Senior Manager Airport Emergency Planning

The Senior Manager – Airport Emergency Planning is responsible for the development, management, and maintenance of the corporate emergency plan for Abu Dhabi Airport's operations, ensuring that all contingency measures are effectively incorporated.

This includes coordination of mutual-aid efforts, collaboration on the review, update, and implementation of emergency response protocols and processes with relevant stakeholders; development and delivery of training programs; design, implementation, and management of emergency facilities; and development and evaluation of emergency exercises.

The role ensures Abu Dhabi Airports maintains exemplary system-wide preparedness in alignment with international aviation best practices and compliance with GCAA CAR Part XI, CAR Part X Appendix 5, GCAA Safety Decisions , and the Communicable Disease Management Programme .

The incumbent also acts as the Airport Emergency Planning Postholder , providing strategic guidance and oversight of all emergency response processes to ensure compliance with GCAA regulations and Health Authority directives. The role requires leadership in developing a comprehensive, high-standard emergency response framework applicable across all ADAC airports.

Responsibilities

Decision Making

• Develop and implement risk-based emergency response best practices across all ADAC airports, interpreting GCAA and ICAO standards.
• Exercise partial independent judgment in executing responsibilities.
• Recommend actions to ADAC senior management during incidents or emergencies to minimize impact and risk.
• Provide decisions and recommendations to reduce risks and ensure inter-agency coordination during emergencies.

Planning

• Develop annual and quarterly plans for Airport Emergency Plan reviews and simulation exercises.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to update AEP protocols aligned with the Safety Management Systems Risk Register.

Communication

• Report directly to the ES&C General Manager.
• Liaise with ADAC senior management and external entities (Police, Civil Defense, Health Authorities, regional hospitals, airlines).
• Negotiate and gain commitment from stakeholders to adhere to emergency response roles and responsibilities.

People Management

• Recommend and evaluate training needs of subordinates.
• Conduct performance appraisals and recommend appropriate actions.

Operations

• Serve as Department Head for Airport Emergency Planning , managing staffing, budgeting, recruitment, training, and performance.
• Develop, implement, and manage emergency processes compliant with GCAA regulations, Health Authority directives, and SMS requirements.
• Oversee design, development, and maintenance of the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) and related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) .
• Manage Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) , Gold Command , and other emergency facilities.
• Act as EOC Support during actual emergencies, advising executive management on strategy and tactics.
• Design, implement, and manage emergency drills and exercises involving internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop a comprehensive Emergency Response Planning framework for all ADAC airports.
• Chair Aerodrome Emergency Committee meetings to coordinate and manage emergency plans.
• Promote collaboration among ADAC departments and government agencies; formalize agreements and MOUs for coordinated responses.
• Provide ADAC senior management with regular updates, guidance, and tactical direction on emergency response.
• Lead planning, coordination, and conduct of emergency simulation exercises to ensure preparedness.
• Develop protocols for the Incident Command System (ICS) including Mobile Command Post , EOC , and Gold Command .
• Deliver and oversee emergency response training and coaching sessions.
• Produce post-incident evaluation reports with recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Serve as EOC Advisor during real emergencies to support operational decision-making.
• Mentor and empower Airport Emergency Planning staff to achieve departmental goals and enhance performance.
• Conduct annual and bi-annual performance evaluations and manage departmental KPIs.
• Prepare and manage the annual budget for the Airport Emergency Planning department.
• Coordinate emergency-related Business Continuity protocols with the BCM Department.

Requirements & Skills

Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (minimum) in Aviation Management , Human Factors , Safety Management Systems , Business Continuity Management , or related disciplines.
• Diploma or Certificate in Aviation Emergency Response and Family Assistance preferred.
• Proficiency in Arabic and English (to university level).
• Equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of advanced education.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years of aviation industry experience , with significant exposure to operational environments, emergency planning, and crisis management.
• At least 8 years in managerial roles .
• Experience in project management, preferably in developing airport, airline, or government crisis/disaster response plans.
• Proven record in developing operational policies and procedures.

Technical Knowledge and Competencies

• In-depth understanding of GCAA and ICAO Regulations.
• Knowledge in Incident Command System (ICS) , Emergency Preparedness/Disaster Management , Family Assistance , Safety Management Systems , Human Factors , and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) .
• Training or certification in one or more of the following is an advantage:
• Audit/Quality Assurance
• Safety Management Systems (SMS)
• Business Continuity Management
• Crisis Communications
• Emergency Exercise Management

Core Competencies

• Leadership and communication skills
• Accountability and teamwork
• Passion and achievement orientation
• Empowerment and adaptability
• Strong negotiation and influencing abilities
• Strategic thinking and conceptual skills
• Professional credibility and relationship management within international aviation emergency networks