Head of Airside Operations

RwandAir Ltd

Job Title:Head of Airside Operations

Reports to:Director Ground Operations

Department: Ground Services

Location:Kigali International Airport

Job Purpose

guide and direct RwandAir’s end-to-end airside operations to deliver safe, on-time, cost-efficient and customer-centric ground handling that underpins the airline’s ambition to become the premier 4-Star carrier and regional hub of choice. Set the strategic agenda, operating standards and performance benchmarks for ramp, baggage, load control, GSE and airside safety in line with ICAO, IOSA, ISAGO and IATA AHM requirements. Build a high-performing leadership team capable of scaling operations sustainably, optimising commercial returns and embedding a generative safety and service culture.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic

• Translate RwandAir’s corporate and 4-Star transformation strategy into a multi-year Airside operating roadmap covering capacity, infrastructure, technology, talent and partnerships.
• Set the enterprise safety, quality and operational performance standards for all Airside activities in full alignment with ICAO, IOSA, ISAGO, IATA AHM and RCAA regulatory frameworks.
• Shape RwandAir’s hub strategy at Kigali (and Bugesera transition) by partnering with the Airport Operator, ATC, border agencies and OEMs to secure slots, infrastructure and turnaround efficiency.
• Define and govern the Airside investment portfolio, including Ground assist Equipment (GSE) fleet renewal, digitalisation, automation and sustainable ground operations.
• Establish the commercial strategy for third-party ground handling at Kigali.
• Champion a generative safety culture and Safety Management System (SMS) maturity.
• guide enterprise risk identification for Airside operations and integrate ESG, decarbonisation and sustainability commitments.

Operational

• Direct daily Airside operations including ramp, load control, baggage, aircraft turnaround and GSE.
• oversee the Airside P&L, ensuring unit cost, GSE utilisation and labour productivity meet targets.
• Oversee execution of Standard Ground Handling Agreements (SGHA), SLAs and KPIs.
• guide Operational Performance Reviews (OPR) to enhance performance.
• guide operational readiness and recovery for IROPS, weather, security and emergency scenarios.
• Ensure compliance with the Operations Manual, Ground Operations Manual (GOM), Aircraft Handling Manual and approved SOPs.
• Cascade KPIs and performance contracts to all direct reports and supervisors.

Accountabilities

Management & Leadership

• Establish departmental objectives and priorities.
• Regularly evaluate departmental plans and procedures.
• Supervise, recruit, train and create employees.
• Ensure succession planning.

Personal Development

• keep continuous professional development.
• Keep updated with industry developments.
• assist emergency response activities.

Safety

• Ensure employees understand health and safety requirements.
• Ensure compliance with safety, security, quality and environmental policies.
• Ensure managers deliver appropriate supervision.
• Investigate reported incidents, hazards and near misses.

Environmental Management

• detect future environmental challenges.
• Integrate environmental considerations into business strategy.

Qualifications, Experience & Skills

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management, Engineering, Business Administration or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive aviation experience, including at least 5 years in a senior Airside or Ground Handling leadership role.
• Demonstrated P&L and budget ownership.
• IATA/ICAO Senior Management or Ground Operations qualification.
• Experience with IOSA/ISAGO audit programmes and Civil Aviation Authority engagement.
• Experience leading multicultural, multi-shift workforces.

Preferred

• Master's Degree (MBA or MSc Aviation Management).
• Lean/Six Sigma or equivalent operational excellence certification.

Job Specific Skills

Essential

• Strategic Aviation Leadership.
• Safety & Compliance Leadership.
• Financial Acumen.
• Stakeholder Influence.
• Data-Driven Decision Making.
• Crisis & Resilience Leadership.
• People & Culture Leadership.
• Digital & Innovation Mindset.
• English essential; French and Kinyarwanda preferred.

Job Dimensions

Organisational Accountability

• Local accountability with global impact.

Managerial & Supervisory Accountability

• Manages a department within a division.
• Supervises through other management personnel.

Leadership & Strategic Accountability

• Develops policy and strategic direction.
• Develops department strategy.

Financial Accountability

Operating Budget

• Full management of operating budget.
• tasked with departmental budget.

Expenses

• Approves expenditures.
• tasked with departmental budget.

Revenues

• Department revenue accountability.

Customer Accountability

• Interfaces with executive decision makers.

Freedom to Act Independently

• Sets policies and objectives.

How to Apply

Submit the following documents:

• Application letter addressed to the Chief HR & Administration Officer.
• Recent Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Copies of Notarised Degree/Diploma certificates.
• Relevant certificates.
• Copies of academic papers.
• Photocopy of Passport or National ID.
• Three referees.

Application Deadline: 10 August 2026

Application Format: PDF only

Apply via: https://erecruitment.rwandair.com/