Wizz Air is a leading European low-cost airline. Our mission is to provide affordable and reliable air travel to everyone, everywhere, while minimizing our environmental impact. We are proud to foster a diverse and inclusive team of over 8,000 employees from more than 110 nationalities, who share our values of inclusivity, positivity, dedication, integrity, and sustainability.
As a rapidly expanding airline, we offer exciting career opportunities across a range of functions, from flight operations to engineering, customer experience, finance, and more. We provide extensive training and development opportunities to help our employees grow and succeed in their roles. Joining Wizz Air means joining a team that is passionate about aviation, dedicated to excellence, and committed to making air travel accessible and sustainable for all. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career in the aviation industry, we welcome you to explore our job opportunities and become a part of our success story.
Head of Ground Operations
Based in Budapest
Purpose of the role
The Head of Ground Operations reports to the Accountable Manager and is responsible for the strategic leadership, safety oversight, and operational performance of all ground operations activities across the Wizz Air Hungary network. The role ensures that all ground handling activities, including outsourced services, are conducted safely, securely, and in full compliance with regulatory requirements, company policies, and the Safety Management System (SMS). The Head of Ground Operations oversees the operational readiness of all stations and bases within Wizz Air Hungary, supports network growth through the safe and efficient launch of new locations, and ensures operational resilience across the network. The position plays a key role in maintaining high operational standards, driving cost efficiency, improving on time performance and disruption management, and ensuring strong coordination between operational departments, external partners, and regulatory authorities.
Responsibilities
Ground Operations Safety, Compliance and Oversight
- Ensure the safe, secure, and compliant execution of all ground operations activities across the Wizz Air Hungary network, including outsourced ground handling services
- Ensure all ground operations activities are conducted in accordance with the Company’s Safety Management System (SMS), operational procedures, and regulatory requirements
- Maintain continuous oversight of operational performance, safety trends, and compliance deviations, ensuring timely implementation of corrective and preventive actions
- Act as the primary liaison with the Competent Authority on all ground operations matters, supporting audits, inspections, and regulatory oversight activities
- Promote and maintain a strong safety and compliance culture across all ground operations activities
Operational Performance
- Oversee day-to-day ground operations performance across all Wizz Air Hungary’s bases and outstations, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operations
- Drive operational efficiency including on-time performance, turnaround performance, disruption management, and customer service delivery
- Monitor operational KPIs and implement initiatives to improve safety, operational reliability, and passenger experience
- Ensure robust contingency planning and effective management of operational disruption
Station and Network Development
- Oversee the operational start-up of new stations and bases, ensuring operational readiness, compliance, and cost-efficient implementation
- Support network growth through effective planning of base expansions, capacity increases, diversion and alternate airport arrangements
- Ensure appropriate operational resources, infrastructure, and processes are in place to support the Company’s projected growth
Leadership & Supplier Management
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight to the Ground Operations Managers
- Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient day-to-day operations across the network through effective management of regional teams
- Drive achievement of safety, operational performance, and cost targets across all Wizz Air Hungary’s bases and outstations
- Oversee operational improvement programs, system developments, and process optimization initiatives
- Work closely with Airport Development and Purchasing to secure competitive ground handling contracts and drive long-term cost efficiency strategies
- Participate in SGHA negotiations, vendor research, and supplier selection processes
- Oversee supplier performance management and ensure service delivery meets operational and safety requirements
Financial Planning & Operational Efficiency
- Collaborate with Finance, Network Development, Scheduling, Customer Experience, and other relevant departments in the preparation of the annual operational budget
- Manage operational costs within the approved budget while identifying opportunities for cost optimization and efficiency improvements
- Drive initiatives to enhance operational performance while maintaining strong cost discipline
Stakeholder & Project Management
- Maintain effective collaboration with internal departments across the organization to ensure aligned operational execution
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with airports, ground handling providers, industry partners, and regulatory authorities
- Represent Wizz Air in relevant aviation industry forums and working groups related to ground operations
Experience
- Minimum 10 years of experience in airline ground operations
- Proven experience managing outsourced operational models and third-party service providers
- At least 3 years of senior leadership experience within airline/airport ground operations
- Experience working in a multicultural, international airline environment
- Experience in fast-growing airline operations is an advantage
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of airline ground operations concepts, procedures, and regulatory requirements
- Practical experience in the application of aviation safety standards and safe operating practices
- Strong understanding of operational performance management and disruption handling
- Experience managing operational suppliers and ground handling contracts
- Ability to lead operational improvement and efficiency initiatives in a complex operational environment
Education
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, Degree in Aviation, Operations Management, or related discipline is an advantage
Language
Fluent English (both written and spoken)
Skills and competencies
- Strong leadership and team management capability
- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing capability
- Ability to perform effectively under operational pressure
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and external partners
- Strong presentation and communication skills
- Flexibility to travel as required
When applying, please only provide valid information regarding your educational background and certificates, as the original documents will be requested during the hiring process.
We look forward to meeting you and learning more about your skills and experience. Join the Wizz Air team and discover the world of opportunities.
