Senior Operations Manager - Airports

Role Overview

This senior role focuses on leading operations management at airports, aligning with strategic business objectives, and ensuring smooth contract and commercial administration. Candidates with experience in airport operations will be given priority.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the overall division and KSA business unit strategies, ensuring alignment with company vision and objectives.
• Support project teams with commercial and contractual administration including claim evaluation, contract variations, and commercial close-out.
• Implement the Operations Management strategy for asset portfolios, ensuring contractual obligations are met.
• Lead the Operations team in KSA through objective setting, performance management, staff development, and motivating team members.
• Provide technical and contractual guidance during project evaluations and support the Director of Operations in designing optimal division structures.
• Control project activities within budgets, identify gaps, analyze issues, and propose solutions to senior management.
• Develop and monitor budgets for Operations, tracking financial performance and identifying opportunities for cost reduction and performance improvement.
• Manage resource planning, allocation, and ensure effective implementation of standards and controls to meet operational goals.
• Engage with customers on site-specific budgets including CAPEX, advising on expenditures and cost-saving options.
• Oversee development and continual improvement of contract management policies, guidelines, and procedures to support quality service delivery.
• Manage contract revisions, renewals, pricing negotiations, and coordinate legal compliance for contractual terms.
• Supervise subcontractors for works such as fire systems, gas, emergency lighting, ensuring contractual and regulatory compliance including approvals from relevant authorities.
• Monitor service level agreements ensuring alignment with service delivery and customer expectations.
• Evaluate supplier performance regularly to select qualified contractors offering optimal service quality and pricing.
• Review scopes and specifications of contracts, assist in negotiation meetings, and prepare contract documentation efficiently.
• Analyze correspondence and documentation for contractual/commercial risks, and manage claims and variations in collaboration with project engineers.
• Implement claims strategies, negotiate settlements favorably for the company, and prepare arbitration documentation if required.
• Generate management reports on subcontractor performance and ensure contractual commitments are fulfilled.
• Oversee resource utilization in maintenance, civil, mechanical, electrical works and inspections to improve satisfaction and meet objectives.
• Ensure preventive and corrective maintenance contracts are executed effectively, including for audio-visual equipment, BMS, chillers, generators, AC, IT, among others.
• Coordinate with tenants and contractors during fit-out projects by organizing meetings, inspections, snag lists, and following up on rectifications.
• Manage procurement processes including quotations, purchase orders, and vendor contracts to prevent operational delays.
• Maintain an annual leave planner to manage team availability and ensure consistent business operations.
• Handle escalated customer issues from the Call Centre to provide timely support and maintain satisfaction.
• Advise customers technically, represent them in third-party technical interactions, and provide recommendations to enhance CSR and environmental sustainability.
• Plan and execute HSEEQ inspections and audits to comply with regulations and company standards.
• Develop and enforce policies covering all operational activities to meet procedural and legislative requirements while ensuring service quality.
• Ensure adherence to quality, health, safety, and environmental management practices to safeguard employee welfare and uphold company standards.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering preferred; Master's degree in Management or Facilities Management is an advantage.
• Minimum 14 years of experience in contracts and operations management, including significant exposure within the aviation industry.
• Expertise in Maintenance and Facilities Management, focusing on operations planning, HSEEQ standards, supplier and client relationship management, and contract oversight.