Manager - Cargo Operations

Role Overview

Manager - Cargo Operations at flydubai, based in Dubai. This role oversees dnata handling, warehouse and ramp performance, ULD and palletised operations, bulk-loading activity, and compliance with all regulatory, safety, and OEM requirements.

Role Purpose

To ensure operational excellence across flydubai's cargo operations as the business continues to grow in scale and complexity. The manager oversees safe, efficient, and revenue-optimized cargo handling across all aircraft types and operational locations.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Operations Management

• Identify operational objectives and implement approved strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure safe, efficient, and revenue-optimized cargo operations across all aircraft types and operational locations.
• Oversee day-to-day cargo operations at DXB and DWC, ensuring consistent handling standards and service quality with dnata and other ground handling partners.
• Identify, evaluate, and recommend short, medium, and long-term infrastructure, automation, and resource requirements to support current and future cargo operations.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across all cargo operations, maintaining consistency and accuracy.
• Take ownership of all cargo-related documentation within the Ground Handling Manual (GHM) and ensure timely updates, regulatory alignment, and internal approvals.
• Ensure all ground handling contracts include the required scope of services for both bulk and palletised operations, covering acceptance, ULD handling, warehouse activities, ramp processes, and service standards.

Safety, Security & Risk Management

• Manage cargo safety, security, and risk frameworks in coordination with Safety & Security, ensuring proper documentation, implementation, and compliance across the operation.
• Prepare and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Safety Performance Targets in compliance with UAE GCAA standards, covering both bulk and ULD-based operations.

Incident & Corrective Action Management

• Manage and facilitate investigations of accidents, incidents, service failures, irregularities, and customer complaints, ensuring root-cause identification and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.

Stakeholder & Partner Management

• Liaise with dnata and other third-party service providers at DWC to ensure service delivery, SLA compliance, and operational readiness for all aircraft types.
• Liaison with government authorities (Customs, Health, Police, and other regulators) at DXB and DWC to ensure the smooth movement of cargo, courier, and mail.

Product Development & Expansion

• Support cargo product development, including system automation and the launch of cargo products (pharma, express, automotive, oversized cargo, etc.).

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Minimum 8 to 10 years of experience in cargo operations, freight handling, or aviation ground operations.
• Minimum 3+ years of relevant experience beyond Bachelor's degree qualification.
• Experience managing large operational teams in cargo, aviation, or ground handling environments.
• Advanced Cargo & Dangerous Goods courses: Cargo Knowledge, Documentation, Special Load Handling, DGR Cat 6 or CBTA equivalent.
• Dangerous Goods Regulations certification: IATA CBTA 7.3A or UAE GCAA FIT4.1D.
• Safety Management Systems Certification.
• Aviation Security Certification.
• Special Cargo Products Certification.
• Cargo EDI license desirable.
• Weight & Balance license desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Customer Focus.
• Teamwork.
• Effective Communication.
• Personal Accountability & Commitment to achieve.
• Resilience & Flexibility (can-do attitude).
• Decision Making.
• Inspiring & Developing Others.
• Strategic Thinking.
• Business Acumen.

Additional Information

• Fluent in English required.
• Must read and comply with the company's Information Security & Records (ISR) policies and diligently report any weakness or incidents to the respective Line Manager or the Information Security team.
• Must complete all required ISR awareness sessions and follow associated guidelines in day-to-day business operations.