Operational Risk & Compliance Officer

Overview

Operational Risk & Compliance Officer

Location: Edinburgh Airport, Ground Handling

Contract Type: Fixed-Term – 12-Week Operational Trial

Reports to: Station General Manager – EDI

About the Role

Swissport is introducing an exciting new frontline assurance role at our Edinburgh Ground Handling operation. As our Operational Risk & Compliance Officer, you'll play a key part in strengthening safety, reducing operational risk, and improving procedural compliance across our ramp, baggage, and aircraft turnaround activities.

Working within a live operational environment, you'll conduct targeted, risk-based observations, provide real-time coaching, and support management in delivering sustainable improvements — all while championing a fair, positive, and learning-focused safety culture.

Responsibilities

What You'll Be Doing

• Maintaining a visible presence across the EDI operation, carrying out planned and risk-based observations of aircraft turnarounds and ground handling activities
• Monitoring key risk areas: aircraft damage prevention, GSE positioning, stand discipline, FOD control, PPE compliance, loading/unloading, and more
• Recording inspections and findings in iCare
• Delivering constructive, real-time coaching to reinforce standards and understand root causes of deviations
• Taking proportionate action where immediate safety risks arise, escalating to the relevant manager
• Identifying trends and recurring risks to support continuous improvement
• Providing clear, objective reporting to the Station Manager and wider stakeholders
• Following up on corrective actions to ensure improvements are sustained

Qualifications

What We're Looking For

Essential:

• Strong knowledge of airport ground handling operations
• Solid understanding of operational safety, risk, and compliance
• Experience in a live, safety-critical environment
• Confidence to professionally challenge unsafe or non-compliant behaviour, regardless of seniority
• Excellent communication, coaching, and report-writing skills
• Sound judgement, objectivity, and strong attention to detail

Desirable:

• Experience in ramp, baggage, or turnaround operations
• Prior supervisory, training, safety, audit, or compliance experience
• Knowledge of Swissport procedures and airline/customer-specific requirements
• Relevant aviation safety or risk-management training

About the Trial

This role is being piloted for 12 weeks as part of Swissport's ongoing commitment to operational safety and compliance. Success will be measured not by the number of issues found, but by the quality of assurance activity, effectiveness of coaching, and evidence of sustained improvement. Following the trial, a formal review will determine whether the role continues, is amended, extended, or discontinued.

Interested in helping us raise the bar on safety and compliance at Edinburgh? We'd love to hear from you!