Manager - Cargo Operations

Dubai Aviation Corporation; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Dubai Aviation Corporation seeks an experienced Cargo Operations Manager to oversee dnata handling, warehouse and ramp performance, ULD and palletised operations, and compliance with regulatory requirements. You will drive operational excellence as cargo operations expand in scale and complexity.

The role requires extensive experience in cargo operations, aviation ground handling, and leadership of large teams, with certifications in Dangerous Goods and related safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 3+ years in cargo operations.
• Fluent in English.
• 8+ years in cargo operations or related fields.
• Experience managing large operational teams in cargo, aviation, or ground handling environments.
• Advanced Cargo & Dangerous Goods courses and related certifications (Safety Management Systems, Aviation Security).
• Cargo EDI license desirable; Weight & Balance license desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee safe, efficient, revenue-optimised cargo operations across aircraft types and locations.
• Ensure SOP compliance across all cargo operations.
• Lead investigations of incidents and complaints with root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Prepare and monitor KPIs and Safety Targets per UAE GCAA standards for bulk and ULD operations.
• Manage day-to-day cargo operations at DXB and DWC with dnata and partners.
• Identify infrastructure, automation, and resource needs for current and future cargo operations.
• Coordinate with dnata and third-party providers for service delivery and SLA compliance.
• Support cargo product development including pharma, express, automotive, and oversized cargo.

Skills

Customer Focus

Teamwork

Effective Communication

Personal Accountability

Resilience

Decision Making

Inspiring & Developing Others

Strategic Thinking

Business Acumen

Education

Bachelor's Degree (3+ years)

Job description

MAIN OBJECTIVE OF ROLE

To oversee dnata handling, warehouse and ramp performance, ULD and palletised operations, bulk-loading activity, and compliance with all regulatory, safety, and OEM requirements. The manager ensures operational excellence as flydubai’s cargo operations continue to grow in scale and complexity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify operational objectives and implement approved strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure safe, efficient, and revenue-optimised cargo operations across all aircraft types and operational locations.
• Ensures compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across all cargo operations, maintaining consistency and accuracy.
• Manages and facilitates investigations of accidents, incidents, service failures, irregularities, and customer complaints, ensuring root-cause identification and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Prepares and monitors Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Safety Performance Targets in compliance with UAE GCAA standards, covering both bulk and ULD-based operations.
• Oversees day-to-day cargo operations at DXB and DWC, ensuring consistent handling standards, and service quality with dnata and other ground handling partners.
• Identifies, evaluates and recommends short, medium, and long-term infrastructure, automation, and resource requirements to support current and future cargo operations.
• Liaises with dnata and other third-party service providers at DWC to ensure service delivery, SLA compliance, and operational readiness for all aircraft types.
• Supports cargo product development, including system automation and the launch cargo products (pharma, express, automotive, oversized cargo, etc.).
• Takes ownership of all cargo-related documentation within the Ground Handling Manual (GHM) and ensures timely updates, regulatory alignment, and internal approvals.
• Manages cargo safety, security, and risk frameworks, in coordination with Safety & Security, ensuring proper documentation, implementation, and compliance across the operation.
• Liaises with government authorities (Customs, Health, Police, and other regulators) at DXB and DWC to ensure the smooth movement of cargo, courier, and mail.
• Ensures all ground handling contracts include the required scope of services for both bulk and palletised operations, covering acceptance, ULD handling, warehouse activities, ramp processes, and service standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree (3+ years)
• Fluent in English
• Minimum 8 years of experience in cargo operations, freight handling, aviation ground operationsExperience in managing large operational teams in cargo, aviation, or ground handling environments
• Years with qualifications: 8 - 10 years
• Advanced Cargo & Dangerous Goods courses (Cargo Knowledge, Documentation, Special Load Handling, DGR Cat 6 or CBTA equivalent)Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA CBTA 7.3A or UAE GCAA FIT4.1D)Safety Management Systems CertificationAviation Security CertificationSpecial Cargo Products Certification
• Cargo EDI license desirableWeight & Balance license desirable

COMPETENCIES

• Customer Focus
• Teamwork
• Effective Communication
• Personal Accountability & Commitment to achieve
• Resilience & Flexibility (Can do attitude)
• Decision Making
• Inspiring & Developing Others
• Strategic Thinking
• Business Acumen

ISR REQUIREMENTS

Reads and complies with the ISR policies of the Company and diligently reports any weakness or incidents to the respective Line Manager or the Information Security team. Completes all required ISR awareness sessions and follows associated guidelines in the day-to-day business operations.