Airport Operations Director

Job description / Role

Job Description / Mission
Reporting to the Airport Director (the Accountable Manager), the Operations Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, and overall management, planning, coordination, execution and supervision of, but not limited to all airport operational activities, and in full compliance with national regulations and ICAO requirements and SARPs, including the response to airport emergencies and crisis events.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
• The incumbent is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the airport, requiring specific technical competencies, skills, and behavioral attributes, balancing operational expertise, strategic vision, and leadership acumen to deliver and ensure safe, secure, efficient and customer-focused airport operations.

Operational, Corporate and Compliance
• Develop and implement operational strategies, policies and procedures to optimize airport performance.
• Develop and implement operational procedures following national aviation regulations and ICAO SARPs; and
• Ensure the provision of high-quality ground handling services in accordance with IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM) standards.
• Supervise the Rescue and Firefighting Services (RFFS) to maintain readiness and compliance with ICAO Annex 14 and Doc 9137 Part 1 requirements.
• Liaise with regulators, airlines, ground service providers and other stakeholders to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements.
• Develop and monitor operational performance metrics and ensure continuous improvement.
• Chair the airport committees established by ICAA and/or ICAO, as the standard forums for discussion and decision-making on airport issues;
• Serves as a member of the Operations Department on the Safety and Environmental Committee;
• Serves as a member of the EOC and Airport Crisis Management Center;
• Advises the Airport Director on various technical/operational matters;
• Prepares, coordinates and reviews related correspondence with external agencies;
• Serves as a member of the senior management team and participates in planning for broad issues affecting the company's business;
Human and Technical Resources for Airport Operations
• Ensures that subordinate units have the necessary and appropriate number of staff to provide the services and tasks within airport operations, and that they have received training on the competencies and skills required for their functions;
• Determines and evaluates that the sections within the Operations Department have the necessary number and type of equipment required for operational tasks, that they are properly maintained, and that they are in good and safe operating condition;
• Plans, coordinates and supervises the execution of all operational activities within the Operations Department, including Airside Operations (ASO), Terminal Operations (TMO), Airport Operations Control Center (AOCC), Airport Rescue & Fire Fighting Service (RFFS), and Ground Handling Services (GHS);
• Implements and maintains approved management and safety policies within the Operations Department;

Human Resources Management
• Promotes and systematically ensures the correct application of all company policies regarding human resources and corporate processes;
• Coordinates and ensures the correct management of the tasks and human resources within the subordinate departments and Sections;
• Conducts annual performance and competency reviews and ensures that all employees are adequately and properly trained and qualified to perform the assigned duties;
• Manages and mobilizes human resources within the subordinate units to support emergency and contingency situations, as required by the Airport Emergency Plan and Security Program.
• Ensures distribution and use of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and monitors and reports all incidents and OHS situations to the Safety Office.
• Manages the human resources of the Operations Department and liaises with the Human Resources Department on all personnel matters, namely departmental needs, resignations, absences, disciplinary matters, etc;

Budget and Activity Plans
• Coordinates and reviews the department's annual OPEX budget and CAPEX investment proposals and revisions;
• Consolidates and implements the department's annual plans, including training;
• Consolidates and prepares the department activity report;
• Conducts and coordinates annual performance reviews;
• Replaces the Airport Director on an interim basis, in the event of his absence or disability, by specific act of delegation.

QMS and EMS
• Ensures the establishment, implementation and maintenance of the SMS and EMS throughout the Operations Department;
• Approves the relevant SMS and EMS documents within the Operations Department, and coordinates the preparation and review of manuals, plans and operational procedures (SOPs), to submit to the Airport Director for approval;
• Ensures the implementation of the Safety & Environmental objectives as approved by the Safety & Environmental Committee within the Operations Department;

Safety Management System (SMS)
• Ensures the implementation of the SMS and safety policies as defined by the company within the Operations Department;
• Conducts Hazard / Risk Assessments and prepares Safety Action Plans accordingly in close coordination with the Safety Office;
• Reports all potential hazards, safety concerns, incidents and accidents to the Safety Office and ensures that safety is an integral part of all activities and resulting responsibilities;
• Serves as a member of KIA's Aerodrome, Safety, and Runway Safety Committees.

Education
• Bachelor’s degree in Airport/Aviation Management or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• IAP Accreditation (highly desirable)

Experience
• Minimum 12 years experience in international airport operations, 8 of which in managerial functions.

Computer Skills
• Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office suite (user´s perspective) and able to manage other specific project/management software, provided adequate training.

Language Skills
• (English, Arabic, other)
• Solid knowledge and command of written and spoken English (essential) and Arabic (desirable).

Training Requirements
• Certification in Airport Operations, SMS, or Airport Management from recognized aviation bodies (ACI, IATA, or ICAO).

Salary:
USD 8,000 to 10,000 per month inclusive of fixed allowances.

About the Company

Karbala International Airport, a new state of the art airport in Karbala City, Iraq, privately owned by TEEBAT KARBALA, the Investor and Airport Operator. Opening in a phased approach with Phase 1a for 3M PAX per year, with all associated new facilities and infrastructure. Seeks, highly motivated professional staff looking to be part of a new airport.