ORD General Manager - Cargo Operations (Aviation)

About U.S. Aviation

U.S. Aviation – United Service Companies, is a contracted ground handler for commercial airline carriers and cargo operators. Established in 1965, United Service Companies (“USC”) began as a maintenance company and trade show service provider in Chicago, Illinois. Today, our company is comprised of five specialized groups that deliver unparalleled custodial, staffing, and security services for customers with diverse business needs from the Eastern Seaboard to Hawaii. Our company's overarching goal is to provide exceptional customer service by exceeding our customers' expectations.

Areas of focus include commercial cleaning services, facility support services, complete staffing solutions, hospitality services, trade show and convention services, security solutions, and aviation services.

As a contracted ground handler for commercial airline carriers and cargo operators, services that we provide are, but not limited to:

• Airport Operations – Customer Service Agents and Baggage Handlers
• Cargo Operations – Customer Service Agents, Cargo and Mail Handlers, TSA approved Screening
• Cabin Services – Cabin cleaning, Lavatory services, Cabin Security Checks
• Ramp Services – Loading/Off Loading Cargo, Passenger Baggage handling

Job Overview and Responsibilities

Responsible for and leads all mail office and warehouse operations and administrative functions. In addition, supports all corporate and local initiatives to drive optimal performance at the station while promoting a safe environment for internal/external customers and preserving our corporate culture. Assures operations are compliant with all regulatory and corporate policies. Is actively involved in local airport cargo community. Responsible for managing all mail and mail freighter operations to include international, and military contracts.

• Oversee Mail Operations for Chicago, Illinois
• Establish service standards for US Aviation Mail Contract and develop measurement tools to ensure standards are met
• Ensures all Company and Governmental policies, procedures and mandates which include, but are not limited to safety, training, administration/payroll, staffing, leadership development, security directives, manuals, tariffs, CMIS, FAA, DOT, TSA, CBP and other contractual requirements and serve as SME for Operations interface with the FAA, DOT, TSA, USDA, CBP and OSHA
• Meets Operations financial objectives with particular focus on handling cost per pound or kilo
• Manage programs (such as ULD program and traffic management) to ensure rigorous, enforceable, and continuously improving service level agreements are being met, and drive high standards of service. Ensure station comply with all regulatory and compliance requirements and negotiate contracts as needed.
• Oversee Mail Audit and Compliance including the Safety Management System (SMS)
• Oversee operating system, customer relationship, and the Cargo IT platform for performance and change requests
• Develop operating strategies that improve performance and enhance US Aviation’s reputation as a Mail Handler
• Developer of the station financial and operational plans
• Responsible to execute those plans and adjust as needed throughout the year to achieve corporate and local station goals
• Maintain a positive interactive relationship with the United Mail team to assist and support in developing strategies and programs aimed to increase revenue, while reducing exposure to penalties/fines, claims and losses
• Maintain authorized staffing levels to maximize performance for operational schedules
• Maintain an Open-Door Policy to meet employee expectations
• Manage overtime to meet authorized/budgeted requirements
• Promote and maintain the Safety program
• Coordinate, monitor and ensure compliance for all local, safety and regulatory training requirements
• Maintain Operational Productivity levels for Mail Products, Front Dock, Mail, COMAT, International and Military
• Monitor/maintain and ensure compliance for all Security Screening Directives
• Ensure consistent and professional handling of OAL Contracts
• Facility and GSE Management
• Maintain and monitor all aspects of Corporate Compliance for the mail product, which includes but is not limited to all Regulatory programs (FAA, DOT, CBP, USPS, TSA, OSHA) as well as specific Import & Export compliance standards
• Claims and Losses
• Security screening (100% required)
• Hazmat/Dangerous Goods training and compliance
• Mail scanning and delivery performance
• ULD airworthiness compliance
• OSHA and safety compliance; Audit compliance
• Internal / External Customer Interaction; Interfacing with customers, other department counterparts and peers

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelors’ degree or equivalent work experience
• Seven years of professional experience, with at least five years of cargo service or related and two years as a manager with direct reports in the specific industry / functional area
• 3-5 years Mail Operations experience, freight, mail, interline, dangerous goods, and the movement of specialized commodities.
• Excellent Communication skills
• Ability to build teams with employees and possess excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to engage frontline Leaders and Cargo Employee population
• Ability to lead and sustain continuous improvement environment and initiatives
• Leadership Development Skills
• Continuous Improvement experience
• Required to work various hours, weekends and holidays as the operation requires
• Up to 25% travel
• Successful candidate must be able to clear a criminal history check to obtain and retain credentials necessary for position. Specific clearances include but are not limited to FAA / TSA / Airport Authority / US Customs.
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

Preferred

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or related field and 3-5 years management experience, with Airport Hub experience
• Demonstrated leadership ability in large departmental environment
• Scheduling and budget data
• Project Management Skills
• Business Administration/Organizational Acumen
• Extensive experience in managing station cargo operations - mail and freight
• Experience in relationship building and negotiation with contract vendors, government agencies, such as Airport Authority, and other airline leadership
• Business Management, Operations Management, experience managing field teams; influencing skills, finance
• Proficient using MS Office applications
• Skills; Business analysis, building strategic relationships, influencing, continuous improvement
• Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma/Lean, process improvement
• Experience working in an area that aligns to regulatory compliance and is regularly audited

USAS is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. USAS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. 

This commitment extends beyond compliance with equal opportunity laws; it is integral to creating an environment where individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives are respected and valued. USAS believes in the strength of our people, the ideas they contribute, and what we can accomplish together. 

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and all applicable laws, USAS will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities to enable them to perform essential job functions, unless such accommodations would result in undue hardship. USAS also provides reasonable accommodations as required under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) for limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.