Job Search Status
Open to workDesired start date: Immediately
Open To Work
Phillip Burden
Operations Manager
Arlington,Texas
Work Preference
Summary
Aviation Operations Manager with 10+ years of experience leading high-volume airport and airline ground operations. Proven record overseeing ramp and terminal functions, managing 30+ staff, enforcing FAA, TSA, and OSHA compliance, and maintaining safe, on-time performance in fast-paced environments. Recognized for steady leadership during operational change, including airline contract transitions, staffing optimization, and safety-focused decision-making.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Airport Operations Manager
UNIFI Aviation / GAT Airline Ground Support
Dallas, TX
01.2023 - Current
- Direct full-station airport operations encompassing ramp, ticket counter, ground service equipment (GSE), and administrative functions in a high-volume environment.
- Establish, communicate, and enforce safety policies and procedures, maintaining full compliance with FAA, TSA, OSHA, EPA, U.S. Department of Labor, and EEOC requirements.
- Conduct monthly safety meetings, flight audits, station audits, and at-risk behavior audits to proactively mitigate operational and personnel risks.
- Lead incident investigations involving aircraft damage, service failures, or employee injuries; implement corrective actions and coaching to prevent recurrence.
- Oversee disciplinary actions up to and including termination, ensuring consistent policy application and thorough documentation.
- Manage staffing strategy and workforce planning, coordinating recruiting, onboarding, training, scheduling, and shift coverage to meet fluctuating operational demands and peak travel periods.
- Supervise and evaluate supervisors, leads, administrative staff, and GSE mechanics, providing performance feedback and conducting formal personnel evaluations.
- Review and approve final payroll and daily labor hours, monitoring budget impact and controlling costs related to operational irregularities and out-of-scope services.
- Coordinate procurement of operational supplies and equipment, ensuring readiness and compliance with customer and airport standards.
- Collaborate with airline customers, airport authorities, USPS, maintenance teams, and internal stakeholders to resolve service issues and maintain strong client relationships.
- Administer station operational plans, including deicing, FOD prevention, winter operations, and baggage handling programs.
- Participate in customer briefings, airport tenant meetings, and local safety and security committees, representing station leadership.
- Successfully maintained operational continuity during the Spirit Airlines ground handling contract transition from Unifi to GAT (May 2025), with no disruption to service, staffing, or safety performance.
Ramp Supervisor
Airport Terminal Services
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Supervised daily ramp operations for multiple flights, including aircraft loading and unloading, fueling coordination, and ground support logistics.
- Assigned crews and equipment to meet departure schedules while maintaining strict safety and compliance standards.
- Served as primary liaison between airline representatives, airport operations, and ramp personnel to prevent delays and resolve issues in real time.
Assistant Manager
Family Dollar
Houston, TX
12.2017 - 11.2020
- Supported daily store operations, including opening and closing procedures, cash handling, deposits, and adherence to corporate operational directives.
- Assisted with staff scheduling, payroll support, and record keeping, ensuring accurate labor tracking and compliance with company policies.
- Supervised, trained, and developed store associates, reinforcing performance expectations, customer service standards, and safety procedures.
- Led merchandise flow from delivery to stockroom and sales floor, maintaining inventory accuracy, seasonal displays, and promotional compliance.
- Addressed customer inquiries and escalations professionally, maintaining a positive and service-oriented store environment.
- Supported loss prevention efforts, safeguarded company assets, and ensured proper handling of cash and inventory.
- Maintained store cleanliness, organization, and safety standards across all customer-facing and back-of-house areas.
- Assisted the Store Manager with task execution, compliance audits, and day-to-day leadership to ensure operational consistency.
- Led daily operations to ensure efficient store management and optimal customer service.
- Trained and mentored staff on merchandising standards and inventory control practices.
Ramp Agent
Southwest Airlines
Houston, TX
03.2014 - 12.2017
- Supported aircraft arrival and departure operations, including marshaling, baggage and cargo handling, and equipment operation.
- Ensured adherence to airline and FAA safety procedures in all ramp activities.
- Assisted with onboarding and training of new ramp agents and contributed to maintaining ramp safety standards.
- Coordinated aircraft loading and unloading to ensure timely departures.
- Operated ground support equipment to facilitate efficient ramp operations.
Education
No Degree - Computer Information Systems
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX01-2012
High School Diploma -
Duncanville High School
Duncanville, TX01-2009
Skills
- Aviation & Airport Operations Management
- Ramp, Terminal & Ground Handling Operations
- FAA, TSA & OSHA Safety Compliance
- Staff Leadership
- Training
- Scheduling
- Workforce Planning
- Resource Optimization
- Airline & Airport Stakeholder Coordination
- Operational Audits
- Process Improvement
- Incident Response
- Crisis Management
Timeline
Airport Operations Manager
UNIFI Aviation / GAT Airline Ground Support
01.2023 - Current
Ramp Supervisor
Airport Terminal Services
01.2021 - 01.2023
Assistant Manager
Family Dollar
12.2017 - 11.2020
Ramp Agent
Southwest Airlines
03.2014 - 12.2017
No Degree - Computer Information Systems
Texas State Technical College
High School Diploma -
Duncanville High School