Regional Airports Manager - Eastern Europe

About the Role

Join British Airways as a Regional Airports Manager for Eastern Europe, a pivotal position within the Worldwide Airports Europe Leadership Team. This role involves leading operational and strategic functions to advance performance and innovation across airports in Eastern Europe. Based in the UK, the manager will closely collaborate with the Regional General Manager for Northern Europe and other teams within the global network to achieve outstanding results in this strategically important region where operational excellence is critical.

This leadership role requires managing British Airways teams across Eastern Europe to ensure superior safety, operational integrity, and customer satisfaction. It includes shaping and implementing a strategic direction aligned with department and broader company goals. The position holds accountability for safety, operational efficacy, customer experience, and cost management while fostering innovative approaches to optimize operational resilience in a fast-evolving environment. Regular travel within Eastern Europe is a key aspect of this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure high performance of Airport Managers in Eastern Europe, empowering them to make quick, customer-centric, and commercially aware decisions.
• Support and monitor safety performance utilizing Safety Management System tools.
• Lead and motivate airport teams to deliver excellent customer service and shape regional customer service strategies.
• Manage supplier performance rigorously, collaborating with the Regional Supplier team to ensure business expectations are met and address corrective needs.
• Develop, oversee, and track the Eastern Europe business plan, managing initiatives throughout their entire lifecycle.
• Work closely with the Regional General Manager to analyze trends, risks, and opportunities, driving ongoing improvements in safety, operations, and customer outcomes.

Candidate Profile

We seek a people-centric leader who fosters trust, curiosity, and accountability, inspiring teams effectively. The ideal candidate possesses thorough knowledge of airport operations, with a track record of managing performance in complex, high-volume environments both above and below the wing. You will confidently influence diverse stakeholders, working effectively with suppliers, airport authorities, and internal partners to align goals and achieve results.

Analytical skills are critical; you will use data and insights—supported by strong Excel skills and familiarity with AI applications—to inform decisions and communicate findings clearly to senior leadership. Experience managing multi-faceted programs in rapid operational environments is essential, as is the ability to anticipate challenges and cultivate a proactive, resilient, and delivery-focused culture committed to excellence. Strong interpersonal and communication skills facilitate collaboration across functions and leadership levels.

Essential Experience and Expertise

• Deep understanding of airport operations management.
• Leadership of geographically distributed teams.
• Proven success in change management and transformation projects.
• Robust knowledge of safety and security standards.
• Strong competencies in data analysis and performance measurement.
• Effective supplier and stakeholder relationship management.

Additional Information

This role does not support international assignment approval. Employment is full-time and onsite at the organization's UK base, with regular travels across Eastern Europe. British Airways values inclusion and diversity, encouraging applications from all backgrounds to support their journey to becoming a Better BA.

Benefits

Beyond competitive remuneration, employees receive valuable travel perks, including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways flights and up to 30 discounted airfares annually for friends and family. Career development opportunities across the organization are strongly supported, embracing employees' ambitions and ongoing growth.