HEAD OF UNMANNED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS (UTM)

Flightjobs / DVV Media; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation services company in Dubai is seeking an experienced UTM Manager to provide strategic leadership for its UTM department. This role involves ensuring compliance with regulations, managing stakeholder engagement, and leading a team focused on UAV traffic management. Ideal candidates have 10+ years in aviation, strong analytical skills, and proven experience in leadership roles. The position offers an excellent salary package, annual allowances, and a professional development focus.

Benefits

Annual airfare allowance

Contribution to children's education

Comprehensive medical insurance

Life insurance

Work-life balance

Generous leave

Qualifications

• At least 10 years in aviation, with 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Deep knowledge of UTM systems, technologies, and regulations.
• Experience managing large teams and complex operations.
• Proven stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the UTM department.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and foster stakeholder collaboration.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the UTM team.
• Establish performance metrics and oversee evaluations.

Skills

Strategic vision and leadership

Analytical skills

Decision-making skills

Communication skills

Budget management expertise

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Air Traffic Management, or related field

Job description

Live your potential with DFS Aviation Services

We are part of the DFS Group, one of the largest air navigation service providers worldwide. We focus on providing air navigation services, software solutions, consulting, and training to airports and air navigation service providers globally. As a modern aviation company, we combine proven experience with innovative ideas. We uphold high-quality standards, maintain a lean organization, foster international connections, and pursue honest ambitions. We offer our employees challenging, creative roles with one of the most secure and attractive employers in Dubai, in one of the most exciting industries.

Discover What's Possible

DFS Aviation Services is seeking a dedicated, experienced, and innovative UTM Manager to join our team in Dubai, UAE, working with our strategic partner Dubai Air Navigation Service (DANS). This role offers an opportunity to make a significant impact on trainees within a collaborative and supportive environment, with opportunities for professional development and growth.

This position will be based at Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS), which provides air navigation services at four UAE airports, including the world's busiest for international passengers. DANS's mission is to empower and develop its personnel to deliver world-class air navigation services, surpass standards, and lead global innovation.

Your Responsibilities

The role involves providing strategic leadership, vision, and direction for the UTM department, ensuring safe, efficient, and fair management of UAV traffic, and developing a comprehensive UTM strategy aligned with national and organizational goals. The Head of UTM will lead innovation, ensure compliance with regulations, and foster stakeholder collaboration to position the UAE as a UTM leader. The role also oversees the Airspace Management Cell (AMC), optimizing operations, advancing systems, and managing risks for seamless airspace management.

Key Accountabilities include:

Strategic Leadership :

• Define and implement a visionary UTM strategy aligned with national and global trends.
• Develop policies, frameworks, and best practices to enhance the UTM ecosystem.
• Represent the organization in international forums, contributing to global UTM standards.

Operational Oversight :

• Ensure smooth daily UTM operations, addressing challenges and mitigating risks.
• Integrate new technologies and innovative solutions to improve efficiency.
• Establish KPIs to monitor and improve operational performance.

Interdepartmental Coordination :

• Coordinate effectively across departments, aligning with organizational goals.
• Act as liaison between UTM and units like Safety, Engineering, and Public Affairs.

Regulatory Compliance :

• Ensure all UTM activities comply with relevant regulations.
• Collaborate with authorities to shape policies supporting UTM development.

Stakeholder Engagement :

• Build strategic partnerships with government, industry, and international bodies.
• Represent UTM in high-level meetings and public forums.

Innovation and System Advancement :

• Identify emerging technologies to enhance UTM capabilities.
• Support research and development to position the UAE as a UTM innovation hub.

Team Leadership and Development :

• Lead, mentor, and develop the UTM team, fostering innovation and collaboration.
• Address skill gaps with targeted training.

Risk Management and Emergency Response :

• Implement risk management frameworks.
• Lead emergency response efforts to ensure safety and swift incident resolution.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting :

• Establish performance metrics and oversee evaluations.
• Provide strategic reports and recommendations to leadership.

Department Budgeting :

• Assess financial needs and develop budget proposals.
• Monitor expenditures to ensure resource efficiency.
• Justify additional funding with data-driven arguments.

What you get

• An excellent salary package compared to industry standards.
• Annual airfare allowance, contribution to children's education, comprehensive medical insurance, and life insurance.
• Work-life balance with fair shift models, working hours, and generous leave.
• A professional corporate culture focused on staff and client needs.
• Sunny weather.

Education :

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Air Traffic Management, or related field, or equivalent experience.

Experience :

• At least 10 years in aviation, with 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Deep knowledge of UTM systems, technologies, and regulations.
• Experience managing large teams and complex operations.
• Proven stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy skills.

Skills :

• Strategic vision and leadership.
• Analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in UTM platforms, project management, and data analysis tools.
• Project and budget management expertise.

Working @ DFS

Working with DFS Aviation Services means being part of a diverse, dynamic team passionate about aviation safety and efficiency. Since 2017, our team has grown to over 400 professionals across 17 locations in 6 countries, working collaboratively to keep the skies safe for everyone.