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.

Operating from the north of the country, dnata Iraq operates from Erbil with a team of over 300 employees serving close to 2 million passengers every year. It provides a full suite of on-ramp and off-ramp services including cargo management, ground handling, and travel services.

As the Head of Operations, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across all ground handling functions, including Ramp Operations, Customer Services, Technical Services, and Support Services. You will ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective service delivery in full compliance with regulatory requirements, airline SLAs, industry standards, and company procedures, while driving operational excellence, resource optimization, and continuous improvement. The role also plays a key part in fostering a strong culture of safety, teamwork, and customer focus across the operation.

In this role, you will

• Oversee Ramp Operations, Customer Services, Technical Services, and Support Services to ensure safe, efficient aircraft turnaround and high-quality service delivery.
• Lead, mentor, and manage duty managers and leadership teams to drive consistent operational performance and customer outcomes.
• Define and implement departmental strategies, policies, systems, and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Drive operational excellence by delivering agreed service levels to airlines and customers while optimizing cost, resources, and productivity.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams, airport authorities, airline partners, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with SLAs, policies, and operational changes.
• Lead and deliver operational and improvement projects on time, within scope, and within budget, focusing on safety, efficiency, and service enhancement.
• Champion safety as a core value by role modelling safe behaviours, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvement in collaboration with QHSE.
• Set clear performance objectives, manage performance, and provide regular feedback, coaching, and development to maximize team capability.
• Drive dnata’s Vision, Mission, and Values across all leadership and people practices, acting as a role model for professional and customer-focused behaviour.
• Partner with HR on performance management, reward and recognition, and talent management to build a high-performance culture and ensure succession readiness.

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

• Bachelor's degree and 8+ years’ experience in airport operations with a ground handling agent including at least 6 years in a managerial role
• Thorough knowledge of Operations and Technical Services, including international systems, standards, and procedures
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies, with advanced IT and computer literacy skills
• Holds any relevant professional or trade licences required for the role

This is a Safety Sensitive Role involving

• Working in noisy environments
• Operating in areas with motorised mobile equipment
• Exposure to extreme temperature conditions

At Emirates Group, we’re committed to providing our employees with opportunities to grow and develop in their careers. So if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, apply today and join our team!

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.

Join our growing team and enjoy a competitive remuneration package. Find out more about working with us in our website www.emirates.com/careers