Duty Manager Airside Operations

Role overview

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, management systems, and regulatory requirements; maintain certifications required by regulators including GCAA and Abu Dhabi EHSMS.
• Plan, implement, and monitor airside operational and preventive maintenance programs; supervise aircraft movements and team operations.
• Train staff in competence and SOPs; develop induction, recurrent, and specialist training, and provide coaching and performance management.
• Manage staffing and resources for daily operations, disruptions, and emergencies; participate in emergency committees and maintain response readiness.
• Promote continuous improvement, monitor operational logs and performance, and prepare management reports.
• Represent the Head of Department when required, attend operational and safety committees, and collaborate with stakeholders, customers, contractors, and service providers.
• Inspect project sites and provide airside safety and regulatory guidance; manage planned and unplanned airside, terminal, and landside closures or restrictions.
• Coordinate responses to emergencies, adverse weather, construction, and operational disruptions; ensure safe work practices and escalate high-risk issues.
• Support Parking Control Representatives and airport access operations; communicate with senior management, regulators, government agencies, and emergency services.
• Liaise with HR Business Partners and participate in strategic planning and annual budgeting; undertake additional duties supporting organizational objectives.

Education and experience

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• At least 7 years of airside operations experience in a similar or larger airport environment.
• Experience leading and managing operational teams and working in a management role within a service delivery organization.
• Experience working with civil aviation regulations and statutory requirements.
• Experience building and maintaining effective internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Valid UAE driving license.

Technical knowledge and competencies

• Knowledge of ICAO Annex 14 and other national and international airside operations regulations.
• Understanding of airport safety management systems, compliance requirements, and operational standards.
• Competencies include airside operations and safety management, leadership, decision-making, crisis response, operational planning, coordination, and resource management.
• Additional competencies include stakeholder collaboration, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, continuous improvement, communication, digital literacy, problem-solving, team development, and emergency management.