Airside Service Delivery Duty Manager Dnata Airport Operations

dnata is more than a global air and travel services provider. We connect people with possibilities and opportunities across 130+ airports in 34 countries through ground handling, cargo, travel, and catering & retail services. Our purpose is clear: to deliver on the promises our customers make. We are powered by a bold vision to be the world’s most admired air and travel services provider, which guides our strategy, culture, and every role across our teams. Our core values fuel everything we do: we are safe, we play to win, we respect everyone and work together as a team, and we are future thinking. At dnata, we foster diversity, nurture ambition, and celebrate achievement. If youre inspired by purpose and motivated to be part of a global team shaping the future of aviation and travel, we’d love to have you onboard.

As an Airside Service Delivery Duty Manager, you will drive the seamless execution of dnata Airside Operations at Emirates Terminal 3, delivering 24/7 operational efficiency and safety. Responsibilities include below-the-wing activities, resource coordination, performance oversight and strict compliance with regulatory standards.

This role acts as the key shift liaison for Emirates operations, ensuring service delivery meets defined Service Level Agreements (SLAs) across Airside Operations and the EK Network Control Centre (NCC).

This is a full time, permanent position based at Dubai Airport – Terminal 3, working in a 12 hour shift pattern.

In This Role, You Will

• Evaluate Emirates operating schedule to ensure dnata manpower and Ground Service Equipment (GSE) and aligns with demand, ensuring Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are met. Forecasts challenges, prioritises resources and contributes to contingency planning for operational resilience.
• Assess operational trends and escalate opportunities for improvement to respective Line managers to drive improvement and innovation, ensuring regulatory compliance in all planning. Utilises insights to enhance efficiency and mitigate potential risks.
• Lead airside service teams at EK T3 with clear safety and performance expectations. Promotes a proactive, visible leadership, safety-first approach while ensuring strict adherence to regulatory standards
• Act as the primary liaison for dnata-controlled operations, ensuring seamless coordination. Provides frontline leadership during emergencies, enabling swift response and minimising disruption.
• Oversee airside operations with a focus on compliance and service excellence. Oversees the allocation of resources for safe aircraft movement and ensures manpower providers meet safety and performance standards.
• Track key performance Indicators (KPIs) like on-time performance, baggage handling, and delay management. Uses data insights to drive accountability, support decisions, and maintain service reliability.
• Contribute to operational budgets while supporting cost-efficiency initiatives. Validates shift reports and creates a management summary indicating performance trends and recommendations for ongoing enhancements.

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

• Bachelors degree or equivalent
• 8+ years professional experience within airport operations, preferably with a major airline or ground-handling company in an operational 24/7 shift environment, managing large teams.

You’ll Have An Edge If You Have

• A full driving license (UAE or equivalent).
• Ability to lead large operational teams on a 24/7 operations (applicable to airside).
• Sound understanding of load control and resource allocation (applicable to NCC).
• Understanding of airline processes and Control Centre Operations.
• Sound knowledge of all ground handling operations, its procedures, processes, and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability at problem solving and decision making in a pressurised environment.
• Knowledge of airport safety and security.
• Effective interpersonal skills with a focus on employee wellbeing.
• Business finance awareness, budget and cost control knowledge.
• Demonstrate a passion for service excellence, results, change management.

At 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

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 the Emirates Group 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 at Emirates Group.

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