Manager - Cargo Operations

Role objective

Cargo operations leadership

• Set operational objectives and implement approved strategies, policies, and procedures for safe, efficient, revenue-optimised operations across aircraft types and locations.
• Ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures and consistent, accurate handling.
• Manage investigations of accidents, incidents, service failures, irregularities, and complaints; identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Prepare and monitor KPIs and Safety Performance Targets under UAE GCAA standards for bulk and ULD-based operations.
• Oversee day-to-day cargo operations at DXB and DWC and maintain service quality with dnata and other ground handlers.
• Identify and recommend short-, medium-, and long-term infrastructure, automation, and resource needs.
• Coordinate with dnata and third-party providers at DWC on service delivery, SLA compliance, and operational readiness.
• Support cargo product development, system automation, and launches including pharma, express, automotive, and oversized cargo.
• Own Ground Handling Manual cargo documentation and ensure updates, regulatory alignment, and internal approvals.
• Manage safety, security, and risk frameworks with Safety & Security and ensure operational compliance.
• Liaise with Customs, Health, Police, and other regulators at DXB and DWC to support cargo, courier, and mail movement.
• Ensure ground-handling contracts cover bulk and palletised services, acceptance, ULD handling, warehouse activities, ramp processes, and service standards.

Qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Fluent in English.
• At least 8 years of experience in cargo operations, freight handling, or aviation ground operations.
• Experience managing large operational teams in cargo, aviation, or ground-handling environments.
• Advanced cargo and dangerous-goods courses covering cargo knowledge, documentation, special-load handling, and DGR Cat 6 or CBTA equivalent.
• Dangerous Goods Regulations training such as IATA CBTA 7.3A or UAE GCAA FIT4.1D.
• Safety Management Systems, Aviation Security, and Special Cargo Products certifications.

Competencies

• Customer focus, teamwork, and effective communication.
• Personal accountability, commitment, resilience, flexibility, and a can-do attitude.
• Decision making, developing others, strategic thinking, and business acumen.

Desirable qualifications

Information security responsibilities