Director Gateway Cargo Operations

Director Gateway Cargo Operations –
Atlas Air

The Director of Gateway Cargo Operations is responsible for overseeing and optimizing all aspects of gateway operations to ensure compliance with security, safety, regulatory, and performance standards while delivering high‑quality service to customers. This role ensures operational efficiency, vendor and equipment management, and alignment with corporate goals through effective leadership, budgeting, and collaboration with internal teams and external agencies.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, support and improve the overall gateway operation to support all business units of the company.
• Achieve all ground operations and corporate goals related to performance, safety, service, and regulatory compliance. Ensure all employees and vendors are aware of station and corporate goals and expectations.
• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all gateway operations, including gateway administration, warehouse cargo processing, ramp operations, and customer service.
• Oversee frontline, supervisory, and management staff to ensure effective execution of operational tasks in compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with Flight Operations, Technical Operations, Sales and Marketing, and other company departments to support on‑time aircraft departures and optimize cargo load planning and aircraft capacity utilization.
• Maintain oversight of customer service standards and ensure appropriate team responses to customer needs, inquiries, and issue resolution.
• Monitor regulatory compliance across all operations (TSA, FAA, OSHA, CBP) and ensure adherence to internal and external policies.
• Supervise the achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs), including on‑time performance, cargo throughput, safety metrics, and service quality.
• Liaise with Sales and Marketing to support commercial objectives, facilitate smooth customer onboarding, and ensure operational readiness for business growth.
• Maintain oversight of billing accuracy, budget and financial controls, and ensure timely processing of operational charges.
• Manage third‑party contracts and service providers involved in gateway operations.
• Enforce and continuously improve SOPs for cargo handling and ground operations.
• Ensure teams are prepared for scheduled and unscheduled flight operations by overseeing flight readiness, documentation, cargo build‑up/break‑down, and coordination with operational groups.
• Lead response planning for irregular operations (IROPs), safety events, and disruptions.
• Oversee safe and compliant handling of special cargo, including hazardous, perishable, and high‑value items.
• Manage staffing plans, labor allocation, and scheduling needs in accordance with budget and forecasts.
• Maintain high standards of facility safety, security, cleanliness, and readiness across warehouse and ramp areas.
• Promote a workplace culture focused on safety, accountability, performance, and continuous improvement.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience, including at least 7 years of airline operational experience involving large stations or regional concepts and progressive experience in air cargo, warehouse, or airport operations.
• Previous experience in Aviation Management, Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., IATA, OSHA, TSA, Dangerous Goods) are a plus.
• Multilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Proven leadership experience in managing cross‑functional teams.
• Experience working with regulatory bodies such as TSA, FAA, CBP, and OSHA.
• Strong knowledge of cargo handling procedures, ramp operations, warehouse management systems (WMS), and ground support equipment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant operational/logistics software (e.g., Cargo Spot, SAP).
• In‑depth understanding of aviation safety, security protocols, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with handling special cargo.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and…