Manager - (Country) Airports - RUSSIA

Job Purpose

To manage, monitor and review Air Arabia daily activities in the respective stations ensuring safety, security, On Time Performance, efficiency, and smooth workflow in line with Company’s policies and regulatory requirements. 

Also, to establish effective business relations with civil aviation and governmental authorities as well as GHAs and GSAs to facilitate daily operations and achieve best results with least costs.

Key Result Responsibilities

1. Acts as the focal point in the respective area for all matters related to Operational and Security functions; ensures timely facilitation and smooth operation of daily activities as per Air Arabia policies and procedures laid down in the stations’ operation manual.

2. Ensures current editions/revisions of policies, procedures, manuals, circulars, forms, and rates are all communicated to relative offices and personnel.

3. Coordinates with Flight Operations on o business plan daily, ensures proper briefings/debriefings, ramp, check-in, safety, security, and other matters are being handled in accordance with operational procedures.  Identifies delay reasons and works closely with Management to resolve them.

4. Liaises with “Regional Manager Ground Operations”, Flight Operations, and MCC to manage AOG, emergencies, technical delays, disruptions and service recovery.

5. Guides and supports the respective stations’ personnel in critical complex situations related to laws and diversions such as coordination for customs and immigration clearance.

6. Establishes effective relationships with local/national authorities, GHAs, Suppliers, and Vendors to ensure airports’ operations efficiency and sound financial management; protects the financial interest and corporate image of Air Arabia at  all times.

7. Partners with Commercial Manager to ensure adherence of stations/departments to respective legislations and regulatory requirements of the General/Local Civil Aviation Authority, Security, Immigration, Customs and Public Health Office departments.

Key Result Responsibilities - Continued

8. Supports the Stakeholders in the start-up formalities of new stations, new routes, and new projects in the assigned area, this includes but not limited to: overflying and slot permissions, SLAs, facilities, logistics, recruitment, training, systems, and technical requirements.
9. Monitors the GHAs, GSAs, Vendors and Suppliers service level agreements, this includes: performance, payments, meetings, communication, etc.
10. Liaises with Regional Manager, GO/Head Office on SLA related matters to ensure best benefits; recommends enhancements and changes as necessary.
11. Conducts field visits to evaluate performance of the Airport Managers, handling agents and GHAs; utilizes reports and data analysis to monitor customer service and payments, highlight trends, and identify gaps aiming for improvement. Conducts investigations to resolve customer complaints; attends court when required.

12. Cooperates with Quality Assurance/ Safety/Security Departments to ensure adherence of respective stations and staff to corresponding standards and set measures; supports in investigations and audit checks ensuring timely response to statuary requirements and findings.
13. Handles security findings from “Air Safety Reports”, raised by Captains, and “Ground Operations Incident Reports”, raised by the Outstation airport ground staff in an effective manner to close cases.  Ensures Dangerous Goods related incidents are reported to all local authorities and the headquarters.
14. Partners with Head Office to monitor and audit the collections from Excess Baggage, Go Show, Wheelchair, and Seat Sales and other airport revenue generating services; encourages the airport teams to meet/exceed targets and provide excellent services.
15. Coordinates with Head Office on various issues such as recruitment, interviews, attendance, leave, disciplinary, investigations, trainings, IDs, uniforms, usernames and passwords, etc.

Qualifications (Academic, training, languages)

• Bachelor degree in Management/Statistics/Finance/IT or equivalent from a recognized university; alternately a diploma in a related field combined with necessary experience.
• Basic Airport safety and security procedures and regulations trainings are a must.
• “IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations”, “Passenger Handling”, and “Ground Operations Procedures” trainings or certificates are a must for this role.
• Professional membership of associations related to the Aviation/Airlines industry is a plus.
• Project Management certificate or alternately the proven corresponding working experience is a must.
• Cost Control, Compliance, Budgeting and Quality Assurance certificates and trainings are an added value.
• Proficient in Ground Handling Systems and Departure Control Systems (DCS) and Microsoft Office suite (Advanced Excel), Internet, Web Search.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, technical reports writing, presentations, etc.
• Good in English Language, Arabic Language may be conditional for certain regions.

Work Experience

• 8+ years of relevant working experience in Airlines/Aviation/GHA industry, 5 of which at least in Ground Handling Operations for multi-national mid-sized company.
• He/she must have a minimum of 3-4 years of experience as “Airport Manager” leading a team with a station of departure/arrival flights; experience with low cost airline is a plus.
• Comprehensive knowledge in IATA/ Civil Aviation Authorities and Regulatory Bodies’ rules and regulations pertaining to Ground Handling working procedures and operating standards, GHAs, GSAs, etc.
• Expert in one or more of the following: Passenger Handling, Cargo, Ramp, Dispatch, DGR, and Load Control.
• Strong knowledge, ties and relationships in Aviation Industry and Markets; to build credibility quickly.
• Experienced in monitoring contracts and service level agreements (SLAs).
• Experienced in implementing policies, procedures, and manuals in line with standards and regulations.
• Relative commercial background and understanding of P&L accounting.
• Exposure to QA/Safety/Security/Audit procedures and practices.
• Hands on recruitment, schedules, rosters, and shift-pattern manpower allocation.
• Composed, self-confident and focused, committed to efficiency and successful safe results.