General Manager

A client of ours in the aviation industry seeks a General Manager, Group Operations who will be responsible for the safe, compliant, efficient, and cost-effective execution of all airline operations across the network. The successful candidate will ensure operational reliability, regulatory compliance, on-time performance, safety assurance, and seamless cross-functional coordination across Flight Operations, Engineering, Ground Handling, Cabin Services, and Commercial functions.

This role requires a strong leader capable of maintaining operational integrity within Nigeria’s dynamic aviation environment, characterized by infrastructure constraints, airspace congestion, fuel supply variability, and weather volatility.

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer (COO) / Accountable Manager

Location: Nigeria (Head Office with nationwide oversight)

Direct Reports:

• Head of Flight Operations
• Head of Ground Operations
• Head of Maintenance Planning
• Head of Cabin Services
• Head of OCC (Operations Control Centre)
• Head of Safety & Quality (functional oversight)

Key Responsibilities

Operational Safety & Regulatory Compliance

Ensure full compliance with:

• Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority regulations
• International Civil Aviation Organization SARPs
• International Air Transport Association IOSA standards (where applicable)
• Maintain operational readiness for audits and regulatory inspections.
• Oversee implementation of Safety Management System (SMS).
• Ensure corrective actions from audits are closed within approved timelines.

Operational Performance & Reliability

• Deliver On-Time Performance (OTP) targets.
• Reduce delays attributable to operational inefficiencies.
• Oversee aircraft utilization and turnaround efficiency.
• Manage disruption recovery strategies (weather, technical, airspace constraints).
• Ensure effective coordination via the Operations Control Centre (OCC).

Flight Operations Overs

• Ensure compliance with flight duty time limitations.
• Monitor crew productivity and roster optimization.
• Oversee SOP adherence and operational discipline.
• Support fuel efficiency and cost optimization initiatives.

Ground & Airport Operations

• Standardize ground handling processes across stations.
• Ensure SLA compliance with handling agents.
• Maintain safety and security standards at all airports.
• Drive improvements in turnaround time performance.
• (Primary airports may include Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and other domestic stations operated under the oversight of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.)

Engineering & Maintenance Coordination

• Coordinate with CAMO and approved MRO providers.
• Ensure aircraft availability aligns with schedule integrity.
• Monitor technical dispatch reliability.
• Drive reduction in AOG incidents and maintenance-related delays.

Operational Cost Control

• Optimize fuel consumption in collaboration with Flight Ops.
• Monitor crew productivity ratios.
• Control operational overheads within budget.
• Improve cost per ASK (Available Seat Kilometer).

Crisis & Disruption Management

• Lead operational response during:
• Severe weather events
• Airspace closures
• Industrial action
• Aircraft technical incidents
• Ensure passenger recovery plans are activated swiftly.
• Provide operational briefings to Executive Management.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Align closely with Commercial on schedule feasibility.
• Coordinate with HR on crew planning and manpower forecasting.
• Liaise with Security and Safety on risk mitigation.
• Provide operational input to fleet acquisition and induction planning.

Key Performance Indicators

• On-Time Performance (OTP)
• Aircraft utilization rate
• Technical dispatch reliability
• Safety performance indicators (SPIs)
• Delay minutes per sector
• Cost per ASK (CASK – operational component)
• Crew productivity metrics
• Audit findings & closure rate

Required Skills and Competencies

• Operational leadership under pressure
• Strong regulatory knowledge
• Data-driven performance management
• Crisis management capability
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Decisive and structured problem-solving

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Engineering, or related field.
• ATPL, Aircraft Engineering License, or relevant aviation qualification preferred.
• Minimum 12–15 years aviation operational experience.
• At least 5 years in senior airline operations leadership.
• Strong understanding of Nigerian airspace, airport infrastructure, and operational constraints.

How to apply

Interested candidate should send your resume to berekkahconsultingjobs@gmail.com with “General Manager” in the subject line. The deadline for applications is March 12th, 2026.

Job Type: Full-time