Head of Airside Operations at Rwandair Ltd: (Deadline 2026-08-26)

Head of Airside Operations at Rwandair Ltd: (Deadline 2026-08-26) RwandAir Ltd is the flag carrier airline of Rwanda, operating domestic and international services across East Africa, Central Africa, West Africa, Southern Africa, Europe and the Middle East, with its main base at Kigali International Airport. As part of its expansion strategy, RwandAir is seeking qualified, experienced and competent candidates to fill the following position: JOB TITLE: Head of Airside Operations Department: Ground ServicesReports to: Director Ground OperationsLocation: Kigali International AirportApplication Deadline: 26 August 2026 Job Purpose The Head of Airside Operations will lead and direct RwandAir’s end-to-end Airside Operations to deliver safe, on-time, cost-efficient and customer-focused ground...

Head of Airside Operations at Rwandair Ltd: (Deadline 2026-08-26)

RwandAir Ltd is the flag carrier airline of Rwanda, operating domestic and international services across East Africa, Central Africa, West Africa, Southern Africa, Europe and the Middle East, with its main base at Kigali International Airport.

As part of its expansion strategy, RwandAir is seeking qualified, experienced and competent candidates to fill the following position:

JOB TITLE: Head of Airside Operations

Department: Ground Services
Reports to: Director Ground Operations
Location: Kigali International Airport
Application Deadline: 26 August 2026

Job Purpose

The Head of Airside Operations will lead and direct RwandAir’s end-to-end Airside Operations to deliver safe, on-time, cost-efficient and customer-focused ground handling services.

The position will support RwandAir’s ambition to become a leading 4-Star carrier and regional hub of choice by setting strategic operating standards and performance benchmarks for ramp operations, baggage, load control, Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and airside safety.

The successful candidate will also build a high-performing leadership team capable of scaling operations sustainably, improving commercial performance and promoting a strong safety and service culture.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Responsibilities

• Translate RwandAir’s corporate and 4-Star transformation strategy into a multi-year Airside operating roadmap covering capacity, infrastructure, technology, talent and partnerships.

• Establish safety, quality and operational performance standards for all Airside activities in line with ICAO, IOSA, ISAGO, IATA AHM and RCAA requirements.

• Support RwandAir’s hub strategy at Kigali and the Bugesera transition by working with the Airport Operator, ATC, border agencies and OEMs to improve infrastructure, turnaround efficiency and operational readiness.

• Define and manage the Airside investment portfolio, including GSE fleet renewal, digitalisation, automation and sustainable ground operations.

• Develop the commercial strategy for third-party ground handling at Kigali and position RwandAir as a credible ground handling provider for other airlines operating at the hub.

• Champion a strong safety culture and SMS maturity through Just Culture, human factors and proactive risk management.

• Lead enterprise risk identification for Airside Operations.

• Integrate ESG, decarbonisation and sustainability commitments into the Airside operating model.

Operational Responsibilities

• Direct daily Airside Operations covering ramp, load control, baggage, aircraft turnaround and GSE.

• Ensure the achievement of Departure On-Time Performance (D-OTP), Ground Time Adherence and Baggage Mishandling targets.

• Take responsibility for the Airside P&L and ensure unit cost per turnaround, GSE utilisation and labour productivity meet or exceed budget and benchmark requirements.

• Oversee the implementation of Standard Ground Handling Agreements (SGHA), SLAs and KPIs with third-party providers, OEMs, regulators and airport authorities.

• Drive Operational Performance Review (OPR) governance through daily, weekly and monthly performance forums.

• Analyse KPI variances, identify root causes and ensure corrective actions are implemented.

• Lead operational readiness and recovery for IROPS, weather, security and emergency situations.

• Ensure the Airside contribution to the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) remains effective and regularly tested.

• Ensure full compliance with the Operations Manual, Ground Operations Manual (GOM), Aircraft Handling Manual and approved SOPs.

• Commission operational audits and ensure findings are closed within agreed timelines.

• Cascade KPIs and individual performance objectives to direct reports and frontline supervisors.

• Promote accountability and recognition through effective performance management.

