AIRBUS

HO Shipping Americas

Dulles, VA Full time

Airbus is committed to providing reasonable accommodations as an Equal Opportunity Employer to applicants with disabilities. If you require assistance or an accommodation to complete your application, please contact us at USCareers@airbus.com

Job Description:

Job Summary: This Head of [Shipping] is a key leadership role responsible for directing a core functional area of the warehouse operations to meet performance targets, customer expectations, and rigorous quality and safety standards. This leader will manage a team of 20-35 operators, focusing on their professional development and ensuring alignment with top company objectives. Key responsibilities include planning and delegating team priorities to support deliverables, coaching employees on performance and safe work practices, and ensuring all training requirements are met in a timely manner.

This individual is accountable for the efficient, accurate, and safe handling of all goods—from inbound receiving and inventory management through the picking, packing, carpentry, and final dispatch of products, ensuring product integrity and a hazard-free work environment. The Head will build a talent pipeline by determining appropriate staffing levels, managing workloads, and developing team members for future growth. Using designated KPIs to demonstrate performance, this leader will drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, and efficiency, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. This position requires strong collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to solve problems, smooth operations, and adapt to the changing needs of the business.


 

Primary Responsibilities: 

[Operations]:      60%

  • Lead and develop a high-performing [Function] department, owning all aspects of team performance, training, and engagement to create a culture of excellence and accountability within your specific area.

  • Master and optimize the end-to-end [Function] process, acting as the business's subject matter expert to drive best-in-class standards for quality, accuracy, and efficiency in your domain.

  • Execute the daily and weekly operational plan for the [Function], translating broader warehouse targets into clear, data-driven production goals, staffing plans, and workflow priorities for your team.

  • Drive targeted continuous improvement initiatives within the [Function], using methodologies like Kaizen and 5S to identify and eliminate bottlenecks, enhance workflow, and perfect processes specific to your department.

  • Serve as the key operational liaison between the [Function] and adjacent departments (e.g., Inventory, Packing), ensuring seamless handoffs and proactive communication to maintain overall operational flow.

  • Own and report on all KPIs for the [Function], analyzing performance data to provide detailed updates, root-cause analyses, and actionable recommendations to the Head of Warehouse Operations.

[Leadership]:     30%

  • Cultivate a high-performance culture by leading, mentoring, and developing all talent within the [Function] department. Own the full employee lifecycle, from hiring and onboarding to performance management and career pathing, to build a robust talent pipeline.

  • Champion a culture of engagement and accountability where every team member is empowered to uphold the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance. Implement and oversee recognition and feedback programs to drive continuous improvement.

  • Develop and manage the labor plan for the [Function], aligning staffing levels, scheduling, and skill sets with operational forecasts and daily volume fluctuations to consistently meet performance targets.

  • Set clear performance expectations and own the performance management process for the department, providing regular, constructive coaching and holding the team accountable for results. Resolve complex, escalated issues and ensure the team's training and skill certifications are always current.

[Team Development]:     5%

  • Design and implement career-pathing frameworks within the [Function] to foster professional growth and increase employee retention. 

  • Identify and actively mentor high-potential talent, creating a clear succession plan for key roles within the department, including your own.

  • Partner with senior leadership to develop training programs that address critical skill gaps and prepare the team for future business needs.

[Additional Responsibilities]:     5%

  • Lead large-scope projects with site and regional impact designed to evolve the business model.

  • Adapt to growth and changes within the business as needed.

  • Work in a backup capacity for other warehouse leaders and deputize for senior management in meetings when necessary.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.


 

Qualified Experience and Training:  

Education:

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, Operations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

Required

  • Minimum 6  years of supply chain experience, including performance management, preferably in a warehouse or distribution environment.

  • Leadership experience required

Preferred

  • Experience managing large teams of 15-20+ hourly employees.

  • Demonstrated experience scoping and implementing process improvements using LEAN, Kaizen, and/or Six Sigma.

  • Professional background in military, manufacturing, production, or distribution fulfillment environments.


 

Travel Required: 

Citizenship: 

  •  Authorized to work in the US without current or future need for visa sponsorship

Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities:

Required

  • Strong knowledge in supply chain management and warehouse operations , with a deep understanding of process improvement.

  • Demonstrated ability to scope and implement process improvements using LEAN, Kaizen, and/or Six Sigma methodologies.

  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to think and resolve issues independently and efficiently.

  • Proven ability to execute and drive change and an effective decision-making ability.

  • Detail-oriented, self-driven, with strong time management, multi-tasking, and organizational skills.

  • A strong teamwork mentality with the ability to demonstrate and promote teamwork.

  • KPI / Metric reporting.

  • Inventory management.

Preferred

  • Awareness or Experience in Hazmat / Dangerous Goods storage and shipping

  • IATA / DOT / ATF knowledge or awareness

Communication Skills:

Required:

  • Demonstrated effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

  • Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Technical Systems Proficiency:

Required:

  • Experience with Excel / Google Suite

Direct Reports: 

Is this a people manager? Yes

# of Exempt Reports: 0      

# of Non-exempt Reports: 10-30      

Physical Requirements: 

  • Onsite or remote:  On-site following Satair policy 

  • Speaking: able to engage in conversations in person and via electronic means and deliver information to groups of varying size with or without amplification.

  • Mobility: Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods and walk throughout office and production areas, including on uneven surfaces.

  • Material Handling: Must lift, carry, push, or pull items up to 50 lbs and occasionally squat or kneel.

  • Environment & PPE: Works in office and warehouse environments, which can be loud with variable temperatures; required PPE (e.g., steel-toed shoes, safety glasses) must be worn on the shop floor.

  • Travel: Must be able to travel independently, sometimes at short notice.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:

Satair USA, Inc.

Employment Type:

US - Direct Hire

Experience Level:

Professional

Remote Type:

On-site

Job Family:

Leadership

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Job Posting End Date: 11.29.2025

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Airbus provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Airbus complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits and training. Airbus expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status. As a matter of policy, Airbus does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. Airbus does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. Airbus reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

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Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com.