Regional CEO dnata Airport Operations, Americas

dnata is more than a global air and travel services provider. We connect people with possibilities and opportunities across 130+ airports in 34 countries through ground handling, cargo, travel, and catering & retail services. Our purpose is clear: to deliver on the promises our customers make. We are powered by a bold vision to be the world’s most admired air and travel services provider, which guides our strategy, culture, and every role across our teams. Our core values fuel everything we do: we are safe, we play to win, we respect everyone and work together as a team, and we are future thinking. At dnata, we foster diversity, nurture ambition, and celebrate achievement. If you're inspired by purpose and motivated to be part of a global team shaping the future of aviation and travel, we’d love to have you onboard.

As Regional CEO dnata Airport Operations you will be accountable for the delivery of business and strategic objectives for dnata Airport Operations portfolio across the Americas Region. These accountabilities include regional operational, commercial, financial, and business development performance in alignment to Airport Operations (AO) divisional and onednata strategy.

In This Role, You Will:

• Be responsible for formulating and executing both long and short-term regional strategies, ensuring alignment with dnata AO global strategy as outlined by the CEO dnata Airport Operations.
• Maintain a minimum three-year planning horizon in accordance with the Medium-Term Plan (MTP), while effectively and efficiently deploying resources and manpower to optimise operational performance.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships by partnering and engaging with key internal and external stakeholders to drive customer satisfaction and achieve excellence.
• Act as a representative of One dnata, fostering collaboration with local and global customers, airports, and authorities.
• Monitor and evaluate business performance against agreed metrics, including financial, operational, people, safety, quality, and sustainability, whilst supporting Business Leaders in implementing effective corrective actions where necessary. Proactively identify opportunities for continuous improvement in the company's performance and product or service offerings.
• Ensure business activities are conducted in compliance with the dnata Way governance framework and all applicable local and international laws, regulations, standards, and rules. Act in the company's best interests at all times, ensuring decisions are made within authority limits and supported by appropriate due diligence and risk analysis.
• Maintain and drive profitable business growth within the region. Innovate and seek to introduce new products or service offerings that support business growth and customer needs, including engaging other dnata divisions with one dnata opportunities and initiatives.
• Proactively diagnose problems and oversee the resolution of these. Drive creative problem solving for unexpected or challenging problems.
• Keep abreast of industry trends and best practice, ensuring product and services offering is aligned. Attend major industry forums, exhibitions, and conferences.
• Prioritise safety in all decision-making, serving as a role model for safety behaviours and holding direct reports accountable for adhering to dnata’s safety standards and best practices.
• Establish clear, measurable objectives for direct reports at the functional or departmental level, aligned with dnata’s framework and processes. Drive accountability for performance while providing the necessary support and resources to enable success.
• Act as a member of the Board of Directors for the assigned region, as required.
• Use systems and data to develop insights that will support the decision-making process to proactively define actions that will drive business efficiency and success in areas such as: financial projections and scenario planning for the selection and execution of strategic initiatives and business development opportunities; driving profitability of contracts and services through pricing and commercial tools; identification of underlying root causes for operational performance and resource planning inefficiencies to establish targeted improvement programmes, etc.

To be considered for the role, you must meet the below requirements:

• A degree or honours qualification is required; possession of an MBA is desirable.
• A minimum of 15 years of experience in Airport Operations within an international airline or ground handling organisation, of which at least 6 years in a senior leadership role is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in greenfield projects or business start-ups would be an advantage.
• The role will be based in our Dubai headquarters, with frequent travel to the Americas required.
• Fluency in Spanish and Portuguese is advantageous.

Recruitment Process and Timeline

Emirates Group is an international organisation with employees from over 170 nationalities, we encourage applications from across the globe. Your application journey begins by applying via the Emirates Group Careers website. Please ensure your CV is up to date for our talent acquisition team to review your profile. If you meet the criteria of the role, you will then be invited to complete a HireVue video interview, to share more about your experience and your career aspirations. If you are shortlisted, you will then be invited to interview with our hiring managers. If you are successful, your recruiter will reach out to you with an offer and then our Onboarding team will ensure a smooth transition to your new role at Emirates Group.

Salary & benefits

Join us in a management role and enjoy an attractive tax-free salary. On top of our generous travel benefits, including discounted flights and hotel stays around the world, this managerial role also has an excellent leave and healthcare package. That’s on top of transport benefits, life insurance and more. Find out what it’s like to live and work in our fast-paced, cosmopolitan home city in the Dubai Lifestyle section of our website www.emirates.com/careers