Senior Operations Manager - Airports

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Operations Manager – Airports to lead and optimize our airport operations in alignment with the company’s strategic vision and business objectives. This pivotal role requires a seasoned professional with a proven track record in airport management, contract administration, and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will possess deep industry expertise, exceptional leadership skills, and a strategic mindset to drive performance, ensure contractual compliance, and enhance service delivery across our portfolio of airport assets.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Operations Manager will play a critical role in shaping the division’s strategy while ensuring seamless execution across all operational functions. Your responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Leadership and Planning:
  • Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and refine the division’s strategic objectives, ensuring alignment with the company’s mission, vision, and long-term goals.
  • Lead the implementation of the Operations Management strategy for the portfolio of airport assets, guaranteeing that contractual commitments are met and operational targets are exceeded.
  • Contribute to the optimization of the division’s organizational structure to enhance resource utilization, communication efficiency, and overall performance.
• Contract and Commercial Management:
  • Provide expert input on commercial and contractual matters, including the evaluation of claims, requests for variations, and contract close-out processes.
  • Assist project teams in conducting technical evaluations of engineering requirements, with a focus on identifying and addressing contractual and commercial implications.
  • Oversee the revision of contracts’ scope of work, renewal processes, and pricing negotiations, ensuring alignment with internal policies and external regulatory frameworks.
  • Coordinate with the Legal department to align contract terms and conditions with corporate standards and applicable laws.
• Financial and Budgetary Oversight:
  • Recommend and oversee the annual budget for the Operations business unit, monitoring financial performance against projections to identify cost-saving opportunities and areas for improvement.
  • Analyze budget variances, conduct root-cause analysis, and present actionable recommendations to the board of directors to ensure financial discipline and accountability.
  • Engage with customers to discuss side-specific budgets, including CAPEX considerations, advising on expenditure optimization, cost reduction strategies, and the feasibility of asset upgrades or replacements.
• Operational Excellence and Performance Management:
  • Lead and manage the Operations team in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), setting clear performance objectives, conducting regular appraisals, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
  • Monitor Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for the portfolio of assets, ensuring alignment with customer expectations, supplier performance, and service delivery standards to achieve operational excellence and profitability.
  • Oversee the subcontracting of critical services, including fire systems, gas, emergency lighting, vertical transportation, water treatment, and tank cleaning, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and regulatory requirements (e.g., Civil Defense Department approvals for fire-fighting systems).
  • Implement and enhance policies, guidelines, and processes for contract management and administration to maintain high service quality and operational efficiency.
• Stakeholder and Supplier Relationship Management:
  • Cultivate strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and service partners to ensure seamless collaboration and alignment with business objectives.
  • Evaluate supplier performance, conduct negotiations, and manage subcontractor evaluations to guarantee compliance with contractual terms and regulatory standards.

Qualifications and Experience

To excel in this role, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., PMP, CPA) is a plus.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in airport operations, facilities management, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a senior management or leadership role.
  • Proven track record in contract administration, financial management, and operational strategy development within the airport or aviation sector.
  • Hands-on experience in managing subcontractors, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks, and optimizing service delivery.
  • Strong understanding of budgeting, financial analysis, and cost-control mechanisms in a high-stakes operational environment.
• Skills and Competencies:
  • Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
  • Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen eye for identifying inefficiencies and implementing corrective actions.
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
  • Proficiency in contract management software, financial modeling tools, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
  • Deep knowledge of airport operations, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices.
• Personal Attributes:
  • Strong ethical standards and a commitment to corporate governance and compliance.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a focus on results and continuous improvement.
  • Cultural awareness and adaptability, particularly in a diverse and international operational setting.

Why Join Us?

As a Senior Operations Manager – Airports, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative projects, shape the future of airport operations, and contribute to the growth of a dynamic and forward-thinking organization. You will work alongside industry experts, gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies, and play a pivotal role in delivering world-class services to our customers. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for operational excellence and a track record of driving success in airport management, we invite you to apply and take the next step in your career with us.