Airline Ticketing & Operations Manager / Air Travel Operations Manager

AIRLINE TICKETING & OPERATIONS MANAGER
MANCHESTER  —  HYBRID
COMPETITIVE SALARY + BENEFITS
  
Airline Ticketing & Operations Manager job in Manchester within the travel industry, offering a competitive salary. This is a hands-on management role leading an aviation and ticketing team, covering airline ticketing, aviation systems and automation, ODR flight performance and supplier relationships.
  
  
▌ Do you?
  
Have extensive aviation and airline ticketing experience, with excellent GDS knowledge and the confidence to lead, coach and develop a busy ticketing team? Can you combine hands-on operational expertise with strong knowledge of airline routes, fare structures, booking classes and ticketing processes?
  
Are you commercially minded, systems-focused and confident analysing gains, losses and airline performance to improve processes and profitability? Do you thrive on introducing automation, resolving operational challenges and maintaining exceptional accuracy — even during schedule changes, disruption and high-pressure situations?
  
  
▌ Our Customer
  
Our client is a Manchester-based travel business with a dedicated aviation function, supporting colleagues across Reservations, Operations and Sales. The team issues airline tickets within airline and company deadlines and maintains working relationships with airlines and consolidators.
They are now seeking an Airline Ticketing & Operations Manager who will take responsibility for the day-to-day performance of the aviation function, leading the team while remaining actively involved in the operation and owning the ODR flight process.
  
  
▌ The Role
  
In this role, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day performance of the aviation function, ensuring the team delivers accurate, efficient and commercially focused ticketing and operational support.
  
– Lead, coach and develop the aviation and ticketing team of Ticketing Coordinators
– Set and monitor standards for accuracy, productivity, customer service and commercial performance, and support recruitment, appraisals and performance management
– Ensure airline tickets are issued accurately and within required deadlines
– Provide expert knowledge of airline routes, carrier products, fare structures, booking classes and GDS systems
– Take ownership of aviation systems, automation and robotic processes, monitoring performance and identifying efficiency and profitability gains
– Work with IT, suppliers and internal teams to resolve system issues and develop new solutions
– Manage airline schedule changes and out-of-range flights
– Own the ODR flight process, reducing avoidable losses and maximising commercial opportunities
– Analyse gains and losses, airline performance, emerging trends and significant individual losses
– Challenge existing processes and introduce process and behavioural improvements that deliver measurable results and a better commercial return
– Build relationships with airlines and consolidators, and support the wider business with operational and aviation expertise
– Assist with crisis situations and operational disruption, including a Duty Manager / out-of-hours rota
  
  
▌ Experience Required
  
– Previous experience within aviation or ticketing, ideally with management or supervisory responsibility
– Strong GDS system knowledge
– Good knowledge of airline fares, routes, products and ticketing processes
– Strong organisational and communication skills
– A positive, adaptable and solutions-focused approach
– Able to remain calm and effective under pressure
– Commercial awareness and a genuine interest in systems, automation and process improvement
– Good customer service skills
– Comfortable balancing people management with day-to-day involvement in a busy, varied aviation environment
– Long-haul destination knowledge
  
  
▌ Benefits
  
– Hybrid working
– Competitive salary plus benefits
– Free parking when at the office
– Travel discounts
  
  
▌ Frequently Asked Questions
  
What is the salary for an Airline Ticketing & Operations Manager in Manchester?
Ambitions Travel Recruitment will share the full salary and package details with shortlisted candidates.
  
What does hybrid working look like in this role?
This is a Monday to Friday role with core hours of 08:55am to 5:40pm, based in Manchester with hybrid working. 3 days in the office, 2 days from home.  The role includes participation in a Duty Manager / out-of-hours rota.
  
Is travel industry experience required?
Previous experience within aviation or ticketing is required, ideally with management or supervisory responsibility. Long-haul destination knowledge is advantageous but not essential. Ambitions Travel Recruitment will brief all shortlisted candidates before interview.
  
What does an Airline Ticketing & Operations Manager do?
An Airline Ticketing & Operations Manager leads an aviation and ticketing team while staying hands-on in the operation. They ensure tickets are issued accurately and on time, own aviation systems, automation and the ODR flight process, and work to reduce avoidable losses and improve commercial return.
  
How do I apply through Ambitions Travel Recruitment?
Apply via this page. Ambitions Travel Recruitment reviews every application personally — no automated screening. Register at ambitionstravelrecruitment.com to be considered for future roles.
  
Who are Ambitions Travel Recruitment?
Ambitions Travel Recruitment is the leading global recruitment agency dedicated exclusively to leisure travel. We place exceptional professionals at every level, from entry-level roles to C-suite appointments, across tour operating, luxury and tailor-made travel, safari, expedition and adventure travel, ocean and river cruise, ski, and UHNW concierge businesses. Our specialist leisure travel recruitment services cover the UK, South Africa, the GCC, Asia and North America.
  
Click here to apply for this Airline Ticketing & Operations Manager job, which is being recruited by Ambitions Travel Recruitment.
  
Ambitions Travel Recruitment places professionals across all areas of leisure travel, including tour operators, tailor-made travel, safari companies, expedition and adventure travel, ocean and river cruise lines, ski operators, and UHNW concierge businesses, in the UK, South Africa, GCC, Asia, and North America. With over 100 combined years of industry experience, we are trusted by global corporations, independent travel businesses, and growing operators to source hard-to-find specialists through a headhunting approach that reaches candidates who never appear on job boards.
  
  
▌ IMPORTANT
  
– If this role ticks your boxes and you’ve got the relevant experience, then click and apply
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– Due to the massive number of applications, we receive, we’re usually only able to reply to candidates whose requirements meet our customers’ needs. We’re super grateful that you take the time to apply, and we will save your CV and be in touch for other suitable roles
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