Senior Officer Airside Operations (UAE National)

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Abu Dhabi Airports seeks a UAE National Senior Officer Airside Operations to supervise Airside Operations Officers and ensure safe, efficient aerodrome operations across runways, taxiways, aprons and service roads. The role enforces compliance with management systems, SOPs and regulatory requirements including the Abu Dhabi Environment Health and Safety Management System, supports the Duty Manager Airside, leads inspections, contractor oversight and emergency response coordination with internal and external partners. You will drive SMS integration, develop a high performing team, and lead investigations and EOC activations during non-routine events. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, valid UAE driving license, relevant certifications, five plus years’ airport ops experience, and strong English, leadership, decision making and stakeholder management. Tips for applying: tailor your CV to show AOOs leadership, shift planning and reporting, incident investigations, EOC experience, environmental enforcement, and quantify safety outcomes; highlight collaboration with ATC, police and VIPs and readiness to work onsite in Abu Dhabi.

The Senior Officer Airside Operations is responsible for supervising and leading Airside Operations Officers (AOOs) to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the airside environment. The role ensures compliance with all management systems, policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and regulatory requirements, including those of aviation authorities, certification bodies, and the Abu Dhabi Environment Health and Safety Management System. The position supports daily aerodrome operations, safety oversight, emergency response, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Comply at all times with company management systems, policies, SOPs, and regulatory requirements, including Abu Dhabi Environment Health and Safety Management System.
• Assist the Duty Manager Airside (DMA) in daily operational tasks and act on their behalf when required to ensure safe and efficient aerodrome operations.
• Plan, manage, and monitor daily activities of Airside Operations Officers, ensuring all events are properly recorded in duty logs and shift-end management reports are completed.
• Support the GM Operation Assurance by recommending remedial actions and mitigations based on investigation outcomes.
• Conduct daily inspections of runways, taxiways, aprons, and service roads in accordance with SOPs, ensuring inspection checklists are completed, signed, and submitted at the end of each shift.
• Oversee contractors operating on the airfield and ensure all work-in-progress complies with work permits and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct additional inspections during adverse weather, emergencies, ATC requests, and Low Visibility Operations (LVOs).
• Lead the team to integrate Safety Management System (SMS) principles into daily operations.
• Lead, develop, and motivate Airside Operations Officers to achieve high performance and excellent customer service.
• Work collaboratively with all airport stakeholders.
• Enforce airside safety and driving regulations through strict implementation of airside enforcement policies.
• Provide escorts for police, VIP, ambulance, contractor, and external rescue vehicles in line with emergency procedures.
• Communicate effectively with airport departments regarding safety or security issues that may affect operations.
• Manage, coordinate, and control activities within the Aircraft Operating Area (AOA).
• Ensure AOA activities comply with federal aviation regulations, airport policies, procedures, and service quality standards.
• Make immediate operational decisions to maintain safety and minimize delays or negative impacts to passengers, airlines, and tenants.
• Support operational response during emergencies, severe weather, and non-routine events, serving as a primary source of event status information to senior management and media.
• Coordinate activation and communication support of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during emergencies and special events.
• Manage enforcement of airport security requirements within the Aircraft Operating Area and terminal.
• Conduct investigations of accidents and incidents, co-author reports, and present findings to senior management.
• Assist in enforcing airport environmental policies through field observations and inspections.

Requirements and Skills

Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant discipline.
• Valid UAE Driving License.
• Certifications relevant to the discipline or equivalent professional experience.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in an airport operational role.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of airside safety, regulations, and operational procedures.
• Completion of airside safety and regulatory-related training.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English (spoken, written, and reading).
• Leadership and team management skills.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure during emergencies and non-routine situations.
• Effective coordination and stakeholder management skills.