Cathay is a leading premium travel lifestyle brand based in Hong Kong offering products and services across four lines of business – Premium Travel, Cargo, Low-Cost Travel and Lifestyle. The Cathay Group comprises premium full-service airline Cathay Pacific, cargo business Cathay Cargo, low-cost airline HK Express, express all-cargo carrier Air Hong Kong, and various other subsidiaries.
Cathay Pacific was founded in Hong Kong in 1946. The Group has been deeply committed to its home base, extending to the rest of Greater Bay Area and making substantial investments to develop Hong Kong as one of the world’s leading international aviation centres.
Are you a confident people leader who can balance operational delivery, employee relations, legal compliance and crew engagement in a complex international base environment?
As Cabin Crew Base Manager – London, you will lead the London Cabin Crew Base and its office team to support a professional, engaged and high-performing crew community that consistently delivers safe, compliant and customer-focused service.
You will oversee day-to-day base operations, crew management activities, local employment matters, union engagement, base communications, payroll and benefits oversight, recruitment and promotion processes, and the continuous improvement of local procedures. Working closely with ISD, Planning, Crew Operations, Airport Services, People, Finance and local stakeholders, you will ensure the London base remains operationally effective, legally compliant and aligned with Cathay Pacific’s standards and strategic priorities.
With accountability for people performance, base productivity, crew sentiment, budget discipline and local governance, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to shape the continued success and sustainability of Cathay Pacific’s London cabin crew operation.
Leadership, Communications and Engagement
- Provide visible, trusted leadership to London-based cabin crew and London- based office team setting clear direction and upholding service, safety and conduct standards
- Lead regular crew engagement activities and chair quarterly Cabin Crew Consultation Group meetings with ISMs and inflight leaders
- Maintain regular dialogue with the Head of Employee Relations and Communications – Inflight Service on base performance, risks and emerging issues
- Partner with local town office teams, UK People, Airport Services, Crew Operations and regional stakeholders to ensure clear and aligned communication
Base Operations and Performance Management
- Lead and manage the performance of London-based cabin crew and London-based office staff using data and feedback to identify trends, risks and improvements
- Work with ISD Planning and Crew Operations on roster, pairing, standby, productivity, training and block hour matters
- Recognise strong performance and support a high performance culture through coaching, feedback and development
- Ensure all employee relation matters are handled in line with UK legislation, Company policies and Conditions of Service
Legal Compliance, Policy Governance and Risk Management
- Work with ISD, UK People, legal advisors and stakeholders to ensure local policies and practices comply with UK legislation and regulatory requirements
- Ensure robust procedures are in place whilst leading the review, maintenance and communication of London-base policies, operational information and employee handbook updates
- Support ISD quality and maintain the integrity of Cathay Pacific's cabin safety and security policies and procedures
Employee Relations and Union Recognition
- Address crew concerns promptly in line with operational needs, legal compliance and company interests
- Manage the recognised union relationship with constructive and transparent dialogue
- Represent the Company in meetings and negotiate or communicate on all London Cabin Crew Base matters in consultation with ISD leadership
- Manage the local recognition programmes and initiatives that strengthen crew morale, pride and engagement
Recruitment, Promotion and Talent Development
- Manage the recruitment, secondment and promotion processes in consultation with ISD, Talent Acquisition and relevant stakeholders
- Support crew development and progression, inflight leadership development and feedback to candidates where appropriate
Budget, Payroll and Benefits
- Plan and manage London cabin crew base budget with ISD Planning, Finance and local teams
- Monitor spending, identify efficiencies and maintain budget discipline while supporting operational and employee needs
- Oversee payroll benefits, allowance related procedures and pay impacting processes
- Coordinate with Finance, Payroll, People and tax stakeholders on local pay, benefits, allowances, reporting and related enquiries
Systems, Process Improvement and Other Responsibilities
- Oversee administrative and operational practices, identifying simplification and process improvement opportunities
- Support Company and ISD projects including HRMS, policy, payroll, benefits, reporting, workforce planning and process reviews
- Assist with operations as needed including vase office coordination, disruption support, flight follow-up and shift coverage where appropriate
- Perform E&A responsibilities and other duties as required
- Tertiary education or relevant HR, employee relations, aviation management or business qualification preferred
- Typically 7 years’ relevant work experience in the airline industry, preferably with exposure to cabin crew operations, employee relations, base management or operational leadership
- Good understanding of the cabin crew operational environment, including safety, service and crew management requirements
- Working knowledge of human resources practices, including employee relations, talent acquisition, people engagement, training and development, performance management as well as payroll and benefits administration
- Knowledge of UK employment legislation and experience working with local People teams, legal advisors or union representatives would be advantageous
- Strong leadership, judgement, stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to manage sensitive matters professionally and confidentially
- High level of organisation, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities across daily operations, projects and compliance matters
- Analytical and process improvement mindset, with the ability to use data, feedback and operational insight to support decision-making and continuous improvement
- Computer literacy, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word and relevant HRMS, payroll, roster or operational systems
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Chinese language skills would be advantageous
Please note that this is not a Cabin Crew flying position.
Cathay Pacific is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with our Applicant Personal Information Collection Statement and for recruitment purposes only.
