General Manager - Airside Management

Job Overview

The General Manager of Airside Management at RGI Airport will lead all aspects of airside operations, ensuring the efficient, secure, and continuous movement of aircraft and vehicles in accordance with DGCA and ICAO standards. The role demands strict adherence to regulatory compliance, operational excellence, team leadership, and proactive coordination with various internal departments and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Ensure all processes and procedures comply with ICAO and DGCA regulations, tracking internal and external audits, non-compliances, and closure of observations.
• Develop, update, and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions specific to Airside Operations.
• Oversee safe airside vehicle, personnel, and aircraft movements, minimizing incidents, accidents, and violations.
• Manage, engage, and develop a team of approximately 60 members, focusing on training, discipline, and grievance handling.
• Maintain continuous liaison with local regulatory bodies and stakeholders to facilitate assistance and ensure satisfaction.
• Prepare the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) for Airside Operations, aligning with ICAO and DGCA guidelines and managing budget variances and approvals.
• Initiate and lead operational improvement projects such as BLIP, Kaizen, 5S, and Continuous Improvement Programs (CIPs) aimed at enhancing efficiency and cost control.
• Oversee vendor management including Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMCs), ensuring timely renewals and minimizing penalties.
• Ensure robust administration and operational efficiency on the airside, including habitat management, bird strike mitigation, and grievance resolution.

Interactions and Financial Management

• Engage externally with Ground Handling Agents (GHAs), Airlines, Air Traffic Control (ATC), Airport Authority of India (AAI), vendors (such as housekeeping and bird chasers), DGCA, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), and Indian Air Force (IAF).
• Coordinate internally with departments including Planning & Engineering, IT, Procurement, Airside Planning, Safety, AOCC, SLOT, Commercial, Finance, and Cargo teams.
• Manage the department's operational and capital expenditure budgets effectively.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• B.Tech or B.E degree complemented with an MBA.
• Completion of a one-year accredited program in Airport Operations and Management.
• A minimum of 15 years professional experience, including at least 8 years in Air Traffic Control, Airside Operations, or Airside Engineering.
• At least 5 years' experience at an airport handling roughly 500 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) daily.

Core Competencies and Expertise

• Strong skills in capability building, strategic orientation, social awareness, entrepreneurship, execution, results delivery, teamwork, and interpersonal influence.
• Proficiency in problem solving, analytical thinking, planning, decision-making, personal effectiveness, stakeholder management, and networking.
• Expert knowledge in wildlife hazard control, runway operations, airside vehicle operations, apron management and operations, aerodrome zoning and safeguarding, airfield work in progress, visual aids management, aerodrome physical characteristics, low visibility procedures, night operations, safety management systems, and the framework of aerodrome licensing.
• Proficient in aerodrome emergency planning and procedures, and aeronautical information systems.