Senior Director – Aviation Ground Services (Dubai)

Emagine Solutions FZE; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation services company is looking for a Senior Director to oversee ground services in Dubai. This role demands extensive experience in aviation operations, showcasing strong leadership and operational excellence. Candidates must have over 15 years in the industry with a focus on ramp, passenger, and cargo operations. The position involves strategic oversight and managing key relationships with airline clients.

Qualifications

• 15+ years’ experience in aviation ground services, airport operations, or airline operations.
• At least 5 years at a senior leadership level.
• Experience managing large, complex operations with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for ground services activities.
• Ensure compliance and efficiency in ramp and passenger handling.
• Drive process optimization and digitalization initiatives.

Skills

15+ years’ experience in aviation ground services

Strong background in ramp, passenger and/or cargo operations

Demonstrated experience managing large operations

Deep understanding of aviation safety and regulatory frameworks

Proven track record in driving operational excellence

Strong financial and commercial acumen

Outstanding leadership and communication skills

Fluent in English

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 organization
• Support business development, contract negotiations and new service offerings

Skills

• 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