Ground Handling Apron Operations Supervisor

About the role

The Ground Handling Apron Operations Supervisor leads safe and efficient apron and ramp activities at an airport. You will oversee the full aircraft turnaround process, manage ground support equipment (GSE), and supervise Turnaround Coordinators to ensure on‑time performance and compliance with aviation safety standards.

Key responsibilities

• Supervise all airside apron operations, including marshalling, push‑back, towing and surface movement.
• Maintain a FOD‑free, safe apron environment in line with IATA, ICAO and local authority regulations.
• Allocate, deploy and monitor GSE such as push‑back tugs, belt loaders, GPUs, air starters, stairs, dollies and refuelling vehicles.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance and defect reporting for GSE with the maintenance team.
• Lead end‑to‑end aircraft turnaround from chocks‑on to chocks‑off, ensuring adherence to turnaround times and airline SLAs.
• Monitor ground handling services (baggage, cargo, refuelling, cleaning, catering, passenger boarding, crew changes) and address bottlenecks.
• Coach, train and performance‑manage Turnaround Coordinators and ramp staff.
• Enforce safety protocols, investigate incidents, and act as the primary on‑apron safety leader.
• Respond to emergencies, disruptions or irregular operations and coordinate with airport control, airlines and emergency services.

Required profile

• Proven experience supervising airside apron or ramp operations.
• Strong knowledge of IATA AHM, ICAO and local CAA safety regulations.
• Ability to lead shift teams in a high‑pressure, safety‑critical environment.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills with airlines, ATC and airport stakeholders.

Required skills

• Ground Support Equipment (GSE) operation and management
• Aircraft turnaround management
• Knowledge of IATA AHM and ICAO safety standards