Kygmsy, read Grandad Flyer's comments, his point is well made. The key to a good relationship with most aircrew is to adopt and work in as a professional manner as, most of them do - note I did not say all. Aircrew are no different from others in our industry some are easy to work with others are not. That applies to Ops bods as well.
Senior?, no they are not senior least they are in management and their positions defined as such, but they do carry considerable responsibility in the safe operation of the aircraft, your considerable responsibility is in the exercise of operational control over that aircraft.
Lalapanzi is right, it is team work. Our job is to exercise operational control and to support the crew in the exercise of their duties. Take time out to read your Ops Manual again and see where you fit in.
Take a balanced approach in dealing with with aircrew, if it gets testy, get professional. If you have a prima dona, and I think they are a dying breed, address him as Captain, insist that he address you as Mister.
Bloody Pilots? they'll be saying Bloody Ops!
Work to foster a healthy working relationship, its not always easy I know but it is part and parcel of running a safe airline and you're part of the team that makes a difference.