Management and Leadership

• Establish departmental objectives and priorities aligned with RwandAir’s business objectives.

• Regularly evaluate departmental objectives, plans, procedures and practices and make improvements where necessary.

• Supervise employees and direct daily operational activities.

• Recruit, train, develop and manage employees to ensure high standards of service delivery.

• Develop employees and ensure effective succession planning.

• Build a high-performing leadership team capable of supporting RwandAir’s growth and transformation.

Personal Development

• Take responsibility for continuous personal development and professional growth.

• Keep up to date with market trends and developments in aviation and ground operations.

• Support RwandAir during emergencies or major operational disruptions affecting the airline or its subsidiaries.

Safety Responsibilities

• Ensure employees at all levels understand workplace health and safety requirements through appropriate induction, information, training, instruction and supervision.

• Ensure compliance with relevant safety, security, quality and environmental management policies and procedures.

• Ensure managers and supervisors understand their safety responsibilities and are able to communicate requirements to their teams.

• Take an active role in reported injuries, incidents, near misses and hazards to ensure appropriate reporting, investigation and corrective action.

Environmental Management

• Identify emerging issues and challenges arising from environmental legislation and global trends.

• Integrate environmental considerations into business strategy and management tools.

• Support enhanced business resilience and sustainable Airside operations.

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 position at a comparable airline or major ground handler.

• Demonstrable experience managing the P&L and budget of a major operational unit, with proven results in unit-cost and productivity improvement.

• IATA/ICAO Senior Management or Ground Operations qualification, such as an IATA Diploma in Ground Operations, AHM or SMS qualification.

• Hands-on experience with IOSA/ISAGO audit programmes and engagement with Civil Aviation Authorities.

• Experience leading multicultural and multi-shift workforces, preferably within a hub or major-airport environment.

• Experience related to the Bugesera transition is an advantage.

Preferred

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) or MSc Aviation Management.

• Lean/Six Sigma or equivalent operational excellence certification.

Job-Specific Skills

The ideal candidate should possess:

• Strong strategic aviation leadership, with commercial, regulatory and operational understanding across the Airside value chain.

• Deep knowledge of ICAO Annexes 6, 14, 17 and 19, IOSA, ISAGO, IATA AHM, SMS and Just Culture.

• Strong financial management skills, including P&L ownership, budget preparation, unit-cost management and capital investment business cases.

• Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills involving regulators, airport operators, OEMs, GHAs and labour representatives.

• Data-driven decision-making skills and familiarity with operational dashboards, ROC tools, DCS, BRS and GSE telemetry.

• Strong crisis and resilience leadership capabilities, with the ability to remain composed and decisive during IROPS and emergency situations.

• Strong people and culture leadership skills, including coaching, talent development, succession planning and change management.

• A digital and innovation mindset, with the ability to champion digitalisation, automation, predictive analytics and sustainable ground operations.

• English is essential; French and/or Kinyarwanda is preferred.

Job Dimensions

Organisational Accountability

• Local accountability with global impact.

Managerial and Supervisory Accountability

• Manages a department within a division.

• Supervises through other management personnel.

Leadership and Strategic Accountability

• Develops policies and sets strategic direction.

• Develops departmental strategy.

Financial Accountability

Operating Budget

• Full management of the operating budget.

• Operates within the department’s approved budget.

Expenses

• Approves expenditures within the applicable budget and authority.

Revenues

• Responsible for departmental revenue accountability.

Customer Accountability

• Interfaces with executive decision-makers.

Freedom to Act Independently

• Sets policies and objectives.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit the following documents:

1. Application letter addressed to the Chief HR & Administration Officer.

2. Recent Curriculum Vitae (CV).

3. Copies of notarised Degree/Diploma certificates.

4. Relevant professional certificates.

5. Copies of academic papers.

6. Photocopy of Passport or National ID.

7. Three referees.

All application documents must be submitted in PDF format only.

Application Deadline

26 August 2026

Apply Online

RwandAir e-Recruitment: https://erecruitment.rwandair.com/

Qualified and interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND APPLY