Senior Director Flight Operations (m/f/d)

Would you like to become part of the most international company in the world?

A company that pioneered cross-border express delivery in 1969 and is now active in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. Do you want to be part of a company that connects people worldwide? And the more people we connect, the better life will be on our planet.

Do you want to make a difference? Then come to our DHL Air Austria team and become Senior Director Flight Operations!

DHL Air (Austria) GmbH is a cargo airline founded in 2021 and is a subsidiary of DHL Group. The prime focus of the airline is to operate for the EU network with a fleet of Boeing 757/767 aircraft. The headquarter of the airline is located in Vienna, main crew base is in Leipzig, delivering our customer promise of Excellence. Simply Delivered.

• Holds a Power of Attorney for submission of manuals and general coordination with Austro Control as competent Aviation Authority.
• Holds a general Power of Attorney for acting on behalf of DHA together with another signatory ("Prokura").
• Issues directives, work instructions and guidelines for flight crew and the team.
• Defines all aspects of the crew management strategy and programs.
• Implements the flight operations procedures, compliant to regulations, according to DHA standards and regularly updated.
• Issues communication and instructions to flight crew members.
• Leads the flight operations organization.
• Supervises and controls flight operations activities.
• Assigns responsibilities for maintaining compliance with standards established by the operator and applicable regulatory authorities.
• Assigns responsibilities for liaison with regulatory authorities.
• Complies with relevant ISARPS for IOSA certification.
• Determine processes required for flight operations and flight crew management.

YOUR TASKS:

The Senior Director Flight Operations is appointed by the Accountable Manager. He/She is the Nominated Person "Flight Operations" according to EASA ORO.AOC.135 and must be acceptable to the Competent Authority. The Senior Director Flight Operations advises the Accountable Manager on operational matters and flight operational policies and is ultimately responsible for all decisions in Flight Operations to ensure the highest possible level of safety and compliance. With regard to flight crew training, the Senior Director Flight Operations coordinates with the Senior Director Flight Crew Training.

Operations

• Ensure the safe and efficient operation of the Flight Operations Department within the limits set by legal and operational criteria.
• Is responsible for the conduct of operations control.
• Identifies the necessary resources required to meet planned programs and ensure these resources are available.
• In cooperation with the Maintenance Department ensures that DHA aircraft are adequately equipped for safe and efficient flying.
• Ensures in cooperation with the relevant departments that the agreed level of punctuality, regularity and customer care is achieved.
• Closely monitors aviation development in order to achieve operational improvement concerning quality, as well as economics.
• Publishes necessary directives and information for the Flight Operations Department.
• Sets, monitors and controls operational standards of efficiency, safety, security and training.
• Ensures that adequate auxiliary services are available as needed for an efficient flight operation.
• Actively steers Fuel Optimization together with DHA flight operations and crew members.
• Is responsible for the usability of aerodromes for company operations in accordance with company regulations, determines restrictions for their use and lays down the appropriate aerodrome operations minima.
• Is responsible for the usability of areas and airways to be utilized for the company`s flight operations, and to establish minimum flight altitudes.
• Ensure that operations are only conducted along such routes and within such areas for which:
• Ground facilities and services, including meteorology services are provided and which are adequate for the planned operation.
• Performance of the airplane to be used is adequate to comply with minimum flight altitude requires for the planned operations.
• Current maps / charts are available.
• appropriate limitations are met.

Leadership and Personnel Management

• Performs and delegates crew management to Senior Manager Fleet and Pilot Managers.
• Ensures that all Flight Operations department personnel, either ground or flight staff, are always competent and fit to perform their duties.
• Ensures function Flight Dispatch, Crew Planning, Crew Scheduling, Flight Operations Support and IT are performed to regulatory, industry and DHA standards.
• Regularly checks the effective employment of DHA flight crew resources, which are planned under the responsibility of Crew Planning.
• Establishes and conducts/delegates regular performance reviews for cockpit crews and Flight Operations Management.
• Ensures pilot uniforms are available and worn according to DHA standards.

Safety and Security

• Maintains a reporting system and distributes reported items for information and further action.
• Establishes and monitors appropriate procedures for the handling of accidents and incidents in cooperation with Safety.
• Promotes safety in his area of responsibility.
• Ensures the actual management of Flight Deck Security.
• Contributes to risk evaluations and assessments.
• Contributes to safety investigations.
• Manages risks in his area of responsibility.

