Director of Flight Operations at United Nigeria Airlines

Job Summary

• A Director of Flight Operations will play a crucial role in managing and overseeing all aspects of an airline’s or aviation organization’s flight operations, including engineering and ground operations. They ensure that all flight activities comply with aviation regulations, company policies, and safety standards.
• The Director of Flight Operations will be responsible for the overall management, direction, and coordination of all flight operations activities within the organization. This includes ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective operation of the airline’s fleet, compliance with all regulatory requirements, and the management of flight crews.

Duties/Responsiblities:

Operational Management:

• Oversee day-to-day flight operations, ensuring all flights are conducted safely, on time, and within budget.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to enhance safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Coordinate with other departments such as engineering & maintenance, ground operations, and dispatchers to ensure seamless operations.

Safety and Compliance:

• Ensure all flight operations comply with local and international aviation regulations like ICAO, NCAA, and other regulated local and international bodies.
• Implement and maintain the Safety Management System (SMS), ensuring the organization meets or exceeds safety standards.
• Conduct regular safety audits, risk assessments, and investigations to identify and mitigate potential hazards.

Crew Management:

• Supervise the recruitment, training, and performance evaluation of pilots and other flight crew members.
• Develop and maintain a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement among flight crews.
• Manage crew scheduling and ensure compliance with duty time regulations.

Regulatory Liaison:

• Serve as the primary point of contact with aviation regulatory authorities like NCAA, IATA, ICAO, etc.
• Ensure the organization remains informed of and compliant with new or changing regulations.  Represent the company in discussions with regulatory bodies, industry groups, and other stakeholders’ meetings.

Financial Management:

• Develop and manage the flight operations budget, ensuring cost-effective operations
• Monitor and control operational costs, including fuel, crew expenses, and maintenance
• Identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising safety or service quality.

Strategic Planning:

• Contribute to the development of the organization’s strategic goals and objectives.
• Lead initiatives to expand or improve flight operations, including fleet expansion, route development, and technology adoption
• Analyze and report on operational performance, including key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Prepare, publish, revise, and keep up-to-date Operations Manual. Ensures that flight crew act according to the published procedures and principles in the operational manual content. 

Crisis Management:

• Develop and implement emergency response plans for flight operations.
• Lead the organization’s response to flight-related incidents or emergencies.
• Coordinate with other departments and external agencies during crises.

Required Skills/Abilities::

• Leadership: Ability to lead and inspire a diverse team of professionals
• Safety Focus: A strong commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Expertise in navigating complex aviation regulations
• Problem Solving: Ability to quickly identify issues and implement effective solutions
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with various stakeholders.

The role requires strong leadership, decision-making abilities, and a deep understanding of aviation operations and regulations.

Experience & Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Aerospace Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)
• Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) or Commercial Pilot License (CPL) preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in aviation, with at least 5 years in a managerial or supervisory role in flight operations.
• In-depth knowledge of aviation regulations, safety management systems, and flight operations procedures.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities
• Proficiency in using flight operations management software and tools