Manager Freighter Operations Schiphol MP

Introduction

Check in for your next career move: Manager Freighter Operations Schiphol at KLM! Lead the full freighter operation at a tactical level and ensure that ramp, Load Control and warehouse processes at Schiphol run safely, reliably and efficiently. In doing so, you’ll contribute, directly or indirectly, to smooth operations and memorable flights.

What are you going to do?

You’ll start your day by reviewing operational performance, staffing, cargo flow and any disruptions. You’ll oversee Load Control, Freighterport and suppliers, while safeguarding the operation’s safety, quality, cost control and continuity. When issues arise, you’ll take immediate action or escalate them to the Manager Worldwide Ground Operations. In their absence, you’ll take responsibility for operational management and decisions within your agreed authority.

You will also:

• ensure that mass and balance calculations, cargo build-up, loading and loadsheets comply with the Air Operator Certificate (AOC), applicable laws and regulations, IOSA standards and operational manuals;
• oversee ramp and warehouse activities and participate in scenario team meetings during disruptions;
• ensure appropriate staffing levels, and coach, develop and assess employees so they remain qualified and able to perform their roles over the long term;
• analyze operational data, KPIs and SLAs, improve local processes, and manage the day-to-day performance of suppliers such as ground handling agents (GHAs) and other service providers;
• ensure timely operational communication, report on performance and risks, and discuss recurring issues with the Manager Worldwide Ground Operations and other stakeholders.

Where do you land?

You’ll work at Schiphol, at the heart of the full freighter operation. The role connects two closely collaborating areas: Martinair and KLM Cargo. You’ll have direct management responsibility for 13 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions within Martinair Cargo and functional responsibility for 13 FTE positions within KLM Cargo. You’ll report to the Manager Worldwide Ground Operations and work daily with Network Operations, the Operations Control Center (OCC), the Cargo Control Center, various KLM Cargo departments at the hub, Safety & Compliance, airport authorities and external ground handlers.

You’ll also work with a broad range of external stakeholders, including ground handling agents such as Menzies and WFS, airport authorities and other partners across the cargo chain. This makes the role varied and challenging, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and coordination.

The environment is fast-moving and time-sensitive, with a strong focus on safety, quality and the customer experience. Within clear strategic guidelines, you’ll have room to optimize the operation and make an impact on performance and continuity.

Your profile

You quickly understand how ramp, Load Control and warehouse processes affect one another and make clear decisions within your authority. Under operational pressure, you set priorities, assign work and communicate clearly. You address failures to follow rules or procedures while creating an environment where people can learn openly from unintentional mistakes. You set clear expectations for results and quality, follow up on them, and build lasting relationships with employees, suppliers and other stakeholders.

You also:

• have a level of professional ability equivalent to Dutch higher professional education (HBO+);
• have at least four years of relevant management experience in an operational environment;
• have demonstrable knowledge of and experience with complex operational or cargo logistics processes, airlines and ground handling;
• have knowledge of Crew Resource Management (CRM) and understand how operational and logistics processes connect across Martinair, KLM and external ground handlers;
• have strong analytical skills, work in a structured way and can turn data into concrete improvements;
• can demonstrate experience managing employees and suppliers against safety, compliance, quality, cost, SLA and KPI requirements.

The following competencies complete your profile: attention to quality, decisiveness, delegation, impact, relationship building, ownership of results, and developing people and the organization.

Competencies