Head of Ramp

Summary

The Head of Ramp is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational performance, safety, compliance, and financial management of dnata Singapore's ramp operations at Singapore Changi Airport.

The role is accountable for all aircraft turnaround activities including aircraft loading and unloading, marshalling, pushback, towing, airside transport operations, and the deployment of Ground Support Equipment (GSE). The Head of Ramp ensures safe, efficient and punctual ramp services that meet airline customer expectations, contractual Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

Ramp Operations Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership for all ramp operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and customer-focused aircraft turnaround services.
• Drive operational excellence, resource optimization, and service delivery to meet airline and business requirements.

Operational Performance & Recovery

• Accountable for ramp operational performance, turnaround efficiency, and on-time performance (OTP) targets.
• Lead operational recovery during disruptions, IRROPs, and adverse weather conditions to minimise customer and network impact.

Safety, Security & Compliance

• Champion a proactive safety culture and ensure compliance with regulatory, airport, airline, and dnata operational standards.
• Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions to reduce operational risk and drive continuous safety improvement.

People Leadership

• Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing ramp operations workforce through effective workforce planning, talent development, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer service excellence, and continuous improvement.

Resource & Asset Management

• Ensure effective utilisation and availability of Ground Support Equipment (GSE), facilities, and operational resources to support current and future business needs.
• Partner with relevant stakeholders to develop long-term resource and capacity plans.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Manage operational budgets, labour productivity, and cost performance while maintaining service quality and safety standards.
• Identify and deliver efficiency improvements, productivity gains, and cost optimisation initiatives.

Stakeholder & Customer Management

• Serve as the senior operational representative for ramp services, building strong relationships with airline customers, airport authorities, regulators, and key stakeholders.
• Lead customer engagement and performance reviews to ensure service excellence and contractual compliance.

Transformation & Continuous Improvement

• Drive innovation, digitalisation, automation, and process improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, safety, operational resilience, and customer experience.
• Utilise data and performance analytics to support informed decision-making and continuous operational improvement.

Requirements

• Degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration, Logistics or related discipline
• Minimum 10 years of airport ramp operations experience, including minimum 5 years in a senior management role.
• Experience managing aircraft turnaround activities, ramp safety and frontline operational teams.
• Experience in a 24/7 operational environment, comfortable to work in outdoor airside environments; weekends and public holidays when required; in high-noise and fast-paced operational environments; and willing to be activated during major disruptions, emergency responses and operational contingencies.
• Demonstrated track record in improving operational performance, safety outcomes and productivity metrics.
• Driving License preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Changi Airport Airside Driving Permit (ADP) & Airport Pass.
• Train-the-Trainer, Workplace Safety or Aviation Safety certifications will be advantageous.
• ISAGO, IGOM or IATA-related certifications preferred.
• Strong people leadership and team management skills; with ability to lead a large multicultural workforce; provide effective coaching and employee development.
• Strong conflict resolution and employee relations skills.
• Excellent operational planning and resource allocation skills.
• Strong decision-making capability during irregular operations (IRROPS).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Desired competencies in strategic leadership; operational excellence; financial management; customer relationship management; multi-stakeholder management; and crisis management preferred.