Compliance & Quality Monitoring Manager

Overview

The Compliance & Quality Monitoring Manager at Air Arabia Academy serves as the designated Nominated Post Holder recognized by the GCAA for Compliance Monitoring. This position is responsible for crafting, implementing, and continuously refining the Academy's Compliance Monitoring System (CMS) covering all authorized activities including multi-pilot license and commercial pilot license training, flight dispatch training, English language proficiency assessment, aircraft maintenance training, examination operations, and flight simulator activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide independent assurance to the Accountable Manager that the Academy complies with GCAA regulations and internal policies, acting as the main liaison with regulatory authorities on compliance and approval-related matters.
• Report compliance findings, including remarks and non-conformities, directly to the Accountable Manager in alignment with UAE aviation standards and internal guidelines.
• Ensure all nominated post holders perform their duties adhering to regulatory and Academy standards under the Accountable Manager’s oversight.
• Design, deploy, maintain, and continuously enhance the CMS across all Academy functions.
• Stay informed on regulatory updates and ensure Academy policies evolve accordingly.
• Organize and lead regular compliance review meetings, following up on audit findings to coordinate corrective action within departments.
• Oversee the complete audit process—from planning and execution to review—conducting both internal and external audits and inspections as required.
• Verify corrective actions are properly implemented and effective without adversely affecting other departments.
• Conduct preliminary audits for prospective contracted service providers to ascertain CMS compliance before engagement.
• Provide training to internal auditors following the Academy’s auditor training framework.
• Manage compliance oversight for multiple disciplines including pilot training, flight dispatch training, language proficiency assessment, examination center operations, flight simulator operations, and aviation maintenance training.
• Delegate evaluation of flight standards and instructor competence to appropriate training teams, ensuring verification of compliance and documentation accuracy.
• Process certifications and approvals requests for post holders and staff, ensuring proper documentation is submitted to the GCAA.
• Notify the GCAA promptly regarding major amendments in approved activities, changes in flight simulator device qualifications or status, or any relevant major events, accompanied by adequate assessments and action plans.
• Maintain updated records of all Academy approvals and monitor the performance of nominated post holders.
• Collaborate with department heads to develop and update operational processes and procedures.
• Maintain organized, accessible records of compliance audits, approvals, non-compliance reports, and training records, ensuring readiness for audits.

Qualification & Experience

• Typically 8 or more years’ experience in aviation training, regulatory compliance, or quality assurance within certified aviation training environments, preferably under GCAA or equivalent regulators like EASA.
• Proven experience as or supporting a Nominated Post Holder recognized by a civil aviation authority, understanding associated obligations and reporting.
• Strong familiarity with UAE GCAA regulations governing Approved Training Organisations, CAR 147 maintenance training, Flight Simulator qualifications, and English Language Proficiency standards aligned with ICAO Annex 1.
• Experience developing and managing compliance or safety monitoring systems within aviation training or operational contexts.
• Competence in delivering audits, managing corrective action processes, and engaging directly with civil aviation authorities for regulatory compliance and approvals.

Preferred Attributes

• Cross-disciplinary experience in pilot training, flight dispatch, language proficiency, maintenance training, or simulator operations.
• Certification in quality management or auditing such as ISO 9001 Lead Auditor or equivalent.
• Knowledge of electronic documentation management systems (like T3) to control and maintain approval documentation.
• Relevant academic or professional qualifications in aviation, engineering, or quality management fields.
• Experience in mentoring or training internal audit personnel.