Director of Flight Operations

Role overview

Jazeera Airways is hiring an accomplished and energetic Director of Flight Operations to take charge of the Flight Operations function for its new business launch in Saudi Arabia.

This role is a post holder position that must be acceptable to GACA and reports to the Accountable Manager. The position is responsible for ensuring flight operations are managed and supervised effectively, safety and security risks are controlled, and all flying activity is carried out in line with the Air Operator Certificate requirements, GACA regulations, and Jazeera Airways standards.

During the AOC startup phase, this leader will serve as the main nominated person for flight operations and will help establish the legal and safe operational foundation for the company. Key duties in this phase include building operating procedures, recruiting essential team members, overseeing aircraft entry into service, and obtaining regulatory approvals.

Key responsibilities

The Director of Flight Operations is accountable for the safe, efficient, and compliant running of the airline’s aircraft, flight crew, cabin crew, and operations control centre. The role also ensures the Flight Operations department functions smoothly and remains aligned with company objectives.

• Own and maintain the Flight Operations Manual system, including Manuals A, B, C and D, as well as the Operations Specifications.
• Ensure the resources needed for aircraft operations are available and that the human resources supporting operations are properly managed.
• Take responsibility for operational safety and security matters linked to flight operations supervision and execution.
• Put in place an effective standardization framework and define standard operating practices that meet legal and regulatory requirements.
• Arrange inspection flights to assess crew standards and identify areas for improvement in training, procedures, and performance.
• Prepare, approve, manage, and track an efficient Flight Operations budget while maintaining safety as the top priority.
• Lead organizational changes within flight operations, including management roles and crew structure, and ensure personnel are appropriately qualified for the operation type and area.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training, performance reviews, work allocation, discipline, recognition, and issue resolution for team members.
• Ensure the occurrence reporting process is active across the operation so incident and accident feedback can be reviewed for trends and gaps that affect flight safety.
• Investigate incidents and accidents, prepare reports, and recommend measures to prevent repeat events.
• Coordinate with local civil aviation authorities on flight operations matters and sign GACA correspondence and relevant Operations Specifications.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable regulations, policies, procedures, and guidance, including the Statement of Compliance and its updates.
• Keep accurate and complete records for the Flight Operations department.
• Work with the Director of Maintenance to confirm that aircraft carry the right operational equipment and are suitable for the approved routes, areas, and airports.
• Oversee safe flight operations, operational control, and standards across all aircraft operated, including functions that affect operational control.
• Develop, implement, update, and monitor policies, procedures, recommendations, and standards for the Flight Operations department and its organization structure.
• Make sure Crew Scheduling, Crew Planning, and Crew Control fully comply with flight time and duty time regulations.

Qualifications and experience

• Must hold an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license.
• At least 3 years of supervisory or managerial experience within the last 6 years in a role that exercised operational control over operations similar to those under GACAR Part 121.
• For first-time appointment as Director of Flight Operations, at least 3 years of experience in the past 6 years as Pilot-in-Command of an aircraft operated under GACAR Part 121.
• For candidates with prior Director of Operations experience, at least 3 years of PIC experience on an aircraft operated under GACAR Part 121.
• Strong working knowledge of regulations, company AOC requirements, Operations Specifications, and the standards needed to perform the role safely, securely, and efficiently.
• Good analytical ability.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and supervisory skills, with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Basic understanding of incident and accident investigation methods.
• Advanced Safety Management System (SMS) and Human Factors (HF) training is required.

Additional information

This position is part of a new venture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and carries a major strategic responsibility in establishing compliant and safe flight operations from the outset.

The role includes both operational leadership and regulatory interface duties, with direct involvement in the company’s AOC project and ongoing governance of flight operations standards.