Duty Manager Airside Operations

Role Overview

The Duty Manager Airside Operations is responsible for leading and managing the Airside Operations team to ensure the safe, secure, and efficient movement of aircraft, vehicles, and personnel across the airport at Abu Dhabi Airports.

Role Purpose

The position oversees airside activities through effective planning, direction, and control, while ensuring compliance with national and international aviation standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements. The role acts as a representative of senior management in airport operations, providing 24/7 operational oversight of airside, terminal, and landside/access systems. The position supports strategic planning, budgeting, operational performance, safety management, and emergency response activities.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance & Regulatory Management

• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, management systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain all certifications required by regulatory authorities such as GCAA and Abu Dhabi EHSMS.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety policies and promote safe working practices.
• Conduct site inspections for new projects and provide guidance on airside safety and regulatory requirements.

Operational Planning & Execution

• Plan, implement, and monitor airside operational and preventive maintenance programs.
• Manage workforce planning and resource allocation to support daily operations, disruptions, and emergencies.
• Ensure safe and efficient operation of aircraft movements through effective supervision of subordinate staff.
• Evaluate and manage planned and unplanned airside, terminal, and landside closures or restrictions.
• Monitor operational logs, analyze performance, and prepare management reports.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and supervise the Airside Operations team, ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to standards.
• Ensure staff are trained, competent, and familiar with standard operating procedures.
• Develop and deliver induction, recurrent, and specialized training programs.
• Provide leadership, direction, coaching, and performance management to the team.
• Liaise with HR Business Partners on departmental HR matters.

Emergency & Incident Response

• Participate in airport emergency committees and ensure team readiness for emergency response plans.
• Coordinate responses to emergencies, adverse weather, construction activities, and other operational disruptions.
• Escalate high-risk, safety, and operational issues to senior management for approval and guidance.

Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with stakeholders, customers, contractors, and service providers to resolve operational issues and ensure compliance with standards.
• Communicate effectively with senior management, regulatory authorities, government agencies, emergency services, and stakeholders.
• Act on behalf of the Head of Department when required and attend operational and safety committees.
• Support and oversee Parking Control Representatives and airport access operations when required.

Continuous Improvement

• Promote continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance.

Additional Duties

• Undertake additional duties as assigned to support organizational objectives.
• Participate in strategic planning and annual budgeting for the Airside Operations function.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum 7 years of Airside Operations experience in a similar or larger airport environment.
• Experience leading and managing operational teams.
• Experience in a management role within a service delivery organization.
• Experience working within civil aviation regulations and statutory requirements.
• Strong understanding of airside operations and technical competencies required for airport operations.
• Experience building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Valid UAE Driving License.
• Knowledge of ICAO Annex 14 and other national and international regulations related to Airside Operations.
• Understanding of airport safety management systems, compliance requirements, and operational standards.

Skills & Competencies

• Airside Operations and Safety Management Expertise.
• Leadership, Decision-Making, and Crisis Response.
• Operational Planning, Coordination, and Resource Management.
• Stakeholder Management and Cross-Functional Collaboration.
• Risk Assessment, Regulatory Compliance, and Continuous Improvement.
• Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills.
• Digital Literacy and Technology Awareness.
• Problem Solving and Analytical Thinking.
• Team Development and Performance Management.
• Emergency and Incident Management.

Additional Information

• The role provides 24/7 operational oversight and represents senior management in airport operations.