Loader Jobs in Richmond, VA

Aviation Ground Support Equipment Maintenance Operations Manager

You’ll be the conductor of our ground support equipment program—keeping aircraft turns on time by ensuring every tug, loader, belt, and truck is ready for duty. You don’t just manage from the office; you’re hands-on and must be willing to make repairs and assist mechanics when the operation needs a quick save.

A day in the life

Morning starts with a ramp readiness review—verifying fleet status, open work orders, and overnight alerts. You align technicians to the day’s priorities, confirm parts availability, and communicate with airline and airport partners about gate plans. Midday is for audits and ride-alongs, checking safety, quality, and utilization. You’ll huddle with the admin team on spend-to-budget, upcoming services, and vendor ETAs. When the unexpected happens—an equipment fault or weather event—you coordinate the response, reallocate assets, and keep the operation moving.

What you’ll lead

• Own daily shop and field operations for the Ground Support Equipment (GSE) department.
• Plan, schedule, and direct maintenance, repair, and safe operation of all GSE assets.
• Drive strategies that improve fleet utilization, reliability, and turnaround efficiency.
• Recruit, train, coach, and supervise technicians and support staff.
• Ensure strict adherence to airport, airline, and regulatory safety standards and procedures.
• Partner with airlines and internal airport teams to deliver seamless ground services.
• Manage budgets, cost controls, and forecasting for the department.
• Implement and sustain preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Oversee parts procurement, inventory levels, and vendor performance.
• Conduct routine inspections and quality audits of equipment and processes.
• Lead incident response and resolve operational issues and emergencies promptly.
• Build strong relationships with OEMs and service providers; negotiate and escalate as needed.
• Produce clear performance reports, analyze trends, and recommend improvements.
• Stay current on GSE technology, tools, and industry best practices.
• Champion a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Execute additional duties assigned by leadership.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age.
• Valid state-issued driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• 5+ years managing ground support equipment operations within aviation.
• Demonstrated leadership of technical teams in a high-tempo environment.
• Deep knowledge of airport safety regulations, maintenance standards, and operating procedures.
• Proficiency in budget management and operational planning.
• Collaborative mindset with the flexibility to adapt to shifting operational needs.
• Fluent in English (reading, writing, and speaking).
• Comfortable accessing and interpreting data in print and digitally, using iPads/tablets, computers, and mobile devices.
• Clear, professional communication with colleagues and customers in person and via electronic channels.
• Eligibility to obtain required credentials and clearances (FAA, TSA, Port Authority, U.S. Customs, U.S. Postal—as applicable).
• Airlines run 24/7—ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Physical demands and working conditions

• Lift up to 70 pounds.
• Extended periods of standing and walking in indoor/outdoor ramp environments.
• Frequent reaching and grasping; pushing and pulling.
• Occasional crawling and crouching in confined spaces.
• Bending, stretching, squatting, and kneeling as required.
• Climbing and working at elevated heights.
• Exposure to moderate and sometimes high noise.
• Potential exposure to biohazards and/or chemicals.
• Work in varied outdoor weather conditions.
• Ability to hear and respond to spoken instructions and audible alarms.
• Repetitive motions of arms, wrists, hands, and fingers.
• Vision abilities: close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Compliance & notices

Eligible to work in the United States

Pass a background check and drug screen

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential requirement satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the work environment, knowledge, skill, and/or ability. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential requirements.