Darren Garrett

Experienced and results-driven operations professional with almost 30 years of management, leadership and operational experience, including extensive experience within safety-critical aviation environments at London Luton Airport. Progressed through key operational roles with IDS, including Lead Deicer and Operations Supervisor, alongside experience in Flight Line Operations with Signature. Strong practical knowledge of airside operations, aircraft de-icing, aircraft turnaround, ground operations, resource coordination and operational control.

Proven ability to lead and coordinate teams in fast-paced, time-critical environments while maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance and service delivery. Experienced in workforce planning, staff supervision, training and development, risk assessment, incident management, operational problem-solving and stakeholder communication. A hands-on, approachable and dependable leader with a strong can-do attitude, excellent communication skills and the ability to remain calm and make effective decisions under pressure.

Extensive wider management experience includes successfully founding and running a business and managing large teams within premium fitness and leisure environments. Now seeking to utilise extensive operational and leadership experience within an Airport Operations, Airside Operations, Ground Operations, Duty Management or Operational Management position.

OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR at IDS (2023-11 – Present)

Responsible for supervising operational teams within a busy, safety-critical airport environment, ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant delivery of day-to-day operations.

• Lead and supervise operational teams within the airside environment.
• Coordinate workforce, vehicles, equipment, and operational resources.
• Support aircraft turnaround activities and operational requirements.
• Maintain operational control in a fast-paced and constantly changing environment.
• Ensure compliance with airport regulations, company procedures, health and safety requirements and SOPs.
• Allocate staff and resources according to operational demand and changing priorities.
• Monitor operational performance and respond quickly to issues or disruption.
• Support incident management and operational problem-solving.
• Communicate effectively with operational teams, management, and key stakeholders.
• Support staff training, coaching, and development.
• Promote a positive safety culture and ensure safe working practices are consistently followed.
• Maintain high standards of service delivery while working to strict operational deadlines.

FLIGHT LINE OPERATIONS at Signature Flight Support (2023-05 – 2023-11)

Worked within a busy flight line environment supporting aircraft ground operations and turnaround activities.

• Supported aircraft turnaround and flight line operations.
• Assisted with coordination of ground operational activities.
• Worked within strict airside safety procedures and operational requirements.
• Supported efficient aircraft movements and service delivery.
• Liaised with colleagues and operational teams to ensure smooth turnaround operations.
• Worked effectively within time-critical and high-pressure environments.
• Maintained a strong focus on safety, compliance and operational efficiency.

LEAD DEICER at IDS (2019 – 2023)

Led aircraft de-icing operations during winter operations, supervising teams, and coordinating resources within a highly safety-critical airside environment.

• Led and supervised aircraft de-icing teams.
• Coordinated workforce, vehicles, and equipment to meet operational requirements.
• Supported aircraft turnaround targets during periods of adverse weather.
• Ensured de-icing operations were completed safely and in accordance with approved procedures.
• Monitored changing weather conditions and aircraft schedules.
• Responded to operational pressures and changing priorities.
• Maintained effective communication between de-icing teams and other airport stakeholders.
• Supported the training and development of operational staff.
• Ensured compliance with health and safety requirements and SOPs.
• Maintained high levels of concentration and operational awareness during demanding winter operations.

FITNESS MANAGER at Odyssey Health Club (2026-01 – Present)

Responsible for the day-to-day management of the fitness department, including team leadership, workforce planning, performance management, and operational delivery.

• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary fitness team.
• Manage rotas, staffing levels, annual leave and operational cover.
• Monitor staff performance and implement improvements.
• Support recruitment, training, coaching and staff development.
• Manage departmental systems and operational processes.
• Deal with staff issues and operational challenges.
• Monitor service standards and member experience.
• Work with senior management to improve departmental performance.
• Implement changes designed to improve efficiency, accountability and service delivery.

FITNESS MANAGER at Champneys Henlow (2021-05 – 2021-10)

Managed the day-to-day operation of the fitness department and supervised the fitness team.

• Team leadership and staff supervision.
• Operational planning and daily management.
• Staff training and development.
• Customer service and member experience.
• Fitness programme development.
• Performance monitoring and continuous improvement.

FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR at Sculpt Fitness Studio (2012-01 – 2019)

Founded and successfully managed an independent fitness business, taking responsibility for all aspects of the operation.

• Overall business and operational management.
• Recruitment, leadership and development of staff.
• Business planning and commercial management.
• Customer service and retention.
• Marketing and business development.
• Development and implementation of operational strategies.
• Training programme design and delivery.
• Management of day-to-day business operations.

FITNESS CONSULTANT at Champneys Henlow (2011-01 – 2011-12)

Provided consultancy support to the fitness department, including staff development and training.

• Delivered staff training days.
• Supported fitness team development.
• Assisted with implementation of improved training practices.
• Provided operational and technical guidance.

FITNESS MANAGER / SENIOR PERSONAL TRAINER at The Chelsea Club (2001-07 – 2010-12)

Fitness Manager and Senior Personal Trainer working with members of the Chelsea FC First Team.

• Managed fitness operations and staff.
• Designed and implemented training programmes.
• Strength and conditioning.
• Nutrition planning and support.
• Staff development and performance management.
• Personal training and performance development.

Senior Fitness Instructor at David Lloyd Premier Club (1999-07 – 2001-06)

Senior Fitness & Gym Instructor at The Hurlingham Club (1997-11 – 1999-06)

Senior Gym Instructor at RAC Club (1997-04 – 1997-10)

Senior Fitness Coach / Duty Manager at Chelsea Sports Centre (1991-10 – 1996-04)

GCSEs in Grades A–C including English Language & Literature, Mathematics, Science, Business Studies, Design, French, Graphic Communication and History – Hurlingham & Chelsea Secondary School