Head of Airside Operations Department

Job description:

• The incumbent is responsible for the management and supervision of all airside operations activities at Karbala International Airport (KIA), requiring specific technical competencies, skills and behavioral attributes, ensuring a safe, secure and efficient airside environment in full compliance with applicable national regulations and ICAO SARPS, including oversight of airside safety, permits and licensing, wildlife and landscaping and standards training and development Sections. Human and Technical Resources
• Ensures that subordinate Sections have the necessary and appropriate number of staff to provide the services and tasks within airside operations, and that they have received training on the competencies and skills required for their functions;
• Determines and evaluates that the Sections within ASO 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 ASO Department, including AMG, SST, PEL and WLS Sections;
• Implements and enforces the approved corporative policies within the Airside Operations Department; Planning and Programmes
• Develop, implement and maintain the ASO Manuals and all associated airside standard operational procedures (SOPs), in compliance with ICAA ICAR 12, ICAO Annex 14 SARPs, and KIA requirements; ensure periodic review, update and formal approval of all operational documents.
• Coordinate the preparation, review and approval of all ASO SOPs, and Work Instructions (WIs) for all sections (AMG, SST, PEL and WLS), ensuring alignment with the AOM and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain the ASO Annual Training Programme, covering initial qualification, recurrent and competency-based training for all ASO staff, including airside safety, airside driving, wildlife hazard management and standards, in compliance with ICAA and ICAO SARPS.
• Prepare and maintain the Airside Contingency Plan covering abnormal and disrupted airside operations scenarios, including runway and taxiway closures, FOD events, wildlife strikes, and airside emergencies; ensure alignment with the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) and that all ASO staff are trained on their respective roles and procedures.
• In coordination with the E&M Department, support the development of the ASO Equipment and Vehicle Maintenance Plan, defining preventive maintenance schedules, inspection cycles and replacement planning for all ASO operational equipment, airside vehicles and specialist tools assigned to the department.
• Prepare and submit the annual ASO Plan, including operational objectives, KPIs, resource needs and CAPEX/OPEX proposals, aligned with airport strategic goals; monitor progress and report to the Airport Operations Director. Core Operational, Corporate and Compliance Activities
• Develop, implement and review airside operational manuals, procedures and instructions to ensure safe and efficient airside operations at KIA.
• Develop and implement airside operational procedures in compliance with ICAA ICAR 12 and other applicable regulations, and ICAO Annex 14 SARPS;
• Manage and oversee all airside driver´s and vehicles permits licensing and activities, ensuring compliance with ICAA requirements and applicable airside regulations.
• Manage the Wildlife Hazard Management Programme in accordance with ICAA reegulations and ICAO Doc 9137 Part 3, ensuring effective control of wildlife hazards on and around KIA airside area.
• Oversee and monitor all the activities and airside works performed by contractors or subcontractors on the airside, providing escort whener required and necessary;
• Liaise with the GHS Department, any other ground service providers, airlines, and other airside stakeholders, ensuring alignment with airside regulatory requirements and operational standards.
• Develop and monitor airside operational performance metrics, KPIs and service level indicators, ensuring continuous improvement in airside safety and operational efficiency.
• Participate in and support the airport committees established by ICAA and/or defined by ICAO, contributing as a subject matter expert on airside operations matters;
• Serves as a member of the Airside Operations Department, on the Runway Safety Committee, and Safety and Environmental Committee (if established);
• Serves as a member of the EOC and Airport Crisis Management Center;
• Advises the Airport Operations Director on various technical/operational airside matters;
• Prepares, coordinates and reviews airside-related correspondence with external agencies, regulators and other stakeholders;
• Serves as a member of the Airside Operations Department management team and participates in planning for operational matters affecting the department’s activities; 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 Airside 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 Operations Director on an interim basis, in the event of his absence or disability, by specific act of delegation. Quality and Environmental Management (QMS / EMS)
• Ensures the establishment, implementation and maintenance of the SMS and EMS throughout the Airside Operations Department;
• Approves the relevant SMS and EMS documents within the ASO Department, and coordinates the preparation and review of manuals, plans and operational procedures (SOPs), to submit to the Airport Operations Director for approval;
• Ensures the implementation of the related airport Committees objectives and recommendations within the Airside Operations Department; Safety Management System (SMS)
• Ensures the implementation of the SMS and safety policies as defined by the company within the Airside 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 Committee, Runway Safety Committee, and Wildlife Hazard Management Committee, as applicable. Education
• Bachelor’s degree in Airport/Aviation Management or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• IAP Accreditation (is a plus) Experience
• Minimum 12 years of experience in international airport airside operations, at least 5 of which in managerial functions. Computer Skills
• Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office suite (user´s perspective)
• Able to manage other specific project/management software, provided adequate training. Language Skills
• English: Solid written and spoken (essential)
• Arabic: Desirable. Training Requirements
• Certification in Airside Operations, SMS, or Airport Management from recognized aviation bodies (ACI, IATA, or ICAO).
• Aerodrome/Airside Operations certification (e.g. ICAO, ACI) highly desirable.
• A valid Category B Airside Driving Permit.( Highly Desirable)