Cargo Operations Manager, dnata Cargo

dnata is one of the world’s largest air and travel services providers; offering ground handling, cargo, travel and catering & retail services at over 130 airports in more than 30 countries across six continents. dnata Cargo offers premium cargo handling services for passenger belly cargo and freighter cargo. 

As Cargo Operations Manager, you will lead, develop and manage dnata Cargo Handling Operations in dnata UAE Cargo. You will focus on continuously improving performance, operational efficiency, safety, and service excellence while fostering a culture of innovation, ensuring long, mid, and short-term business objectives are met, and achieving the set key performance indicators for the financial year. The role is based full-time in our Dubai office.

In this role, you will:

• Manage dnata cargo operations (Air and Land) at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport, ensuring all cargo is handled safely and securely and all operational procedures comply with the airline(s), customs, Dubai Police, and GHA (Ground Handling Agent) local and outstation requirements. 


• Prepare and recommend the handling budgets to include manpower, equipment, expenditure, facilities and monitors financial performance versus the budget.


• Develop and maintain the highest standard of customer service to clients by ensuring the efficient delivery of all products in compliance with regulatory and industry standard requirements.


• Design, implement, and improve Management Information Systems (MIS) to measure and report operational efficiency levels periodically, to sustain and enhance operation efficiency levels.


• Plan, develop and implement Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) to manage any eventualities and disruptions to ensure minimal impact on financial results and customer satisfaction.


• Collaborate and liaise with Customs, Dubai Police, Dubai Airports, Governmental Authorities, dnata Airport Operations, and Warehouse Operations to facilitate and coordinate the investigation process of all customer complaints as well as operational deficiencies to prevent recurrence of any operational problems and customer dissatisfactions. 


• Lead the service and efficiency levels improvement programs in coordination with key stakeholders to achieve dnata cargo performance objectives.


• Lead, facilitate and improve quality systems initiatives in the business units operations to achieve the divisions quality deployment objectives.


• Lead and implement the standards of the Inspectorate of the Security Industry (ISI) in the Business Unit to adopt, establish, sustain and improve operational quality levels in line with world class cargo handling standards.


• Manage effective achievement of departmental objectives by setting individual objectives, managing performance, developing and motivating staff, provision of formal and informal feedback and appraisals to maximise performance.

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

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline.


• Minimum 8-10 years of leadership experience in ground handling Operations / Airline in an air cargo industry.


• Must have in-depth knowledge of all aspects of air cargo business and valuable cargo handling.


• Thorough understanding of the Ground Handling Agent (GHA) Operations, Customs, Police, Airline authority regulations and cargo clearance activities for imports and exports as well as a good understanding of dangerous goods handling procedures.

You will have an edge, if you have:

• Experience within the Courier, Mail or E-commerce industry.


• Knowledge in all areas of Cargo Operations as well as exposure to areas of Airport operations like Baggage, Logistics and Turnaround.

At dnata, part of 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

dnata, part of 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 our 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.