Ramp Services Section Head

Job Specification: • Lead and manage all Ramp Services section activities in compliance with regulations contained in ICAR 27, IATA AHM/IGOM. • Plan and supervise aircraft turnaround operations, ensuring safe marshalling, loading/unloading, towing, and aircraft servicing (GHSP.SOP.045). • Manage baggage and cargo handling operations including sorting, transport, loading/unloading, ULD management, and Dangerous Goods compliance per GHSP.SOP.040 and GHSP.SOP.015. • Oversee aircraft services: external/internal cleaning, water/lavatory servicing, cabin heating/cooling, etc per GHSP.SOP.020. • Supervise surface transport of crew, passengers (including PRMs and VIPs), and baggage per GHSP.SOP.030. • Coordinate with OCC, Load Control, and Turnround Coordination to optimize on-time departure performance (OTP) per GHSP.SOP.03. • Ensure all ramp personnel hold valid airside work permits and required competency certifications (GHSP.PER.020). • Implement and maintain SMS elements for ramp operations (GHSP.SMS.005) and manage occurrence reporting within the stipulated regulatory framework (GHSP.REC.025). • Develop, review, and enforce SOPs and contingency plans for all ramp services functions. • Oversee GSE serviceability and coordinate maintenance scheduling to ensure operational availability (GHSP.EQP.005). • Foster a strong safety culture, promote FOD prevention, just-culture reporting, and continuous improvement across the ramp. • Prepare and manage the Ramp Services budget and provide periodic operational performance reports to the Head of Ground Handling Services. Human & Technical Resources for Ramp Services • Ensure the Ramp Services section is staffed with a sufficient number of qualified personnel to meet operational requirements, considering scope of services and flight schedules (GHSP.PER.005). • Verify that all operational staff hold valid ground services work permits and that competency aligns with IATA requirements (GHSP.PER.020). • Identify competency and training gaps; propose recruitment and refresher training plans; coordinate delivery with the Training & Development (TRAD) section (GHSP.TRNG.005). • Mobilize ramp resources during IROPS, emergencies , or special assignments. • Ensure the availability and serviceability of GSE, monitoring compliance with AHM 910, 913, and 973 standards (GHSP.EQP.005). • Oversee the availability and condition of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all ramp personnel (GHSP.EQP.025). • Coordinate with the Store & Inventory function to ensure adequate supplies and consumables for ramp operations. Planning & Programmes for Ramp Services • Develop, maintain, and enforce SOPs for all ramp services functions in alignment with ICAR 27 (GHSP.SOP.045, .040, .015, .020, .030, .035, .050) and IATA AHM/IGOM. • Prepare and review annual operational plans, shift rosters, resource allocation plans, and contingency procedures for ramp services. • Contribute to airport-wide operational planning, ORAT activities, capacity reviews, and seasonal operations adjustments. • Develop and maintain FOD prevention programs, apron safety plans, and ramp safety audit schedules in coordination with the Safety & Quality Assurance (SAFQ) function. • Plan and coordinate ramp emergency response procedures and drills in alignment with the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP). Core Operational Activities • Ramp Handling (GHSP.SOP.045): Supervise aircraft marshalling, parking, towing, engine starting support, loading/unloading, and communication with airside stakeholders. • Baggage & Cargo Handling (GHSP.SOP.040 / .015): Manage baggage sorting, departure preparation, loading/unloading, transport to/from aircraft, mishandled baggage procedures, and Dangerous Goods compliance per IATA DGR. • Aircraft Services (GHSP.SOP.020): Oversee external/internal cleaning, water and lavatory servicing, cabin temperature management, and associated operations. • Surface Transport (GHSP.SOP.030): Manage transport of crew, passengers (including PRMs, VIPs, VVIPs), and baggage between aircraft and terminal. • Coordinate with OCC, Load Control, and Turnround Coordination on all turnaround sequences to meet scheduled departure times. • Monitor and enforce compliance with airline Ground Handling Agreements (GHAs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs). • Manage aircraft ground damage prevention, ensuring correct positioning and use of ground equipment near aircraft. Budget and Activity Planning • Prepare the annual Ramp Services budget (CAPEX/OPEX) covering staffing, training, GSE maintenance and replacement, PPE, and safety-promotion activities. • Monitor and control Ramp Services expenditures against the approved budget; identify variances and propose corrective measures to the HoD. • Provide periodic reports to the HoD on operational performance, budget utilization, and KPI achievement. QMS and EMS • Support the Quality Assurance function in maintaining ramp services quality assurance processes aligned with the airport QMS and ICAR 27 (GHSP.QA.005), including audits, inspections, and corrective-action follow-up. • Support internal and external quality audits of Ramp Services operations (including ISAGO where applicable) and ensure timely closure of non-conformances. • Promote a culture of standardization, SOP compliance, and continuous improvement across the ramp team. • Ensure environmental compliance: fuel spill prevention and response, waste disposal, and minimizing the environmental impact of GSE emissions and consumables. Safety Management System (SMS) • Implement and maintain SMS elements for Ramp Services in accordance with ICAR 27 (GHSP.SMS.005) and airport SMS framework. • Manage the Ramp Services occurrence reporting system; ensure all reportable events are submitted and follow-up reports are completed per GHSP.REC.025. • Coordinate with and support the Safety & Quality Assurance (SAFQ) function on incident investigations, root-cause analysis, and corrective/preventive action implementation. • Promote a just-culture environment, open safety reporting, and dissemination of lessons learned from incidents across Ramp Services personnel.

Education • Bachelor’s degree in Airport/Aviation Management or related field. Experience • Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in ramp operations and ground handling, including at least 3–5 years in a management role management. • Demonstrated experience managing IATA AHM/IGOM compliant ground handling operations • Proven expertise in GSE management, ramp safety, and aircraft turnaround supervision • Familiarity with Ground Handling regulatory requirements and compliance obligations • Strong exposure to ORAT projects, airport openings, or large-scale operational transitions. Computer Skills • MS Office Suite • Knowledge of AODB, RMS, OCC operational systems, and GSE maintenance management systems (Desirable) Language Skills Solid knowledge and command of written and spoken English (essential) and Arabic (desirable). Training Requirements • Airside Safety & Ramp Safety Operations (Essential) • SMS – Safety Management System (Essential) • Human Factors (Essential) • Dangerous Goods Regulations – IATA DGR (Essential) • Emergency Response Plan (ERP) (Essential) • FOD Prevention Program (Highly Desirable) • Basic Load Control (Essential) • IATA Ground Operations Management / IGOM (Desirable) • Fuel Handling – JIG Standards Awareness (Desirable)