Job Title:  Head of Ground Operations

Organisation: Uganda Airlines

Duty Station: Entebbe, Uganda

About the Company:

Uganda Airlines is the flag carrier of Uganda. The company is a revival of the older Uganda Airlines which operated from 1977 until 2001. It began flying in August 2019.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Driving the overall strategy for AOC operations in terms of safety, Security, ground operations, staff welfare, overall efficiency and costs. The scope covers but not limited to check-in, lounges, special passengers, gate management, flight irregularities, baggage irregularities, ramp services, GSE, communication, training, Hub/Outstations, customer experience among others.
• Responsible for monitoring and ensuring Ground Operations are conducted in accordance with applicable regulations and standards of Uganda Airlines.
• Ensure all regulatory requirements established by Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCCA) are complied with and ensure recommendations by UCAA are efficiently and effectively carried out.
• Ensure that all key internal stakeholders from CEO, level down are kept fully informed and are suitably represented as required on all issues concerning ground operations. Lead and manage the airline’s Ground Operations at the nominated base(s) and to deliver targeted performance outcomes in all areas of safety, cost control and operational performance.
• Ensure compliance with aviation regulations and safety standards including those set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), participate high level safety decisions, be a member of the Safety Review Board and Management Review Board whilst promoting a safety culture.
• Manage cost in line with budget and deliver cost effective operational solutions and arrangements with the growth of the airline, achieving volume-based discounts. Identify all new opportunities for operational improvement and or cost savings in the nominated area of responsibility.
• Ensure scalable growth for the nominated base(s) in all areas including, but not limited to, the start-up of new operational locations, the increasing of base sizes, alternate and diversion arrangements and close management of any disruption.
• To ensure Ground Operations and third-party ground handler staff (where applicable) comply with Cash Handling for Ground Operations SOP and Cashiering – Ancillary Income SOP from the Finance Department.
• Has authority to make decisions up to Medium Risk Level to the safety and or security of Aircraft operations and shall consult the CEO for any High-Risk events according to Uganda Airlines SMS Manual.
• To ensure the existence of the necessary facilities, workspace, equipment and supporting services, as well as work environment, to satisfy ground handling operational safety requirements.
• To monitor Ground Operations including all airports and collaborate with all relevant authority to ensure smooth passenger handling flow.
• To maintain a smooth operation in case of flight disruptions with proper communication and SOPs followed for flight disruptions.
• Ensure operations procedures and standards are developed in conformity to IOSA, IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) and Legal requirements.
• Ensure all UR and Ground Handling Agent (GHA) personnel are properly trained up to required standards and adhere to the performance management cycle as per the HR Manual guidelines.
• Manage liaison with external parties i.e. Civil Aviation Department of the Countries Uganda Airlines operates, The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), International Air Transport Association (IATA), etc. on operational requirements.
• Ensure all Load sheets provided for UR (and or third-party Airlines) are following legal requirements, in conformance to Company requirements and are consistently accurate and safe. Ensure all Load Sheet Officers, Loading Supervisors and Ramp Coordinators handling Uganda Airlines (third party Airlines) are appropriately trained and certified in accordance with legal and Company requirements. Ensure contingency plans, to maintain the operation at an agreed level, are in place for Load sheet production.
• Develop, issue, control and maintain Load sheet and Loading policies, procedures and processes, including relevant sections of the Aircraft handling manuals that interface with Load sheet and Loading process.
• Implement appropriate risk controls or mitigations to maintain an acceptable level of safety and continuously improve the overall safety level of aircraft operations and staff.
• Handle contingency situations within the operation and participate in the Executive on Duty program (EoD).

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in management, statistics, Business Administration, Aviation or relevant professional qualifications.
• Minimum 10 years, Ground Operations experience in an Airline or handling company at an international or regional level is a must.
• Experience of supersizing at least 50 employees.
• Detailed knowledge of Ground Handling requirements, including Service Level Agreements (SLA’s).
• Knowledge of IATA ground handling procedures.
• Knowledge of IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) an advantage.
• Knowledge in Safety Management Systems, Load control and related qualifications.
• Previous or current experience at Senior Management level is a must.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven knowledge of ground operations regulations relevant to the AOC.
• Ability to manage work in shifts, under pressure, with a high degree of personal/professional flexibility.
• Excellent people management skills.
• Proven influencing and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt to technological changes in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Good time manager.
• Performance management skills
• Quick decision maker and problem solver.