HEAD OF UNMANNED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS (UTM)

DFS Aviation Services (with DANS); United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 440,000 - 588,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation services company in the UAE is seeking an experienced UTM Manager to provide strategic direction and leadership in managing unmanned aerial vehicle traffic. The successful candidate will oversee UTM operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster collaboration across stakeholders. With a minimum of 10 years of experience, including 5 years in a leadership role, strong strategic thinking and analytical skills are essential. This position offers a competitive salary, annual airfare allowance, and excellent medical coverage.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Annual airfare allowance

Excellent medical insurance

Life insurance

Generous leave entitlement

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in aviation.
• At least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Deep understanding of UTM technologies and regulatory landscapes.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to the UTM department.
• Ensure safe and efficient management of UAV traffic.
• Develop and execute UTM strategy aligning with national goals.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or Air Traffic Management

Tools

UTM platforms

Project management tools

Data analysis software

Job description

Live your potential with DFS Aviation Services

We are a part of the DFS Group, one of the largest air navigation service providers in the world. We focus on the provision of air navigation services and the sale of software solutions, consulting, training services to airports and air navigation service providers worldwide. As a modern aviation company, we guarantee the perfect mix of proven experience and progressive ideas. High quality standards are just as much part of our philosophy as a lean organization, international networking and honest ambitions. We offer our employees and associates challenging and creative jobs with one of the most secure and attractive employers in Dubai in one of themost exciting industries.

Discover What's Possible

DFS Aviation Services are currently looking for a dedicated, experienced and innovative UTM Manager to join our team in Dubai, UAE the work will be with our strategic partners Dubai Air Navigation Service (DANS). We offer you an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on trainees. Collaborative and supportive working environment, professional development and growth opportunities.

This role will be based at Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans). DANS provides air navigation services at four airports in the UAE, one of which is the world's busiest airport for international passengers, where their mission is to empower and develop all their people in delivering world-leading air navigation services that exceed every standard, assure their customers, and shape global innovation.

Your Responsibilities

The role is responsible for providing strategic leadership, vision, and direction to the UTM department. This position ensures safe, efficient, and equitable management of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) traffic while spearheading the development and execution of a comprehensive UTM strategy that aligns with national and organizational goals. The Head of UTM leads innovation, ensures regulatory compliance, and fosters collaboration across stakeholders to position the UAE as a global leader in UTM. This position also oversees the Airspace Management Cell (AMC), optimizing operational efficiency, driving system advancements, and managing risks to maintain seamless operations across the airspace ecosystem.

Key Accountabilities:

Strategic Leadership:
• Define and implement a visionary UTM strategy that aligns with national objectives and global trends.
• Drive the development of policies, frameworks, and best practices to advance the UTM ecosystem.
• Advocate for the organization’s position in international forums, contributing to the development of global UTM standards.

Operational Oversight:
• Ensure the seamless execution of daily UTM operations, addressing complex challenges, and mitigating operational risks.
• Oversee the integration of cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions to enhance efficiency.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate and improve operational performance.
Interdepartmental Coordination:
• Facilitate effective collaboration across internal departments, ensuring alignment with overarching organizational goals.
• Act as a liaison between UTM and other critical units such as Safety, Engineering, and Public Affairs.

Regulatory Compliance:
• Ensure that all UTM activities comply with applicable national and international regulations.
• Work closely with regulatory authorities to shape and adapt policies to support a dynamic and innovative UTM framework.
Stakeholder Engagement:
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with government agencies, industry players, and international bodies.
• Represent the UTM department in high-level meetings, negotiations, and public forums to advocate for organizational interests.
Innovation and System Advancement:
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying emerging technologies and methodologies to advance UTM capabilities.
• Promote research and developmentinitiatives to position the UAE as a global hub for UTM innovation

Team Leadership and Development:
• Inspire, mentor, and develop a high-performing UTM team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
• Identify skill gaps and implement targeted training programs to enhance team capabilities.
• Undertakes similar or related duties as directed by senior management.

Innovation and System Advancement:
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying emerging technologies and methodologies to advance UTM capabilities.
• Promote research and development initiatives to position the UAE as a global hub for UTM innovation.
Risk Management and Emergency Response:
• Develop and implement robust risk management frameworks to address potential challenges in UTM operations.
• Lead emergency response initiatives, ensuring preparedness and swift resolution of incidents.
Performance Monitoring and Reporting:
• Establish and oversee a comprehensive performance monitoring system to evaluate operational effectiveness.
• Provide detailed reports and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and stakeholders.
Department Budgeting Requirements:
• Assess and define the financial needs of the UTM department to support both operational and strategic objectives.
• Develop detailed budget proposals, justifying resource allocation to align with department goals and organizational priorities.
• Monitor expenditures against the approved budget, ensuring efficient utilization of resources while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
• Advocate for additional funding as necessary, presenting data-driven justifications to seniormanagement.

What you get

• A competitive salary package, that is excellent compared to industry standards
• An annual airfare allowance to visit your family and friends at home, contribution to your children'sschool costs, excellent medical insurance coverage for all our employees, life insurance.
• Work life balance based on fair, transparent and employee-friendly shift models, working hours and a generous leave entitlement.
• Corporate culture is characterized by professionalism, which has focused on staff and client needs for decades
• Sunny weather>

Education:
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Aerospace Engineering, Air Traffic Management) or equivalent experience.

Experience:
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in aviation, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Deep understanding of UTM technologies, systems, and regulatory landscapes.
• Proven track record of managing large teams and complex operations.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy at the national and international levels.
Skills:
• Strategic thinking and visionary leadership.
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in UTM platforms, project management tools, and data analysis software.
• Advanced project and budget management expertise.

Working @ DFS

Working at DFS Aviation Services means working in a diverse and dynamic team of professionals, being passionate about advancing aviation safety and efficiency. Since 2017, the #DFS Team has grown to over 400 team members participating in various air traffic management projects at 17 locations in 6 countries.

Our people come from a variety of backgrounds, bringing unique skills and perspectives that enrich our company culture and drive innovation in air traffic management. From air traffic controllers to software developers and engineers, and from project managers to customer service experts, our #DFS Teamworks collaboratively to ensure the skies remain safe for every one of us.