Senior Manager - Operations

The Sanad Group; Singapore; On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the aviation maintenance sector is seeking a Senior Manager - Operations to oversee MRO activities at their UAE facility. This role involves driving operational excellence, safety, and compliance while managing complex engine maintenance workflows. Candidates should have extensive management experience in MRO settings and strong leadership skills to navigate a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 5 years experience in a Part 145 MRO organization handling high engine volumes.
• 6 years of leadership experience managing complex MRO operations.
• 3 years experience in project management, including planning and execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of GTF MRO operations.
• Develop and implement operational strategies for MRO facility.
• Ensure adherence to safety and regulatory compliance standards.

Skills

Leadership

Operational Excellence

Risk Management

Lean Six Sigma

Customer Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical/engineering field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

The Job Based in United Arab Emirates - Al Ain

JOB PURPOSE/SUMMARY:

The Senior Manager - Operations will lead and manage all aspects of the GTF MRO operations at the Al Ain facility. This includes overseeing operational improvement (CIP), managing the six gate operations in lean approach, and driving safety, regulatory compliance, quality, cost control, and customer satisfaction objectives. The Senior Manager - Operations will foster continuous improvement, optimize operational efficiency, and contribute to the growth and profitability of the business unit. The role is also responsible for ensuring readiness for Day 1 operations, including workforce preparedness, ERP testing, mock operations, risk management, and business continuity. Additionally, this role integrates all six gates (Gate 0 to Gate 5) and ensures seamless transitions between each phase of engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul, including disassembly, special processes, parts repair, assembly, testing, and final inspection. The Senior Manager – Operations ensures operational interfaces across the organization, linking cross-functional teams and support functions to maintain high levels of efficiency and output. 3.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Concept of Operations (ConOps) & Strategy (10%): • Develop and implement the MRO facility’s operational strategy, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and continuous improvement methodologies. 2. Operational Leadership (25%): • Oversee floor line and shop floor management. Lead and supervise Team Leaders across six gate operations, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and seamless transitions between disassembly, repair, assembly, testing, and final inspection. • Collaborate with HR and training departments to ensure the workforce is well-trained, competent, and capable of executing MRO operations efficiently. 3. Safety and Compliance (10%): • Ensure adherence to safety, regulatory, and airworthiness compliance standards across all six gate operations. • Promote a strong safety culture and enforce quality policies to uphold industry and OEM standards. 4. Budget Planning and Financial Oversight (10%): • Develop and manage budgets for MRO operations, including workforce planning, capital expenditures (CAPEX), and operating expenditures (OPEX), ensuring financial efficiency and alignment with 2025 Restricted Page 2 business objectives. 5. Operational Excellence (20%): • Monitor and drive key performance indicators (KPIs), including Turnaround Time (TAT), On-Time Delivery (OTD), efficiency, and utilization rates across all gates. • Implement Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and process optimizations to enhance productivity and reduce inefficiencies. 6. Process Industrialization and Readiness (10%): • Ensure all operational processes, infrastructure, and systems are in place for Day 1 readiness, including ERP testing, mock operations, and risk mitigation strategies. 7. Risk Management and Business Continuity (10%): • Identify potential risks across MRO operations and implement mitigation strategies to ensure regulatory compliance and operational continuity. 8. Collaboration and Stakeholder Management (5%): • Work closely with senior management, cross-functional teams, and external stakeholders (OEMs, suppliers, regulators) to optimize operational workflows and enhance service delivery. 9. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES Minimum Qualifications: (Education/Certification/ Licensure/Professional Membership) • Bachelor's degree in a technical/engineering and/or commercial field. • A master's degree is preferred and demonstrates higher-level academic achievement and expertise. • Advanced management or leadership training (certifications, courses, or workshops) Minimum Experience: • 5 years of experience in a Part 145 MRO organization handling high engine volumes (250+ engines per year), preferably with both OEM and third-party customers. • 6 years of leadership experience as Manager, managing complex MRO operations. • 3 years of experience in project management, including planning, execution, and process control. • Experience in repair shop, supply chain, logistics, special processes, assembly, NDT and final inspection functions within an MRO environment.

Job Specific Competencies:

1. MRO Operations Expertise: In-depth knowledge of engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) processes, covering disassembly, special processes, parts repair, assembly, testing, and final inspection. Ensures seamless integration between all Gate 0 to Gate 5 operations to maintain efficiency and compliance. 2. Project and Change Management: Ability to plan, execute, and control large-scale operational transitions, including continuous improvement initiatives, facility setup, ERP implementations, and process reengineering. Strong capability in managing scope, risks, and timelines while ensuring minimal disruption to operations. 3. Technical and Commercial Acumen: Deep understanding of aviation maintenance, supply chain logistics, contract negotiations, cost optimization, and regulatory requirements. Able to balance technical precision with commercial viability to drive profitability and efficiency. 4. Lean Six Sigma and Continuous Improvement: Expertise in applying Lean, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement (CI) methodologies to optimize workflows, eliminate waste, and improve Turnaround Time (TAT), On-Time Delivery (OTD), efficiency, and utilization rates. 5. Leadership and Talent Development: Strong ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams, ensuring workforce readiness, technical competency, and accountability. Drives a culture of collaboration, safety, and operational excellence. 6. Customer and Stakeholder Management: Skilled in engaging with OEMs, third-party customers, suppliers, regulators, and internal teams to align operational strategies with business objectives. Ensures strong customer relationships and service delivery excellence. 7. Risk Management and Business Continuity: Expertise in identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks across MRO operations, including regulatory compliance, safety hazards, supply chain disruptions, and operational bottlenecks. Ensures business continuity planning and crisis response. 8. Supply Chain and Logistics Optimization: Experience in warehouse management, kitting, inventory 2025 Restricted Page 3 control, and procurement to support MRO operations. Focuses on cost-effective sourcing, supplier performance, and on-time material availability. 9. Operational Readiness and Industrialization: Proficiency in setting up scalable operational processes, workflow integration, facility layout planning, and process automation to ensure Day 1 readiness and longterm efficiency. 10. Quality Assurance and Compliance: Strong understanding of aviation industry standards, airworthiness regulations, OEM/customer requirements, and safety protocols. Ensures adherence to Part 145, FAA, EASA, and other regulatory frameworks. 11. Production Planning and Resource Optimization: Ability to develop and manage production schedules, manpower allocation, and capacity planning to optimize output while maintaining cost control, quality, and operational efficiency. 12. Vendor and Supplier Management: Experience in negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring procurement efficiency to maintain a stable and cost-effective supply chain. 13. Technology Integration and Digitalization: Strong ability to implement and optimize ERP systems, automation tools, and data-driven decision-making processes to enhance efficiency and traceability in MRO operations. 14. Crisis Management and Incident Response: Proven ability to anticipate, respond to, and mitigate operational disruptions, safety incidents, and compliance violations while ensuring business continuity and airworthiness compliance.