Flight Operations manager

Summary

Reports to

Flight Operations Director

Department

Flight Operations

Location

Lusaka, Zambia

Job Description

Alkebulan Airlines is a premier carrier dedicated to delivering exceptional service, safety, and reliability across Africa and beyond. With a modern fleet, world-class training standards, and a commitment to operational excellence, we connect people, cultures, and opportunities with precision and care. Our team is driven by professionalism, innovation, and a shared vision to redefine the air travel experience.

Overview

We are seeking a Flight Operations Manager to lead and oversee all operational control, flight planning, and dispatch functions within the airline’s Operations Control Centre (OCC). The role requires a dynamic aviation professional with extensive operational experience, strong leadership ability, and deep understanding of international aviation standards. The successful candidate will ensure all flight operations are conducted in full compliance with ICAO Annex 6, IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) standards, and ZCAA regulations while fostering a culture of safety and operational efficiency across the organization.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide overall management and supervision of Flight Operations Officers and OCC activities.
  • Oversee flight planning, dispatch, and operational control processes to ensure safety and efficiency.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, company operations manuals, and ICAO/IATA standards.
  • Monitor operational performance, delays, and irregularities, implementing corrective measures where required.
  • Liaise with Maintenance Control, Crew Scheduling, and Ground Operations for coordinated flight execution.
  • Lead operational readiness reviews, audits, and performance evaluations.
  • Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance OCC efficiency and safety.
  • Manage OCC manpower planning, rosters, and training schedules.
  • Analyze operational data and prepare management reports on flight performance, fuel optimization, and route efficiency.
  • Serve as the key liaison with regulatory bodies (ZCAA) and other aviation authorities.
  • Support the Director of Flight Operations in operational planning, fleet deployment, and crisis management.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Valid Flight Operations Officer/Dispatcher Licence issued or validated by ZCAA or any ICAO-recognized authority.
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in flight dispatch, OCC, or operational control roles, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial position.
  • Strong knowledge of flight operations, air traffic management, meteorology, and aircraft performance.
  • Proven leadership, decision-making, and communication skills.
  • Experience in operational audits, safety management systems (SMS), and performance analysis.
  • Proficiency in flight planning systems, dispatch software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to work in a high-pressure, time-critical environment.
  • Willingness to work extended hours and be on call during irregular operations.

 

Core Competencies

  • Demonstrated leadership and mentoring capability.
  • Strategic thinker with attention to operational detail.
  • Excellent interpersonal and cross-departmental coordination skills.
  • Committed to upholding Alkebulan Airlines’ values of safety, integrity, and innovation.

Alkebulan Airlines is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where every individual is valued and respected. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by applicable laws.