Head - Ground Operations Training & Standards

JOB PURPOSE:
The Head of Ground Operations is a key leadership role responsible for all ground operations training, standards, and oversight throughout the company network.
The incumbent will report to and support the VP Ground Operations and Airports in all areas of airport management and ground operations. Key responsibilities will be to oversee and direct the management of guest journey through the Airport services team and will also plan and lead digital solutions for Ground operations.
Accountable to the VP Ground operations and Accountable Manager for all ground operations standards and compliance, the incumbent will establish lead and develop the highest performing team to deliver training and compliance to standards in all areas of ground including check-in, turnround management, load control, fuel, de-icing operations. This will include station readiness for startup of operations, assessment and setting standards and directing strategy and execution of management for ground handling service providers. (Working with procurement to ensure effective contracting, SLA and KPI to support effective oversight).
The individual will lead the ground operations training team to provide strategy and direction for ground operations training compliance. The role involves strategizing and leading implementation of solutions for digitalization and automation for the seamless journey aiming to deliver highest standards of service innovations fostering digitally native environment in the Airport eco system.
The role is accountable to ensure that the ground and cargo operations standards are maintained in line with the GACA, applicable regulations and in line with IATA best practices.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Provide strategic direction and leadership for all ground operations activities, including passenger services, ramp operations, baggage handling, and aircraft servicing.
Develop and implement policies, procedures, and standards to optimize efficiency, enhance safety, and improve the passenger experience.
Collaborate with other departments, including operations, maintenance, safety, and customer service, to ensure a coordinated approach to airline operations.
Accountable for decision making and direction for the development of the ground operations team structure in the hub and network.
Responsible for direct and lead digital solutions for check in DCS, immigration and Advanced passenger processing, load control and turnaround management.
Direct and lead the production of management intelligence and reports to use in trend analysis for safety, security, on time (OTP) and sustainability improvements. Provide summary for team and direction how to achieve consistency from success and direction for solutions for improvements.
Oversee day-to-day ground operations activities to ensure adherence to schedule, budget, and quality standards.
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to identify areas for improvement and drive operational excellence.
Implement measures to mitigate operational disruptions, minimize delays, and improve on-time performance.
Accountable for overall quality control and SMS implementation within the network and hub.
Manage and implement roll out of new systems (including DCS) and the latest automation technology across the network.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of 20 years of experience in airline industry, preferably in 2-3 different airlines / locations.
Minimum of 15 years of experience in end-to-end Ground operations, and airport stakeholder management.
Minimum of 10 years experience in a leadership role, proven track record of leading teams and setting up operations and executing projects.
Deeply entrenched understanding of various areas of airport operations from an airline perspective as well as an airport operator / vendor / service providers perspective.
15 years proven experience in leadership roles in ground operations and airports.
Post Holder ground operations is desirable.
At least 15 years position held in senior management roles including training management.
Experience of Regulations and standards set by GACA, ICAO, IATA and other authorities relating to ground operations.
Conversant with audit practice including regulatory, IOSA and ISAGO.
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor s degree from a recognized university.
SKILLS
Ability to motivate, energize and lead a team by example.
High familiarity with key airline-decision & management support, analytics tools.
Ability to improvise and restructure use-cases from industry experience to develop actionable insights to support ORAT.
Ability to visualize and pre-empt station needs to help Airport Operations develop and strengthen the Hub and Spoke model.
Help identify the evolving end state and Identify tools that can help achieve that as the company matures and the needs change.
Deep understanding of airports, border agencies and airline environment.
Expert knowledge in all areas of ground operations, check-in, turnaround management, load control, fuel and de-icing as well as hub control.
Load control management including centralized load control, load planning and load sheet production.
Training management delivery and administration of records.
Technical writing for ground operations SME with ability to organize the management of RIA document control.
Strategic and commercial mind set, with proven people management skills & ability to drive performance.
Fully conversant with MS Office, especially Excel, PowerPoint, Teams & SharePoint.
LICENSES
Audit IFQP, Deice, load control is desirable.
Industry standard training qualification.
Dangerous goods qualification for Trainers is desirable.

Desired Candidate Profile

Education:
Any Graduation()
Gender:
nm
Nationality:
Any Nationality