Director, Airport Operations (Gia Binh International Airport)

JOB PURPOSE

Lead GBIA’s operational strategy and readiness capability to ensure safe, efficient and resilient airport operations while enhancing passenger experience and long-term operational performance.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Airport operations leadership & Performance

• Lead the Airport Operations Directorate to ensure safe, efficient and customer-focused airport operations across all operational functions.
• Develop airport operational strategies, governance frameworks and performance objectives aligned with organisational priorities.
• Establish integrated operating models, decision-making frameworks and operational standards to strengthen operational excellence and resilience.
• Monitor operational performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, service quality and organisational outcomes.
• Ensure organisational capability, resources and operational structures remain aligned with current and future airport requirements.

Operational readiness, Certification & Emergency preparedness

• Lead airport operational readiness and ORAT programmes to ensure successful mobilisation prior to airport opening.
• Oversee airport operational policies, procedures and governance documentation supporting safe and compliant operations.
• Ensure compliance with aerodrome certification requirements, ICAO standards and Vietnamese aviation regulations.
• Direct airport emergency preparedness, contingency planning and business continuity programmes to strengthen operational resilience.
• Oversee operational trials, emergency exercises, audits and regulatory inspections, ensuring timely implementation of improvement actions.

Stakeholder management & Operational coordination

• Develop strategic relationships with aviation authorities, airlines, air navigation service providers and key operational partners.
• Strengthen collaboration across airport operational functions to ensure integrated operational performance.
• Represent Airport Operations in regulatory meetings, airline coordination forums and strategic stakeholder engagements.
• Lead cross-functional operational coordination during significant operational events and airport disruptions.

REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management, Airport Operations, Air Transport Management, Business Administration or a related discipline.
• Postgraduate qualifications in Aviation Management, Business Administration (MBA) or a related discipline are preferred.
• Strong academic foundation in airport operations, business management and international aviation standards.

Work Experience

• Minimum 15 years of experience in airport operations or a comparable aviation operational environment, including at least 8 years in senior operational leadership roles with responsibility for multiple operational functions.
• Demonstrated experience developing operational strategies, governance frameworks and performance management within an international airport or similarly complex operational environment.
• Proven experience leading Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT), airport mobilisation, airport start-up or major operational transformation programmes.
• Experience working with aviation regulators, government authorities, airlines and key airport stakeholders, with strong knowledge of airport certification, regulatory compliance and emergency preparedness.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, change management, stakeholder engagement and executive decision-making capabilities.

Certifications & Licenses

• Airport Operations, Aviation Management or equivalent professional qualification is preferred.
• Safety Management System (SMS) training certification.
• Airport Emergency Planning, Crisis Management or Business Continuity training is preferred.
• ORAT and Incident Command System (ICS) training or practical experience is advantageous.
• Meets Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) competency requirements for designated airport operational postholders, where applicable.