Richard Jones
Airport Ops Supplier Performance Senior Manager @United Airlines
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WORK HISTORY
Airport Ops Supplier Performance Senior Manager @United Airlines
Chicago, IL, US
Senior leader responsible for supplier performance, operational delivery, and service excellence across airport operations in a highly regulated, safety-critical, and fast-paced environment. Led multi-site, multidisciplinary teams and managed complex supplier relationships to ensure consistent performance, compliance, and customer outcomes at scale.Owned end-to-end supplier performance strategy, including contract governance, KPI frameworks, service level management, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement initiatives. Partnered closely with internal stakeholders across operations, safety, finance, procurement, and commercial teams to align supplier delivery with organizational priorities and regulatory requirements.Acted as the primary escalation point for critical operational issues, leading resolution of performance failures, disputes, and non-compliance while maintaining strong, collaborative supplier relationships. Drove performance recovery plans, negotiated corrective actions, and ensured sustained improvements in reliability, safety, and service quality.Played a key leadership role during periods of operational disruption and change, providing calm, decisive direction and clear communication to internal teams and external partners. Known for building trust, influencing without authority, and uniting diverse stakeholders around shared objectives in high-pressure environments.Championed a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement, mentoring managers and frontline leaders to strengthen capability, engagement, and succession. Regularly analyzed performance data and trends to inform decision-making, support executive reporting, and enable proactive operational planning.
EDUCATION
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Operations
Army Logistics University
Purchasing, Procurement/Acquisitions and Contracts Management
Prairie View A&M University
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Project Management
Northwestern University
Master of Science - MS, Business/Corporate Communications
Defense Acquisition University
Purchasing, Procurement/Acquisitions and Contracts Management
ABOUT RICHARD JONES
I’m a results-driven people leader with a track record of building and leading high-performing, multi-unit and multidisciplinary teams in complex, fast-moving environments. My leadership style is grounded in trust, clarity, and accountability, creating cultures where people feel empowered to do their best work while consistently delivering against business goals.Across my career, I’ve guided teams to exceed performance targets, navigate change, and align execution with strategic priorities. I’m particularly effective at uniting cross-functional stakeholders around a shared vision, translating strategy into action, and driving outcomes in highly regulated, culturally diverse, and operationally complex settings.Known as a clear, empathetic communicator, I bring calm and structure to ambiguity, whether facilitating complex negotiations, leading transformation initiatives, or coaching leaders through growth and change. Strong relationships are the foundation of sustainable results, and I invest deeply in mentoring and developing leaders who elevate the entire organization.Highly adaptable and analytically minded, I bring a forward-thinking approach to problem-solving, combining data, creativity, and practical execution. I lead with integrity and curiosity, and I’m motivated by opportunities where strong leadership can create measurable impact for people, performance, and long-term success.
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