Manager Quality Assurance, dnata UAE Airport Operations (Emiratization)

Job Purpose

dnata Airport Operations’ vast ground handling operations successfully service the major global hub that is Dubai International Airport. We deliver a seamless experience from check-in to baggage delivery for more than 80 million passenger and 140 scheduled airlines annually.

As Manager Quality Assurance, you will lead and direct the Quality Assurance department, collaborating with department management to ensure the effective and timely design, development, implementation and improvement of dnata Airport and Cargo Operations Quality Program in accordance with the applicable local, regional and global standard. This is a full-time role and is based in our Dubai office.

In This Role, You Will

• Lead the implementation of Quality Assurance initiatives across dnata Airport Operations and Cargo departments, including Quality Management Systems (QMS), ISO 9001 ISO 14000 and ISO 45000 accreditation, The IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO), IEnvA (IATA Environmental Assessment), Strategic Quality Planning (SQP), Total Quality Management (TQM) and the excellence framework.
• Lead the Quality Assurance team and operational activities, ensuring alignment with IATA, GCCA, local Civil Aviation regulations, and dnata Airport Operations policies and procedures, with a focus on quality, safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, oversee and facilitate dnata Airport and Cargo Operations' implementation and maintenance of Quality, Environment, and Occupational Health & Safety (QHSE) management systems to ensure compliance with regulatory and organisational standards.
• Lead the maintenance of internal, external and customer airline documentation (dnata Library) by managing all processes, procedures, work instructions, Quality and Environment Management System documents, ensuring they are effective, efficient, and continuously improved.
• Develop and oversee the strategic direction of the Quality and Environment Management System, ensuring it aligns with organisational objectives and industry standards, while driving continuous improvement initiatives, fostering a culture of quality, and enabling data-driven decision-making to achieve operational excellence and long-term success.
• Plan, implement and monitor the annual audit program, customer airline audits, external audits, and other regulatory inspections, identify non-conformities, gaps or deficiencies and propose corrective measures and robust alternative solutions. Monitor and assure that corrective actions are deployed effectively by the responsible line manager and department head.
• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders by developing and maintaining strong partnerships to drive optimal performance and ensure compliance with the Quality and Environment strategy. Advise the Accountable Manager on quality-related matters, providing necessary information, audit insights, inspection results, and corrective actions to support the effectiveness of the Quality System.
• Adopt and implement a benchmarking framework across dnata Airport and Cargo Operations to consistently monitor and enhance departmental performance, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to streamline processes, incorporate best practices, reduce costs, and increase productivity, ensuring alignment with leading industry standards and maintaining accreditation.
• Develop and implement a robust Management of Change and Risk Management framework to support business units in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with operational changes, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, business continuity, and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Lead the Quality Assurance department through establishment of an appropriate organisational structure, assignment of tasks and resources to meet service standards, and monitoring performance, development and competence of the team.
  
  

Qualifications & Experience

To be considered for the role, you must meet the below requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or Honours in related discipline.
• Minimum 10+ Years of relevant industry experience including experience in a management role with a major airline or ground handling company.
• Demonstrated experience in the development, implementation, and maintenance of Quality Management Systems.
• Robust knowledge of airport handling operations.
• Expertise in quality assurance methodologies and systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; proficient in the use and application of data to make decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with powerful ability to persuade, influence, negotiate, and manage stakeholders, internally and externally, at all levels.
• Applied knowledge and understanding of change management principles and methodologies.
  
  

You Will Have An Edge, If You Have

• Up-to-date knowledge of relevant Quality standards and regulations within aviation and ground handling.
  
  

At dnata, part of Emirates Group, we’re committed to providing our employees with opportunities to grow and develop in their careers. So if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, apply today and join our team!

Recruitment Process and Timeline

dnata, part of Emirates Group, is an international organisation with employees from over 170 nationalities, we encourage applications from across the globe. Your application journey begins by applying via our Careers website. Please ensure your CV is up to date for our talent acquisition team to review your profile. If you meet the criteria of the role, you will then be invited to complete a HireVue video interview, to share more about your experience and your career aspirations. If you are shortlisted you will then be invited to interview with our hiring managers. If you are successful, your recruiter will reach out to you with an offer and then our Onboarding team will ensure a smooth transition to your new role.

Salary & Benefits

Join us in a management role and enjoy an attractive tax-free salary. On top of our generous travel benefits, including discounted flights and hotel stays around the world, this managerial role also has an excellent leave and healthcare package. That’s on top of transport benefits, life insurance and more. Find out what it’s like to live and work in our fast-paced, cosmopolitan home city in the Dubai Lifestyle section of our website www.emirates.com/careers