Manager Cargo Operational Readiness & Transition, dnata

Emirates Airlines - Other locations; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global air and travel services provider seeks a seasoned professional to manage cargo operations readiness in Dubai. The ideal candidate should have over 10 years of experience in the Logistics/Air Cargo industry, showcasing strong leadership and stakeholder management skills. You will lead operational integration activities and ensure readiness for new projects. Join us for competitive tax-free salary and exclusive industry benefits.

Benefits

Attractive tax-free salary

Travel benefits including discounts on flights and hotels

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in Logistics/ Air Cargo industry.
• Relevant experience in operational readiness and transition.
• Strong communication skills, especially in presenting to leadership.

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead dnata Cargo ORAT activities across stations.
• Plan and execute operational integration activities.
• Drive standardisation of ORAT frameworks and reporting mechanisms.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or Honors in Supply Chain Management or related field

Job description

Job Purpose

dnata is more than a global air and travel services provider. We connect people with possibilities and opportunities across 130+ airports in 34 countries through ground handling, cargo, travel, and catering & retail services. Our purpose is clear: to deliver on the promises our customers make. We are powered by a bold vision to be the world’s most admired air and travel services provider, which guides our strategy, culture, and every role across our teams. Our core values fuel everything we do: we are safe, we play to win, we respect everyone and work together as a team, and we are future thinking. At dnata, we foster diversity, nurture ambition, and celebrate achievement. If you're inspired by purpose and motivated to be part of a global team shaping the future of aviation and travel, we’d love to have you onboard.

In this role, you will:

• Manage and lead dnata Cargo ORAT activities across stations and projects, ensuring readiness for new and expanded operations.
• Plan and execute operational integration activities for strategic acquisitions aligning operational processes, systems, and compliance requirements.
• Act as a focal point with internal and external stakeholders to ensure readiness milestones are met and facilitate change management initiatives to prepare teams for operational transitions.
• Drive standardisation of ORAT frameworks, checklists, and reporting mechanisms to ensure consistent execution.
• Organise, manage, and deploy a flexible team of internal staff and external consultants to deliver projects.
• Define project scopes, milestones, and deliverables aligned with business priorities, identify and manage risks, dependencies, and critical issues, escalating as needed to keep projects on schedule.
• Provide inputs and support on overall budget projections (people, equipment and infrastructure) while managing acquisitions and network wide dnata Cargo projects.

Qualification

To be considered for the role, you must meet the below requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or Honors in Supply Chain Management or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in Logistics/ Air Cargo industry.
• Relevant experience in planning operational readiness, activation and transition (ORAT) with proven expertise in import and export warehousing terminal set ups.
• Experience in leading large-scale projects/transitions within the cargo/aviation sector with strategic planning budget and delivery accountability.
• Experienced people leader, skilled in managing cross-functional teams and external consultants, with strong ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders.
• Advanced Knowledge of IATA regulations and Quality management system (QMS).
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
• Excellent organisational, planning, and project management capabilities with sound numerical skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving mindset, with the ability to manage risks proactively.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written), with experience presenting to senior leadership.

You will have an edge, if you have:

• Project Management or related certifications.
• Willingness to travel as per business needs.

Recruitment Process and Timeline

dnata part of Emirates Group is an international organisation with employees from over 170 nationalities we encourage applications from across the globe Your application journey begins by applying via our Careers website Please ensure your CV is up to date for our talent acquisition team to review your profile If you meet the criteria of the role you will then be invited to complete a HireVue video interview to share more about your experience and your career aspirations If you are shortlisted you will then be invited to interview with our hiring managers If you are successful your recruiter will reach out to you with an offer and then our Onboarding team will ensure a smooth transition to your new role.

Salary & benefits

Join us in Dubai and enjoy an attractive tax-free salary and travel benefits that are exclusive to our industry, including discounts on flights and hotels stays around the world. Find out what it’s like to live and work in our fast-paced, cosmopolitan home city in the Dubai Lifestyle section of our website - www.emirates.com/careers