Manager dnata Operations

Emirates Airlines - Other locations; Dubai; On-site; AED 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global air and travel services provider is seeking a Manager for dnata Operations (Emiratisation) to oversee Airport Operations in Dubai. You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with safety standards, managing daily operations, and building effective relationships with customers and stakeholders. This role requires extensive experience in aviation and strong leadership skills. If you are ready for a challenging and rewarding opportunity in a dynamic environment, we encourage you to apply.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in aviation and ground handling, including 2 years in a supervisory role.
• 10+ years of experience in aviation and ground handling, including 4 years in a supervisory role.

Responsibilities

• Lead dnata’s Airport Operations and resources across Dubai Airport and Al Maktoum Airport.
• Manage daily operations and ensure adherence to safety and regulatory standards.
• Build strong relationships with customers and stakeholders.
• Monitor data sources to forecast disruptions during operations.

Skills

Leadership

Planning

Organizational skills

Communication

Safety awareness

Stakeholder engagement

IT systems proficiency

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, aviation or ground handling

Diploma in business administration, aviation or ground handling

Job description

Overview

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.

As a Manager, dnata Operations (Emiratisation), you will lead dnata’s Airport Operations and resources across Dubai Airport, Al Maktoum Airport and dnata Cargo during your shift, serving as the central point of contact within the Airport Operations Control Centre and Emirates Network Control Centre. You will ensure seamless service delivery while upholding the highest standards of safety, regulatory compliance and customer satisfaction.

In this role, you will:

• Review and adjust operational plans to meet business needs, anticipating disruptions and guiding corrective actions through the Airport Operations Control Centre team
• Lead safety initiatives by conducting briefings, enforcing compliance and ensuring staff are equipped to work safely and confidently
• Manage daily operations, ensuring accurate reporting, optimal resource allocation and adherence to regulatory and company standards
• Oversee emergency response procedures and lead post-incident reviews to ensure lessons are captured and improvements implemented
• Build strong relationships with customers and stakeholders, ensuring service level agreements are met and satisfaction is maintained
• Conduct regular inspections and safety checks across airside, landside and facilities, taking immediate action to resolve discrepancies
• Monitor data sources to forecast disruptions, resolve time-critical issues and implement business continuity plans for Airport Operations Control Centre and dnata Operations Control Centre
• Leads emergency response plan for dnata airport operations in case of an accident or incident
• Act as Bronze Commander during emergencies, coordinating with Service Delivery Managers and ensuring effective communication
• Oversee dnata cargo operations at DXB and DWC, addressing escalations and ensuring alignment with airline and freight forwarder SLAs
• Coordinate with Emirates and flydubai during irregular operations to support revised schedules and ensure dnata resources are deployed effectively. This is a ‘Safety Sensitive’ position.

Qualifications

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

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, aviation or ground handling, along with 8+ years’ experience in aviation and ground handling, which will include 2 years’ experience in a supervisory role

OR

• A Diploma in business administration, aviation or ground handling and 10+ years of experience in aviation and ground handling including 4 years’ experience in a supervisory role

You’ll have an edge if you have:

• Advanced knowledge of airline customer service products, airport operations and aviation terminology
• Strong leadership, planning, organisational and quality orientation skills
• Excellent communication, safety awareness and stakeholder engagement abilities
• High proficiency in IT systems and computer literacy
• Strong experience of budget and cost control management

At dnata part of Emirates Group were committed to providing our employees with opportunities to grow and develop in their careers So if youre looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity apply today and join our team.

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

At Emirates Group, we’re committed to providing our employees with opportunities to grow and develop in their careers. So if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, apply today and join our team!