Head of Ground Operations

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure Ground Operations is fully compliant with all applicable air law regulations and company procedures, liaising directly with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on matters concerning operational compliance and procedural changes
• Lead the safety culture and reporting structure across Ground Operations, integrating departmental risk analysis and oversight into ESAO’s formal Safety Management System (SMS)
• Provide regulatory oversight of the Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS), ensuring continuous monitoring and tracking of crew fatigue (FTL) to uphold operational safety standards
• Uphold Just Culture principles, initiating appropriate disciplinary or corrective action aligned with company standards
• Oversight of Training Management and maintenance of Part A records

• Work collaboratively on fleet management with Roster and Resource Manager, Flight Operations and Commercial teams to clearly define and communicate operational priorities, ensuring resource allocation and deployment strategies maximise support for customer requirements and mission success
• Oversee and manage the performance, compliance, and cost effectiveness of all external ground handling suppliers and airport companies in Malta and satellite locations
• Develop, document, and enforce comprehensive operational policies, procedures, and training programmes, guaranteeing the safe and efficient execution of all missions, including precise control of documentation and load control (weight and balance)
• Establish and maintain real time operational awareness of the current fleet status, location, maintenance state, and readiness projection at all times

• Develop, maintain, and execute formal mitigation and contingency plans for capacity gaps arising from unplanned operational disruptions, including Aircraft on Ground (AOG) events, crew unavailability, or unscheduled extended maintenance overruns
• Assume operational command of the Return To Service (RTS) process during high impact irregular operations, ensuring seamless coordination across functional lines
• Present formal mitigation and RTS strategies, including risk assessments and projected timelines, to Contract Managers and Department Leads for critical decision making and action
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of all actions taken during irregular operations to ensure future traceability and compliance

• Engage directly and proactively with Engineering and Maintenance leadership (CAMO) to coordinate resource allocation, maintenance scheduling, and aircraft preventive care
• Promptly communicate fleet status updates, operational priorities, and emergent technical constraints or risks observed during ground handling to the Contract Managers and senior leadership
• Provide regular analytical updates to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) on operational performance, continuous improvement initiatives, and strategic projects

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Extensive knowledge and experience in management and training
• Demonstrable expertise in European aviation regulations, including Safety Management Systems (SMS), Fatigue Time Limitations (FTL), and airworthiness liaison
• Proven ability to lead a team in a robust safety first culture
• Comprehensive knowledge of flight planning, aircraft configuration, and load control processes
• Practical knowledge of key software suites (Google suite and Microsoft) and experience with operational data platforms

Benefits

• Excels at demonstrating executive leadership and superior supervisory skills
• Proficient in strategic decision making and demonstrating effective Crew Resource Management (CRM) skills when leading the team and coordinating with deployed crews
• Possesses a proactive, analytical, and forward thinking approach to problem solving, consistently seeking creative solutions and continuous process improvement
• Ability to manage complex pressure and conflicting demands, accurately prioritising tasks and workload to meet strict operational deadlines
• Excellent organisational skills and highly effective communicator capable of engaging both individuals and wider, senior audiences