Documentation and Compliance

• Determines all flight operational policies, standards and practices, and ensures their compliance with all relevant national and international regulations and with the provisions of the AOC.
• Assures regular review and revision of the operations manual A-C.
• Liaises with the Authority in all matters affecting the AOC, ensuring compliance with the AOC terms and conditions.
• Evaluates reports and findings.
• Ensures closure of in compliances and /or non-conformities.
• Initializes corrective action resulting from compliance audits of the Flight Operations Department.
• Ensures contracts (LIDO, Netline, AIMS, HW, Boeing, ...) are in place according to DHL and DHA governance.
• Establishes data for cosmic radiation reporting from AIMS.
• Is responsible for implementation and update of the DHA Jump-Seat Policy.

Financial

• Defines a yearly budget for Flight Operations and IT.
• Establishes and maintain a system for cost control of all functions within the Flight Operations Department.
• Regularly evaluate cost optimisation opportunities.

Authorities

• Holds a Power of Attorney for submission of manuals and general coordination with Austro Control as competent Aviation Authority.
• Holds a general Power of Attorney for acting on behalf of DHA together with another signatory ("Prokura").
• Issues directives, work instructions and guidelines for flight crew and his team.
• Define all aspects for the crew management strategy and programs.
• Implements the flight operations procedures, compliant to regulations, according to DHA standards and regularly updates.
• Issues communication and instructions to flight crew members.
• Leads the flight operations organisation.
• Supervises and controls flight operations activities.
• Assigns responsibilities for liaison with regulatory authorities.
• Complies with relevant ISARPS for IOSA certification.
• Determines suitable procedures to ensure performance of services.
• Defines processes required for flight operations and flight crew management.

Delegation

• In their absence, the NPFO will delegate the management of days-to-day to the deputy NPFO.

Accountability

• Safe, efficient and effective management of flight operations and flight operations personnel, in accordance with all applicable requirements.
• Overall flight operations compliance with all relevant regulations and policies, including ISARPS for IOSA certification.
• Flight Operations compliance with approved budget.

Regulatory requirements

• Practical experience and expertise in the application of aviation safety standards and safe operating practices.
• Comprehensive knowledge of:
• The applicable EU safety regulations and any associated requirements and procedures.
• The AOC holder`s operations specifications; and the need for, and content of, the relevant parts of the AOC holder`s operations manual.
• Familiarity with management systems in the area of aviation.
• Appropriate management experience, preferably in a comparable organisation.
• 5 years of relevant work experience of which at least 2 years should be from the aeronautical industry in an appropriate position.
• The nominated person should hold or have a valid flight crew license and the associated ratings appropriate to a type of operation conducted under the AOC. In case the nominated person`s license and rating are not current, his/her deputy should hold a valid flight crew license and the associated ratings.

Company Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years` experience as Captain on CS-25 aircraft (MTOW>50 tons), with a minimum of 2 years` experience as a Chief Pilot or equivalent function.
• EASA ATPL with a valid type rating on B757/767.
• English proficiency level 4 or above endorsed in the license.
• Sound understanding of flight operations processes and procedures and organizational requirements, quality assurance and safety implications.
• Completed degree in Aviation Management, Aeronautical Engineering, or similar relevant scope.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the international regulatory framework plus European and Austrian legislative and other statutory requirements.
• Strong interpersonal and people management skills.
• Leadership qualities and track record of managing teams as well as the ability to perform in a team.
• Social and communication competencies in a senior management environment.
• Ability to work autonomously and under pressure.
• Good skills in contract negotiations.
• Innovative in finding solutions and ability to think outside of the box.
• Project management skills.
• Flexible and willing to travel.

OUR OFFER:

• Strategic Impact: A key leadership role with the opportunity to shape the direction and success of our organization.
• Autonomy & Responsibility: A high degree of decision-making freedom and ownership in your area of responsibility.
• Collaborative Culture: A dynamic and supportive work environment that values innovation, open communication and teamwork.
• Professional Growth: Continuous learning opportunities, leadership development programs, and room for personal and professional growth.
• Attractive Compensation: A competitive salary package performance based incentives, and additional benefits that come with the executive level.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: A modern hybrid work mode with flexible hours and the possibility to work remotely.
• Strong Company Values: A purpose-driven organization with strong commitment to sustainability, diversity, and long-term success.
• A new modern office at Vienna Airport.

Do you see a personal challenge in these versatile and responsible tasks? Then apply now!