Dispatch Shift Supervisor

Purpose

The Dispatch Shift Supervisor reports to the VP, On-Demand Cargo and is responsible for providing leadership, oversight, and coordination of Aircraft Dispatchers assigned to their shift in support of safe, compliant, and efficient flight operations.

In addition to performing the duties of an Aircraft Dispatcher, the Dispatch Shift Supervisor serves as the primary point of leadership during the assigned shift and is responsible for coordinating workload, establishing shift priorities, monitoring operational activity, and ensuring appropriate communication and escalation of operational issues.

The Dispatch Shift Supervisor is delegated authority by the Director of Operations to execute Operational Control duties for the initiation, continuation, diversion, and termination of air carrier flight operations and may be authorized duties under Part 135 On Demand, Part 121 Supplemental Operations, or both. The position ensures flight operations are conducted in accordance with applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), Operations Specifications (OpSpecs), company policies, procedures, and established safety standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Shift Supervision and Leadership

• Provides day-to-day supervision, leadership, and direction to Aircraft Dispatchers assigned to the shift.
• Primary shift lead on customer quoting and sales responsibility.
• Assumes responsibility for the overall coordination and effectiveness of dispatch operations during the assigned shift.
• Assigns and prioritizes dispatcher workload based on operational requirements, staffing, flight activity, and changing business needs.
• Monitors shift staffing and workload to ensure adequate coverage for scheduled and on-demand flight operations.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for dispatch-related operational matters during the assigned shift and coordinates with Flight Operations, Maintenance, Crew Scheduling, Ground Operations, and other departments as necessary.
• Provides guidance and support to Dispatchers regarding operational issues, company procedures, regulatory requirements, and appropriate escalation of concerns.
• Monitors dispatcher performance during the shift and addresses immediate performance, communication, attendance, or operational concerns as appropriate.
• Provides feedback to the VP, On Demand Cargo regarding employee performance, training needs, staffing concerns, operational issues, and other matters affecting the Dispatch function.
• Supports the onboarding, training, development, and mentoring of new and existing Dispatchers.
• Ensures effective shift turnover by communicating relevant operational status, outstanding issues, aircraft or flight concerns, and other information necessary for continuity between shifts.
• Promotes accountability, professionalism, teamwork, and a positive and productive work environment.
• Escalates significant operational, safety, compliance, staffing, or personnel concerns through the appropriate chain of command.

Aircraft Dispatch and Operational Control

• Executes delegated authority from the Director of Operations to issue Flight Releases in accordance with company policies, procedures, and FARs.
• Plans each flight with primary emphasis on safety, regulatory compliance, and schedule continuity.
• Analyzes and evaluates information regarding weather and airport conditions to anticipate changes that may affect flight operations.
• Computes fuel requirements according to aircraft type, distance, weather conditions, destination alternate(s), and applicable FARs.
• Prepares flight plans and issues flight releases containing maximum allowable takeoff and landing weights, weather reports, field conditions, METARs, TAFs, NOTAMs, PIREPs, and other information required for the safe completion of the flight.
• Assists the Pilot in Command (PIC) during abnormal or emergency situations by providing assistance necessary to support the safe completion of the flight.
• Monitors the progress of flights to ensure compliance with applicable flight releases, updates flight crews regarding significant changes to weather or flight plans, and recommends alternative courses of action in the interest of safety as needed.
• Exercises authorized authority to delay or divert a flight when unsafe conditions pose a threat to the safety of crew members, aircraft, cargo, or the flight.
• Maintains awareness of overall flight activity and significant operational developments occurring during the assigned shift.
• Ensures significant operational events, irregularities, delays, diversions, safety concerns, and other relevant matters are appropriately communicated, documented, and escalated.
• Follows company procedures and exercises conservative judgment in determining when to escalate communications and decision-making through the chain of command, including to the Director of Operations, when safety concerns arise or compliance with FARs, OpSpecs, company policies, or procedures is in question.
• Maintains competency by successfully completing all required oral, written, and practical competency checks, including Initial and Recurrent training events and general company training.
• Must be able to work shifts supporting a 24/7 operation.
• Maintains professionalism, accuracy, attention to detail, sound judgment, and effective communication in a dynamic operational environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to effectively supervise and coordinate employees in a 24/7 operational environment.
• Ability to prioritize multiple operational demands and make timely decisions in a dynamic, time-sensitive environment.
• Strong judgment and ability to recognize situations requiring escalation to senior operational leadership.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with flight crews, Dispatchers, management, and cross-functional departments.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and provide constructive feedback to employees.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in a computer-based environment, including Windows operating systems and SaaS products.
• Ability to solve practical problems while dealing with concrete and abstract variables.
• Ability to read and interpret a variety of technical information furnished in written, oral, mathematical, and diagram form.