Evening Shift Operations Manager, Aviation

Under the direction of the General Manager or Senior Field Operations Manager, the Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of airport transportation operations at O'Hare International Airport. This role leads overnight operations, coordinates employee shuttle routes and bus availability, supports service reliability across Terminal 5 and assigned gates, and ensures that all service, safety, security, and client requirements are met. The position requires a hands-on leader who can manage approximately 25-30 employees on a shift, respond quickly to service interruptions, communicate clearly, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced, 24-hour airport environment.

Schedule: 4:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. schedule, including weekends and holidays

Benefit Information:

ABM offers a comprehensive benefits package. For information about ABM’s benefits, visit Recruiting Flyer - Frontline

Essential Functions:

• Own the day-to-day operation of assigned airport transportation services, including employee and passenger shuttle routes serving Terminal 5, G19, K19, M13, parking areas, and other assigned operating locations.
• Lead the 4:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. shift and provide strong management coverage during evenings, weekends, holidays, peak travel periods, and service interruptions.
• Supervise, coach, and direct approximately 25-30 employees per shift while coordinating with the broader 24-hour team of approximately 60 employees.

  Review the operations board at the start of each shift to confirm current and upcoming lines are fully staffed and covered; identify gaps and take immediate action to maintain service.

• Monitor bus availability, vehicle readiness, route coverage, and maintenance-related interruptions; escalate issues promptly and develop safe contingency plans when buses or routes are unavailable.
• Ensure shuttle runs operate on time and according to schedule, including frequent employee transportation and increased passenger-transfer activity during peak evening operations.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for client concerns, delays, missed buses, route disruptions, and other operational issues; communicate timely updates to the Account Manager and senior leadership.
• Conduct safety audits, reinforce safe work practices, and support accident investigations, documentation, corrective actions, and follow-up as required.
• Ensure compliance with ABM policies, airport rules, federal security requirements, OSHA standards, drug and alcohol requirements, and applicable transportation procedures.
• Maintain accurate reports, spreadsheets, work records, schedules, incident documentation, and other operational information required by the client and ABM leadership.
• Use email, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, work-order or reporting systems, and other computer tools to communicate information and prepare professional, presentable reports.
• Manage labor, uniforms, supplies, equipment, and other resources responsibly while supporting service-level agreements, contractual requirements, and financial goals.
• Support hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, performance management, attendance follow-up, and employee engagement in partnership with leadership and Human Resources.
• Respond to emergencies, inclement weather, layovers, special events, staffing shortages, and other irregular operations; adjust schedules and priorities while maintaining safe, reliable service.
• Build effective working relationships with airport representatives, airline contacts, vendors, maintenance teams, security personnel, and other stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support safe, efficient, and customer-focused airport transportation operations.

Qualifications:

Education:

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required. A CDL permit alone does not meet the requirement.

Experience:

• Prior airport experience is required, preferably in airport transportation, passenger service, shuttle operations, airline support, or another airport-based operation.
• Previous supervisory or management experience leading a high-volume, time-sensitive, or transportation-focused team.
• Experience driving or overseeing buses, shuttles, or other commercial passenger vehicles strongly preferred.
• Basic computer proficiency, including email, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, spreadsheets, and operational reporting.
• Strong communication, organization, decision-making, problem-solving, and customer-service skills.
• Ability to work the assigned 4:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. schedule, including weekends and holidays, and provide reasonable flexibility during emergencies or operational disruptions.
• Ability to pass required employment screening, including drug testing and the federal background check and fingerprinting process required for airport badging. Employment is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required airport credentials.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, 24-hour airport environment and remain calm, professional, and solutions-oriented under pressure.
• OSHA or other safety training is preferred but not required.