Senior Director – Aviation Ground Services

eMagine Solutions; Dubai; On-site; AED 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation services company is looking for a Senior Director to manage their Ground Services division in Dubai. This role involves overseeing operations for ramp, passenger, and cargo services, ensuring effectiveness and customer satisfaction. Candidates should have over 15 years in aviation, with strong leadership skills and a focus on operational excellence. The position requires a proven ability to handle complex operations and manage key relationships within the aviation industry.

Qualifications

• 15+ years’ experience in aviation ground services, airport operations or airline operations, with at least 5 years at senior leadership level.
• Strong background in ramp, passenger and/or cargo operations at a major international airport.
• Deep understanding of aviation safety, regulatory frameworks and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for ground services activities.
• Ensure safe, compliant and efficient ramp and passenger handling operations.
• Drive continuous improvement and process optimization initiatives.

Skills

Aviation ground services

Operational excellence

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Financial acumen

Communication

Customer service

Safety management

Job description

eMagine Solutions is partnering with a major aviation services organization to appoint a Senior Director to lead their Ground Services division in Dubai. This role will oversee ramp, passenger, cargo and support services, ensuring safe, efficient and customer-centric operations for international airline clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all ground services activities at a major international airport hub
• Ensure safe, compliant and efficient ramp, passenger handling and cargo operations in line with regulatory and airline standards
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance service quality, on-time performance and customer satisfaction
• Lead large, multi-disciplinary teams across operations, planning, safety, engineering and support functions
• Drive continuous improvement, process optimization and digitalization initiatives
• Manage key relationships with airline customers, airport authorities and regulatory bodies
• Own divisional budgets, performance KPIs and long‑term capacity planning
• Champion a strong safety culture, training and competency development across the organisation
• Support business development, contract negotiations and new service offerings

Qualifications

• 15+ years’ experience in aviation ground services, airport operations or airline operations, with at least 5 years at senior leadership level
• Strong background in ramp, passenger and/or cargo operations at a major international airport
• Demonstrated experience managing large, complex operations with significant headcount and multiple stakeholders
• Deep understanding of aviation safety, regulatory frameworks and industry standards
• Proven track record in driving operational excellence, service quality and on-time performance
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, comfortable with budgets and business cases
• Outstanding leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills
• Experience in the GCC or emerging markets is highly desirable
• Fluent in English; additional languages are an advantage