Global Airline Operations & Safety Leader

Confidential; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced aviation operations leader to oversee all airline operational functions and ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations across Flight Operations, Ground Operations, OCC, Technical Services, Aviation Security, and Safety & Compliance.

The role requires leading a large multicultural workforce, driving performance, regulatory adherence, SMS governance, and growth initiatives, while fostering strong relationships with regulators, airports, and

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead large, multicultural teams across multiple locations.
• Strong track record in aviation safety, compliance, and audit management.
• Experience as Accountable Manager, Post Holder, COO, or Head of Operations or equivalent.
• Familiarity with regulators such as GCAA, EASA, ICAO or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead all airline operational functions: Flight, Ground, OCC, Technical Services, Security, Safety & Compliance.
• Drive operational performance, resilience, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Oversee SMS, risk assessment, emergency response planning and business continuity.
• Manage budgets, resource planning and cost control while developing local talent.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Regulatory liaison

Safety & compliance

Stakeholder management

Operational excellence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aviation/Management/Business Administration

Master's degree or Executive MBA

SMS qualifications or certifications

Aviation regulatory leadership certifications

Job description

Confidential in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced aviation operations leader to oversee all airline operational functions and ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations across Flight Operations, Ground Operations, OCC, Technical Services, Aviation Security, and Safety & Compliance.

The role requires leading a large multicultural workforce, driving performance, regulatory adherence, SMS governance, and growth initiatives, while fostering strong relationships with regulators, airports, and