Head of General Aviation

Job Purpose

Lead and manage DACO's General Aviation (GA) commercial operations, ensuring efficient service delivery, revenue generation, and the alignment of GA activities with the overall strategic objectives of DACO. Develop and implement strategies to enhance the customer experience, optimize operational efficiency, increase traffic and drive new business within the GA segment.

Position Accountability Description

Strategic Leadership:

1. Develop and implement strategies to enhance DACO's General Aviation services, ensuring alignment with the organization's commercial and operational goals.
2. Drive revenue growth by identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities, partnerships, and service enhancements within the General Aviation sector.
3. Manage the coordination of general aviation initiatives to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.
4. Establish and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of GA operations, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with DACO's strategic objectives.

Operational Excellence:

1. Working closely with DACO Operations, oversee the day-to-day operations of General Aviation services, ensuring efficiency, safety, and compliance with all regulatory requirements.
2. Aligning with DACO Operations team, manage and optimize processes related to customer handling, aircraft parking, fueling, and other GA services to enhance operational efficiency.
3. Coordinate with the Operations team to ensure seamless integration of General Aviation activities with overall airport operations, minimizing disruptions and maximizing service quality.
4. Lead the optimization of turnaround times for General Aviation flights, coordinating with various teams to ensure timely aircraft handling, fueling, and maintenance.
5. Conduct regular audits and inspections of General Aviation facilities and services to ensure compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and operational protocols, addressing any issues promptly to maintain operational integrity.

Stakeholder Management:

1. Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory authorities and industry partners.
2. Engage with key stakeholders including private aircraft operators, charter companies, and FBOs (Fixed Base Operators) to foster strong relationships and ensure satisfaction with DACO's services.
3. Collaborate with internal departments such as Marketing, Finance, and Legal to support GA operations and ensure alignment with DACO's overall goals.
4. Manage external relationships with regulatory bodies, aviation authorities, and industry associations to ensure compliance and to represent DACO's interests in the General Aviation sector.

Team Leadership and Development:

1. Provide guidance and mentorship to the general aviation team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
2. Develop training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of the commercial tendering and contracts team.
3. Set clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and support team members to meet their objectives.

Financial Management:

1. Assist in developing and managing the budget for the general aviation department, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
2. Monitor financial performance, identify cost-saving opportunities, and implement measures to achieve financial targets.
3. Prepare budget reports for review by senior management, providing insights and recommendations for financial planning in commercial tendering and contracts.

Risk and Compliance Management

1. Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and industry standards related to commercial tendering and contracts.
2. Develop and lead the implementation of strategies to mitigate risks associated with general aviations and ensure effective contract management.
3. Monitor trends and external factors related to general aviation that may impact DACO's risk profile, providing relevant information to risk owners and executive management.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement:

1. Drive innovation in general aviation through the adoption of new technologies and best practices.
2. Continuously assess and improve processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
3. Encourage a culture of continuous improvement, actively seeking feedback and implementing ideas for enhancement.

Education Requirement

Bachelor's degree: Aviation Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

Relevant Experience

Minimum 8 years of total experience in in General Aviation or airport operations, or a related field, with a significant portion in a management or leadership role.