Airfield Operations Manager

About Hamad International Airport:

Hamad International Airport enjoys a dominant position in the aviation industry. It has been voted the best airport in the world by Skytrax in 2021 and 2022. Our passenger volumes are on a steady and fast-growing path thanks to an unprecedented facility expansion that enhanced operational capacity and will drive business growth in the next years.

About the role:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Airfield Operations Manager to join our team. The successful candidate will oversee and manage all aspects of airfield operations, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, maintaining safety standards, and optimizing operational efficiency.

Key responsibilities

• Efficient planning of resources to cover all functions under the responsibility of the Airfield Operations team by assigning duties and responsibilities based on the operational demand.
• Plan shift tasks and actions, prepare and conduct a thorough briefing prior to dispatching duties.
• Liaise with the Airport Flow Manager and MATAR Operations Manager to go through the daily planned activities and forecasted potential developments that may impact operations.
• Ensure the shift handover is thoroughly performed, addressing all ongoing and expected activities.
• Apply a proactive approach to ensure BCP and contingency plans are readily available and communicated to the team on field.
• Ensure team   is   aware and well prepared for upcoming shift and each person understands   roles, responsibilities and expectations throughout shift. Monitor, supervise and guide team with clear instructions, ensuring compliance to the Standard Operating Procedures, company policies and safety standards.
• Maintain alertness and intervene as necessary to avert potential incidents.
• Make quick and calculated decisions based on dynamically assessing any situation on ground.  Lead during ad-hoc situations, guide & instruct team on how to handle adverse conditions and restore normal operations.
• Timely inform the Airport Flow Manager, MATAR Operations Manager and the Senior Management of potential disruptions or activation of Business Continuity or Contingency Plans.
• Keep the MATAR Operations Manager, Senior Management and Airport Flow Manager updated in real time providing information about any ongoing situation on the field and the potential impact to operations.
• Conduct debriefing sessions following ad-hoc situations and identify areas of improvement and acknowledge achievements.  Propose new procedures or amendments to existing procedures based on actual evidence on efficiently handling any ad-hoc circumstances.
• Review the daily reports and ensure all information pertaining to the shift are correctly captured and all incidents are properly reported prior to being communicated to the Senior management.
• Conduct regular briefing sessions with the Airfield Development Team and participate in meetings related to ongoing or future expansion or remediation projects. Ensure all team members are aware of the ongoing works and any changes in the airfield.
• Directly liase with ATC for any unplanned activity or disruption on the airfield and issue NOTAM during adhoc disruptions.
• Enforce compliance to safety standards of MATAR to all third parties and/or contractors operating on airfield.
• Perform other department duties related to his/her position as directed by the Head of the Department.

About you:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent with minimum 8 years of job-related experience.
• Familiarity and experience with airside operations, including aircraft movements, parking and docking procedures, ground handling, and fueling operations.
• Experience in coordinating with air traffic control (ATC) and managing movement of aircraft on airfield.
• Strong understanding of airport operations, including airside and landside activities, safety regulations, and industry best practices.
• Knowledge of air traffic control procedures, navigation aids, runway maintenance, and emergency response protocols.
• Familiarity with risk assessment and mitigation strategies for airfield operations.