Chief Operations Officer

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Aviation, Engineering, Business, or a related field (required).

• Minimum of 10 years’ senior management experience in the aviation industry.

• Previous experience as an airline COO, post-holder, or Accountable Manager is an added advantage.

• Relevant aviation training is desirable.

• Deep knowledge and experience in operational areas including flight operations, maintenance, safety, and operations management.

• Progressive leadership experience across one or multiple operational areas in a reputable airline or aviation organization, preferably within an LCC or international airline environment.

1.1 Safety, Security, Risk Management

• Ensure all policies are in place.

• Ensure policies are communicated.

• Ensure workable committees are in place for coordination.

• Ensure full policy implementation.

• Ensure monitoring of the functionality of the policies.

• Recommend adjustments to the policies.

1.2 Operations Strategy

• Work with all departments (Commercial, Engineering, Flight Operations, Ground Operations) to formulate a functional operations strategy.

• Develop an operations performance scoreboard (matrix) to measure progress.

• Regularly evaluate airline performance and make sustainable, meaningful recommendations with senior management.

• Benchmark against other airlines for best practice approaches.

1.3 Budgets and Control

• Participate in the preparation of operational budgets in liaison with key departments.

• Ensure all expenses are in line with the budget and assist in expediting approvals.

• Ensure all financial accountabilities are accurate, timely, and ethical.

• Participate in regular budgetary reviews with relevant teams.

1.4 Operational Feedback Communication

• Maintain awareness and sound knowledge of operational developments, theory, and methods and provide feedback to Directors, Managers, and staff.

• Collect feedback from staff regarding operational improvements, promoting inclusive leadership.

• Display operations matrices and scorecards for staff awareness.

1.5 Relationship Management

• Maintain strong relationships with regulatory bodies and Government Ministries, including IATA, ICAO, UCAA, and foreign missions.

• Ensure the airline benefits from strategic relationships to support business growth.

1.6 Compliance and Monitoring

• Work with Heads of Departments to ensure full operational compliance across the airline.

• Ensure all operations staff undergo mandatory training.