Manager Operations Planning

Etihad Airways; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A major international airline in UAE seeks an experienced Operations Manager to coordinate and ensure operational readiness. The role includes overseeing regulatory compliance, developing operational processes, and leading the team in implementing cost-saving initiatives. A bachelor's degree in Aviation management and at least 7 years of management experience in the airline sector are essential. The position offers competitive compensation and a chance to work for an award-winning airline aiming to expand significantly.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of management experience in the airline business, preferably in planning or operations.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance and operational efficiency improvements.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate airline operational initiatives and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Plan and execute ad‑hoc operational projects ensuring safety and compliance.
• Support operational efficiency and cost-saving initiatives.
• Develop and maintain Operations Planning processes.
• Lead and develop the Operations Planning team.
• Manage aircraft and port introduction and exit projects.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Attention to detail

Project management

Operational readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aviation management

Job description

Synopsis

Coordinate airline operational initiatives including new station start‑ups, ACMI operational readiness, aircraft introductions, foreign and local regulatory compliance, and ad‑hoc operational projects. Act as the central point of coordination across internal departments, regulators, airport authorities, and external service providers to ensure all operational, regulatory, and documentation requirements are identified, managed, and completed prior to implementation. Maintain strong oversight of change management activities, ensuring minimal disruption to day‑to‑day operations and the safe, compliant, and efficient delivery of passenger and cargo services. The role requires exceptional stakeholder engagement, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple workstreams to ensure smooth operational readiness and continuity.

Accountabilities

• Maintain full regulatory compliance for foreign operations by managing Etihad Airways’ passenger and cargo foreign operating permits and operations specifications, ensuring 100% of required approvals are obtained and maintained on time, documentation remains current and audit‑ready, and regulatory findings are closed within agreed timelines.
• Plan and execute ad‑hoc operational projects including static events, airshows, fly‑pasts, lease‑out operations, and commercial charters, ensuring projects are delivered safely, compliantly, on schedule, and within approved scope.
• Support operational efficiency and cost‑saving initiatives by contributing to cross‑functional projects, assessing operational impacts, and implementing agreed changes that deliver measurable cost or efficiency benefits without compromising safety or regulatory compliance.
• Ensure seasonal operational readiness by completing schedule block analysis, reviewing historical connectivity and hub performance data, and implementing risk mitigation actions ahead of each operating season to protect on‑time performance and minimize disruption to day‑to‑day operations.
• Develop and maintain Operations Planning processes and procedures by establishing documented standards, workflows, and governance controls, and reviewing compliance at least annually, ensuring consistent, controlled, and audit‑ready execution across the department.
• Lead and develop the Operations Planning team by setting clear individual performance objectives, conducting regular performance reviews, and implementing development plans to improve capability, engagement, and delivery against agreed departmental targets.
• Deliver aircraft and port introduction and exit projects for passenger and cargo operations by managing day‑to‑day operational planning activities, milestones, and dependencies, ensuring all safety, operational, regulatory, and financial risks are identified, assessed, and mitigated prior to operational launch or exit.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree minimum education level, preferably in Aviation management and project management would be an advantage.
• Previous management experience within the Airline business in planning or a major operational department is essential, preferably 7 years’ experience.

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world’s leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. Together with Etihad’s codeshare partners, Etihad’s network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more. All this ties into Etihad’s ambitious Journey 2030 strategy. The airline plans to double its fleet size and triple the number of customers over the next six years as it sets out to be the airline everyone wants to fly!

To learn more, visit etihad.com

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