Chief Pilot
A leading regional carrier is seeking a highly experienced and safety-focused professional to assume the pivotal role of Chief Pilot. Based in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the Chief Pilot will provide authoritative leadership for all flight operations, ensuring the highest standards of safety, compliance, and efficiency are maintained across the fleet.
Job Purpose
The Chief Pilot is entrusted with ensuring that all flights are meticulously conducted in stringent accordance with the provisions outlined in the Operations Manuals. This critical leadership role mandates the implementation and consistent maintenance of robust policies, rules, and procedures necessary to guarantee the safe and seamless operation of the company fleet, aligning fully with corporate policies and GACA Regulations.
Key Responsibilities and Deliverables
The Chief Pilot oversees critical operational, safety, and administrative functions, serving as the cornerstone of flight crew performance and regulatory adherence:
- Serves as the principal liaison between senior management and flight crews, facilitating clear communication and promptly reporting key operational concerns, safety issues, and crew requirements.
- Leads, supervises, and manages all flight crew members, ensuring rigorous adherence to established company policies, procedural guidelines, and elevated operational standards.
- Manages the timely monitoring and revision of Operations Manual Parts A, B, and C, including the issuance of necessary temporary amendments, operational instructions, and crucial notices to Flight Crew.
- Conducts regular and thorough evaluations of pilot performance, delivering constructive feedback to ensure a culture of continuous operational improvement and professional development.
- Collaborates effectively with cross-functional departments, including Maintenance, Ground Operations, and Human Resources, to guarantee seamless, integrated flight operations, training, and crew scheduling.
- Maintains essential liaison with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and other relevant regulatory bodies or authorities concerning all flight operation subject matters.
- Ensures that all quality assurance requirements pertinent to the area of control are actively and effectively managed and documented.
- Oversizes the efficient implementation and regular monitoring of the company's fuel conservation program.
- Guarantees that any corrective and preventive actions identified through quality and safety audits are executed effectively and completed within designated timeframes.
- Fulfills all mandated Safety responsibilities strictly in accordance with the company’s Safety Management System (SMS) Manual.
- Performs any additional duties as assigned by the Head of Flight Operations to support organizational goals.
Required Qualifications and Training
- Possession of a GACA License is strongly preferred, alongside current Captain qualifications on the A320 aircraft type.
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautics, Aviation Management, or an equivalent field is highly advantageous.
- Essential training in safety protocols and emergency response, with a formal qualification being a distinct benefit.
- Mandatory training in basic airport operations, security procedures, and related aviation regulations.
- Training and adherence to IATA principles and standards relating to aviation security is highly desirable.
- Certifications and training in Cost Control, Regulatory Compliance, Budgeting, and Quality Assurance add significant value, and certain credentials may be conditional for this senior role.
- Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing complex aircraft systems and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Internet navigation, and Web Search functionality.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are required, extending to technical report generation, formal writings, and professional presentations.
- Fluency in both English and Arabic is considered a valuable asset.
Essential Work Experience
- A minimum of three (3) years of proven experience in flight operations within a commercial airline environment, serving either as a Chief Pilot or in an equivalent senior managerial capacity.
- Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of GACA regulations and requirements.
- Possession of excellent interpersonal and inter-communicational skills necessary for leading and collaborating with diverse teams.
- Prior instructional experience (e.g., as a Type Rating Instructor or Examiner) is an advantage.
Note: Preference will be extended to qualified Saudi National Candidates for this position.