Flight Operations Manager – Air Arabia Maroc
Job Purpose:
The Flight Operations Manager is responsible for implementing and maintaining the operating procedures and manuals that ensure the safe and efficient operation of the Air Arabia Maroc fleet. This role involves monitoring flight performance, pilot activities, and systems compliance with Operations Manuals, Air Arabia Maroc policies, and DGAC/CAA regulations. The successful candidate will foster a professional environment for pilots while optimizing manpower and operational costs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide consistent leadership, coaching, and guidance to the team, fostering individual and collective efficiency.
- Oversee manpower planning and allocation, optimizing resource utilization while adhering to regulatory requirements and cost-reduction objectives. Manage pilot base allocation and assignments across all hubs.
- Collaborate with Operations and Human Resources to conduct objective pilot performance evaluations.
- Utilize data and reports to inform decisions regarding promotions, dismissals, training (mandatory and competency-based), career development, grievance handling, and overall team performance.
- Partner with the Cabin Services Manager to develop, implement, and maintain consistent and compatible policies and Standard Operating Procedures for flight and cabin crew operations.
- Monitor and review revisions to Operations Manual Parts A, B, C, and MEL, promptly notifying flight crew of amendments, changes, instructions, or safety-critical operational information.
- Collaborate with Safety, Security, and Quality Assurance to review, update, and monitor the implementation of manuals related to flight crew safety and security procedures. Proactively monitor safety trends and implement corrective measures.
- Review and analyze reports (discretions, occurrences, voyages, flight crew reports) to identify appropriate actions and solutions; communicate necessary information effectively. Ensure timely submission of Captain Discretion Reports.
- Liaise with external stakeholders (DGAC/CAA, regulatory bodies, aircraft manufacturers, OEMs) to maintain an up-to-date Aircraft Fleet Management (AFM) system, optimizing fleet standardization and safety. Provide recommendations as needed.
- Advise the Head of Flight Operations on route planning, scheduling, and new destination development.
- Define operational requirements for all aerodromes and routes, highlighting any aircraft performance limitations.
- Analyze current practices to identify opportunities for cost reduction, particularly in fuel consumption and manpower utilization.
- Ensure effective management of Quality Assurance and internal/external audit requirements. Represent Flight Operations during statutory audits (CAA, IOSA, etc.).
- Conduct field visits to evaluate destination and hub performance.
- Maintain a minimum flight time of 40 block hours per month.
Qualifications:
- A valid ATPL license is mandatory.
- A Bachelor's degree in Aeronautics/Aviation/Management or equivalent is preferred.
- Training in safety and emergency response is essential; a formal qualification is advantageous.
- Training in basic airport security procedures and regulations is required.
- Training in IATA security principles and standards is highly desirable.
- Certificates and training in cost control, compliance, budgeting, and quality assurance are highly valued and may be considered conditional for this role.
- Proficiency in aircraft systems, Microsoft Office, internet, and web search tools.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical report writing and presentations.
- Fluency in English, Arabic, and French is advantageous.
Work Experience:
- 10+ years of extensive experience in airline operations, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or managerial role overseeing international commercial operations with similar aircraft types.
- Alternatively, at least 3 years within the past 6 years as a pilot-in-command of Airbus A320 or A321 aircraft; low-cost airline experience is advantageous.
- Demonstrated industry knowledge of aircraft systems and operating procedures.
- Familiarity with Civil Aviation Authority regulations and procedures, preferably DGAC and IOSA, related to Flight Operations manuals, working procedures, and pilot licensing.
- Experience with Quality Assurance/Safety/Security/Audit procedures and practices affecting Flight Operations.
- Proven ability to implement, monitor, and maintain policies, procedures, and manuals according to business requirements, quality standards, and regulatory compliance.
- Experience in high-pressure, fast-paced environments with demanding workloads and ad-hoc scenarios.
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
- Developed skills in cost-estimation analysis and budget management.
- Experience in measuring team performance against regulations, manuals, and established standards.