VP UAE Technical Services, dnata

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 Vice President UAE Technical Services, you will lead and direct the Technical Services department for dnata UAE Airport Operations. You will define and implement strategic plans to deliver set objectives and continuous improvement in the key areas of maintenance regimes, spares procurement, inventory management, service delivery, controllable costs, employee satisfaction and engagement, and safety.

dnata is the sole ground handling provider for Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). In this role, you will lead a large, multi-disciplinary technical services function operating across multiple facilities in support of passenger and cargo operations across dnata UAE. The function plays a critical role in enabling dnata's environmental strategy through fleet transformation and alternative fuel initiatives, while also driving the innovation agenda through the testing and deployment of autonomous ground handling technologies and future-focused operational solutions. The role will be based in our Dubai headquarters, with duty travel required.

In this role, you will:

• Define and execute the Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and Technical Services strategy aligned to dnata's objectives, ensuring robust governance frameworks, policies, and compliance with regulatory, safety, and operational standards.
• Champion a proactive safety culture and ensure full compliance with all safety and environmental requirements, while driving continuous improvement in service reliability, maintenance performance, and operational efficiency.
• Lead the end-to-end management of the GSE fleet, optimising utilisation, maintenance standards, and total cost of ownership, aligned with original equipment manufacturer and industry best practices.
• Own the function's financial performance, including budgeting, cost control, and revenue generation, driving efficiency and identifying new commercial opportunities.
• Oversee procurement, spares, and inventory strategies to ensure optimal availability, cost efficiency, and effective working capital management.
• Build and manage strategic relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners, representing dnata in key forums and ensuring alignment between operational needs and GSE solutions.
• Actively embody, promote, and advocate the organisation's core values in all interactions, decisions, and work practices, and serve as a role model for ethical behaviour, integrity, and a values-driven culture, fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace.

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

• A minimum of 12 years of experience in Airport Operations within an international airline or ground handling organisation, of which at least 5 years of experience in positions of progressively increasing management responsibility.
• An attested Bachelors’ degree or an additional 3+ years relevant vocational experience
• Demonstrated experience in the aviation sector, with accountability for a technical services function or GSE fleet
• Proven ability to lead large-scale transformation and drive change within a complex, regulated operational environment.
• Strong knowledge of modern maintenance methodologies, sustainable fleet management practices, and emerging technologies shaping the future of aviation ground operations.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, supported by a data-driven approach to decision-making and performance management.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships across airline customers, executive leadership teams, suppliers and industry networks.
• A recognised leader who role-models organisational values, fosters a high-performance culture, and inspires teams to deliver sustainable business outcomes through engagement, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Experience in the Middle East aviation sector is preferred but not essential

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.

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