Aviation Services Director

JR United Kingdom; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000

Job description

Job Purpose

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Aviation Services Director to join in a Saudi Arabia Airport. The role will support our client in expanding the aviation services function at the airport, covering ground handling services, passenger boarding bridges, fuel services, light maintenance, catering services, and more.

This position is heavily focused on business development, requiring an individual who is comfortable developing business cases and commercial models for these services. The role will involve defining growth strategies, identifying revenue-generating opportunities, and ensuring operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development

1. Identify, develop, and implement new business opportunities in aviation services that generate sustained and increased revenue for the airport.
2. Develop commercial models and business cases for services such as passenger boarding bridges, ground service equipment, and fuelling operations, incorporating industry best practices and market trends.
3. Oversee the identification and selection of aviation service concessionaires based on quality, pricing, and strategic alignment.
4. Manage pricing strategies, commercial agreements, and service packages to optimise revenue.
5. Foster relationships with existing and new service providers to drive business growth.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

1. Assess current service utilisation and recommend suitable commercial models to enhance revenue and service quality.
2. Oversee contract management, service-level agreements (SLAs), and vendor relationships to ensure performance excellence.
3. Lead negotiations with service providers and monitor service delivery to maintain high standards.
4. Identify innovative solutions to improve operational efficiencies in aviation services.

Marketing & Partnerships

1. Strengthen the airport’s reputation through stakeholder engagement with airlines, service providers, and industry partners.
2. Develop strong relationships with airline representatives to understand their operational needs and enhance service offerings.
3. Represent aviation services at industry conferences and events to promote the airport’s capabilities.

Leadership & Team Development

1. Provide leadership and guidance to the client’s aviation services team.
2. Mentor and develop high-potential team members, fostering a strong commercial mindset within the organisation.

Qualifications & Experience

1. 10+ years of experience in aviation services, including business development and revenue growth at a major airport.
2. Strong leadership experience, with a proven ability to inspire and develop teams in a complex environment.
3. Solid business acumen with expertise in commercial negotiations, revenue maximisation, and stakeholder management.
4. Deep knowledge of aviation services, including ground handling, fuelling, catering, and related market trends.
5. Experience within Saudi Arabia or the GCC is preferred.
6. Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.
7. Strong strategic thinking with a commercial mindset.
8. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
9. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
10. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage stakeholders at all levels.

Education

1. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required.