Manager, Off Airport Processing

Manager, Off Airport Processing

The Manager, Off Airport Processing (OAP) sits within the Arrivals and Departures (AND) Functional Area and reports directly to the Senior Manager, Ports of Entry (POE) Operations. This role is critical to the success of the Games' peak departure operations, responsible for designing, facilitating, and executing airline check-in processes outside of the airport, primarily within the Olympic and Paralympic Villages.

The core operational aim of the OAP program is to process large volumes of passenger baggage, oversized, and super-oversized sports equipment remotely. By removing this volume from the standard airport check-in process, the OAP Manager will help avoid airport congestion, eliminate double-handling of baggage, and ensure a seamless departure experience for athletes and team officials.

This role requires extensive facilitation and project management, serving as the bridge between LA28, major airlines, ground handlers, National Olympic and Paralympic Committees (NOCs/NPCs), and government border and security agencies. The OAP Manager will not build an airport facility but rather create the operational environment and framework that allows airlines to successfully process passengers and baggage at nominated off-site locations.

Key Responsibilities:

OAP Strategy & Operational Planning

• Develop and implement the comprehensive OAP Plan for peak departure days, actively targeting the largest 2030 NOCs/NPCs to capture the majority of baggage and oversized items.
• Define operational space, logistical flows, and technology requirements for OAP locations within the Residential Zones of the Villages (e.g., utilizing mobile check-in desks within residential buildings to prevent double-handling).
• Collaborate with the Logistics and Airport Operations teams to design the secure baggage chain of custody, including the loading, sealing, and transport of baggage trucks from the Village to secure holding locations at the airport.
• Ensure accessibility is integrated into the operational design by leveraging Games Management System (GMS) accreditation data to anticipate and resource for athletes using wheelchairs or requiring transfer assistance.
• Develop contingency plans and adaptable procedures for varying flight types, including commercial, charter, and private/head-of-state aircraft.

Stakeholder & Delivery Partner Engagement

• Establish and lead an OAP taskforce/working group comprising key delivery partners: airlines, airline check-in operators, ground handlers, airport management, and government authorities (e.g., TSA, CBP).
• Drive negotiations and agreements between LA28, NOCs/NPCs, and their contracted airlines to secure participation and alignment on OAP procedures.
• Work flexibly with airlines to facilitate their preferred check-in technology requirements, whether through OCOG-provided Wi-Fi, CUTE (Common User Terminal Equipment) systems, or manual/web-based check-in processes.
• Ensure all OAP procedures secure the necessary approvals from government border control, aviation security agencies, and individual airline security teams.

Games-Time Operations & Execution

• Oversee the physical setup, testing, and daily management of OAP check-in locations, ensuring airlines, handling agents, and relevant agencies have the necessary space, accreditation, and workforce facilities in the Village.
• Develop, validate, and manage the master OAP check-in schedule. Work closely with NOCs immediately following the Opening Ceremony to lock in specific baggage drop times that accommodate athlete schedules and Closing Ceremony attendance.
• Serve as the primary on-site problem solver during peak departure operations in the Village, resolving issues between NOC team officials, airline staff, and logistics teams to maintain check-in efficiency.
• Partner with cross-functional LA28 teamsincluding Village Management, Logistics, Transport, Security, and Sportto ensure synchronized movements of people, standard baggage, and specialized sports equipment (e.g., firearms, ammunition, items from wax cabins/venues).
• Communicate OAP requirements, procedures, and schedules clearly to NOCs/NPCs through Chef de Mission dossiers, seminars, Manuals, and direct on-site meetings.

Background and Requirements:

Professional Experience

• 5 + years of progressive experience in airport operations, airline ground handling, baggage logistics, or mega-event transportation/logistics.
• Strong understanding of airline check-in procedures, Departure Control Systems (DCS), Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE), and off-airport/remote check-in processing.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects involving private corporations (airlines, ground handlers) and government agencies (airport authorities, aviation security, customs/border control).
• Previous experience working on Olympic/Paralympic Games, major international sporting events, or handling large-scale international group travel/charter flights is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of aviation security protocols, baggage screening requirements, and secure chain-of-custody procedures (e.g., TSA regulations).

Core Competencies

• Project Facilitation: Ability to drive projects forward by facilitating collaboration rather than relying on direct authority; skilled at aligning the competing interests of airlines, government authorities, and international sports delegations.
• Complex Scheduling: Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage intricate, overlapping schedules for dozens of nations, airlines, and logistics fleets within a highly constrained timeframe.
• Problem Solving: Highly analytical mindset with the ability to anticipate logistical bottlenecks (e.g., double-handling of oversized equipment) and design efficient, scalable solutions.

Expectations:

• The ability to pivot quickly and find workable solutions when airlines or NOCs/NPCs change their plans, schedules, or security requirements at the last minute.
• A high degree of cultural sensitivity and diplomacy when working with diverse international delegations, understanding that customized approaches are often required.
• Capability to remain calm, decisive, and effective in a fast-paced, high-stress, and highly visible operational environment, particularly during the peak departure period immediately following the Closing Ceremony.
• A proactive mindset regarding accessibility, ensuring that operational plans are inclusive and responsive to the needs of Paralympic athletes and individuals with limited mobility.
• Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially in the 12 months leading up to and during the Games. Must be comfortable being stationed on-site at the Olympic and Paralympic Village(s) during operations.

Education / Training / Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Sports Management, or a related field. (Equivalent practical experience in complex airline/airport operations may be substituted for a degree).
• PMP (Project Management Professional), PRINCE2, or similar project management certifications are highly preferred.
• Certifications or specialized training through organizations like IATA (International Air Transport Association), AAAE (American Association of Airport Executives), or ACI (Airports Council International) particularly in ground operations, baggage handling, or aviation security.
• Proficiency in a second language (especially French or Spanish) is a strong asset given the international nature of the stakeholders.

The annual base salary range for this position is $ 88,000 - $115,000. The pay scale provided is the range that LA28 reasonably expects to pay as starting base compensation for this role. All LA28 compensation remains subject to final determination based on individual candidate qualifications, experience, or other reasonable criteria consistent with LA28's operational business needs and applicable law.

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.

LA28 is committed to fair and unbiased recruitment procedures allowing all applicants an equal opportunity for employment, free from discrimination on the basis of religion, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, color, ethnic or national origin, or any other classification as may be protected by applicable law. LA28 will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance and all applicable laws. We strive to build a team that is inclusive and encourage qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities to apply. We assess applications based on relevant skills, education, and experience a candidate can add to our team.