Airport Operations Specialist (Airside)

Job Description

• Develop and oversee weekly operational plans, aligning resources (staffing and equipment) to business priorities and passenger demand forecasts;
• Anticipate operational constraints and recommend proactive solutions to maintain service quality and compliance;
• Contribute to workforce and capacity planning to ensure operational resilience;
• Manage relationships with contracted third-party providers and airport authority, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations, service-level agreements, and safety standards;
• Lead performance reviews with service providers, addressing deficiencies and negotiating improvements;
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Flight Operations, Technical and Ground Handling) to align operational activities;
• Act as the delegated authority for the Base Manager during periods of absence, ensuring operational continuity and compliance with safety, security, and regulatory requirements;
• Provide guidance and direction to operational staff, escalating and resolving complex issues when required;
• Represent the Base Manager in audits, regulatory inspections, and cross-functional operational forums where required;
• Collect, interpret, and model operational data (e.g., turnaround times, incident investigations, delay root cause analysis, passenger handling metrics, and third-party KPls);
• Design and maintain dashboards and reporting tools to monitor real-time performance and long-term trends;
• Apply statistical and data-visualisation techniques to generate insights that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery;
• Partner with the Base Manager and senior stakeholders to make data-driven recommendations on operational strategy and resource allocation.

Job Requirements

• Grade 12 or Equivalent (Essential);
• Diploma/Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management, Data Analytics, Logistics, or a related discipline (Essential);
• Minimum 7 years' experience in airport or airline operations, with at least 2 years in a specialist or supervisory capacity (Essential);
• Demonstrated experience in third-party/vendor performance management (Essential); - Demonstrated experience in data analytics (Essential);
• Proven track record of applying data insights to improve operational efficiency and service quality (Essential);
• Knowledge of Baggage and Ramp handling Procedures;
• Knowledge of IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM);
• Knowledge of IATA Ground Operations Manual (GOM);
• Knowledge of Ground Support Equipment (GSE), Safety Standards and Maintenance;
• Sound understanding of SACAA regulations and airport operational standards;
• Knowledge of relevant Airport Authority Operation Procedures Manual;
• Knowledge of IATA Dangerous Goods Manual;
• Proficiency in data analysis tools, reporting systems, and MS Office.

Personal Attributes:

• Professional;
• Integrity;
• Reliable and dependable;
• Able to work independently;
• Proactive;
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights;
• Strong stakeholder engagement and vendor management capability;
• Decision-making authority under operational pressure.

Closing Date: 2 January 2025