About the Role:
The job holder is responsible for leading the execution and delivery of Operational Readiness (ORAT) activities, ensuring operational preparedness, successful testing and trials, risk mitigation, stakeholder readiness, and seamless airport activation. This includes overseeing operational simulations, training programs, occupancy planning, and post-opening readiness activities to ensure operational continuity and alignment with KSIA's objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategy and Planning
- Contribute to the development and implementation of Operational Readiness (ORAT) Delivery objectives, plans, and priorities ensuring alignment with KSIA strategy
- Develop departmental operational plans and oversee implementation to ensure achievement of operational readiness objectives
- Define ORAT Delivery KPIs and continuously monitor performance to support successful airport activation
Budget Management
- Provide input into Operational Readiness (ORAT) Delivery budgeting requirements aligned with operational plans and readiness activities
- Ensure effective utilization of assigned budget and report accurately on progress made and challenges encountered
- Recommend initiatives to optimize operational resources and minimize delivery risks impacting operational readiness
Operational Readiness (ORAT) Planning
- Conduct operational risk assessments to identify critical risks associated with airport systems, facilities, and operational readiness activities
- Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to minimize the impact of identified risks and ensure readiness objectives are achieved
- Establish ORAT risk monitoring and reporting mechanisms to evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation plans and operational preparedness
- Conduct training needs assessments in coordination with relevant stakeholders to identify capability gaps and align training requirements with operational objectives
- Design structured operational training frameworks including training content, delivery methods, schedules, and readiness milestones to ensure personnel preparedness
- Oversee the delivery of training programs ensuring stakeholders and operational teams are adequately prepared for new systems, facilities, and operational processes
- Conduct facility-specific operational trials to assess system functionality, operational processes, and readiness of airport facilities
- Lead integrated operational trials under real-time operating conditions to assess end-to-end operational readiness and cross-functional coordination
- Identify operational failures, gaps, and improvement opportunities during testing and trials and implement corrective actions to ensure operational readiness
- Develop and oversee occupancy and transition plans for airport facilities detailing timelines, resource allocation, and operational responsibilities
- Assess and refine opening scenarios to ensure preparedness for operational challenges and different airport operating conditions
- Establish stakeholder support mechanisms and governance channels to ensure smooth coordination and issue resolution during transition and opening phases
- Oversee establishment of a control center during airport opening phases to monitor operational issues, coordinate responses, and ensure continuity of operations
- Monitor implementation of ORAT standards post-opening to identify areas for improvement and ensure long-term operational readiness and alignment with operational objectives
Policies, Processes and Procedures
- Oversee the development and implementation of Operational Readiness (ORAT) Delivery policies, processes, and procedures ensuring alignment with aviation best practices and operational requirements
- Ensure implementation of governance controls to promote operational consistency, transparency, and accountability across ORAT Delivery activities
- Remain abreast of industry trends, operational readiness practices, and aviation requirements to identify opportunities for continuous improvement
Stakeholder Management
- Establish and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and execution of ORAT delivery activities
- Coordinate with airport operators, airlines, regulators, contractors, and service providers to support successful operational readiness and airport activation
- Communicate progress updates, readiness findings, and operational risks to relevant stakeholders ensuring alignment and effective decision-making
- Attend relevant forums, workshops, and industry events to remain informed of ORAT delivery trends and operational readiness practices
PeopleManagement
- Participate in the identification and recruitment of key talent for the department
- Guide, mentor, and support direct reports to ensure execution of responsibilities according to established policies and procedures
- Set performance objectives, provide regular feedback, and conduct performance evaluations to enhance team effectiveness
- Foster a high-performance work environment and promote KSIA values and culture
Job Requirements:
- A Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Management or equivalent is required
- A Master's Degree Airport Operations, Aviation Management or equivalent is preferred
- Minimum 8 years of experience in similar role or equivalent with at least 4 years of experience in a managerial position
- Proven Experience in Operational Readiness
