)
- Ramp safety, aircraft movement areas, and jet blast awareness
- Hazardous materials recognition (IATA DGR awareness)
Preferred Skills
- Prior experience as a Lead or Senior Ramp Agent.
- Supervisory or people-management experience; union and non-union environments.
- Strong coaching, training, and performance management skills.
- Experience in aviation, logistics, transportation, or airport operations.
Work Authorization & Travel Requirements
- Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship
- Must comply with airport badging, access, and security requirements
- Infrequent U.S. domestic travel may be required; travel is not typically required beyond the local airport.
Work Environment, Physical & Cognitive Demands
Physical Requirements
- Work performed primarily outdoors on airport ramps and aircraft service areas.
- Requires constant visual awareness of aircraft, vehicles, and ground equipment.
- Must be able to safely navigate aircraft movement areas and heavy equipment.
- Regularly required to stand, walk, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, and balance
- Regular lifting and movement of objects exceeding 50 pounds
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Regularly exposed to extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, snow, rain, and wind), high noise levels, jet blast, moving aircraft, vehicles, and heavy equipment. PPE required.
- High attention to detail and focus on quality
- Highest levels of integrity and professionalism
- Ability to work effectively under stress and with limited resources
- Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
- Ability to lead and facilitate teamwork during emergency incidents
- This job description is not intended to list every duty. Duties may change at any time, with or without notice.
Applies to all team members, including those represented by a labor union or bargaining unit. If any part conflicts with a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA will take precedence.
The Company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act, and all applicable state or local law. Consistent with those requirements, the Company. will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability if such accommodation would allow the individual to perform the essential functions of the job, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.
Compensation & Benefits Overview
- Benefits may include:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
- Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Short‑ and Long‑Term Disability Insurance
- Life and AD\&D Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
- Professional development opportunities
Salary : $80,000 - $86,000