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

Alkebulan Airlines is seeking an experienced and highly organized Ground Operations Manager to oversee all ground handling, ramp, and airport operations, ensuring the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and compliance across our network.

This role is central to the smooth execution of day-to-day operations and requires a professional with strong leadership, regulatory knowledge, and hands-on experience managing station and ramp operations in accordance with ZCAA, ICAO, and IATA best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage daily ground operations at all stations, ensuring on-time performance (OTP) and operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM), ICAO Annex 14, and Alkebulan Airlines’ Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Supervise ramp, baggage, loading, dispatch, and turnaround coordination activities.
• Lead ground operations audits, risk assessments, and safety inspections under the airline’s SMS framework.
• Coordinate with maintenance, flight operations, and crew control to ensure efficient aircraft handling and turnaround.
• Manage contracts and performance of ground handling service providers and fuel companies.
• Implement and maintain operational policies, manuals, and training programmes for ground operations staff.
• Monitor ground support equipment (GSE) maintenance, utilization, and safety.
• Report operational performance metrics and propose process improvements to executive management.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement within the ground operations team.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Transport, Logistics, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in airline or airport ground operations, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Strong knowledge of IATA AHM, ICAO Annex 14, and ZCAA regulations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple airport operations simultaneously.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office and operational management systems.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays, as part of a 24-hour operation.

Preferred Attributes

• Training in Safety Management Systems (SMS) or Ground Operations Safety Auditing.
• Experience managing ground handling start-up or new station operations.
• Strategic thinker with strong operational awareness and decision-making skills.
• Commitment to safety, efficiency, and exceptional service standards.