Area Manager – Ground Operations (Morocco, Spain & France)

About the role

The Area Manager leads and oversees airport operations across Morocco, Spain and France to ensure safe, efficient and compliant ground handling activities. The role supports regional strategy implementation and business plans aligned with Air Arabia’s operational, financial and customer service objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, implement and monitor regional strategies and business plans to optimise operational efficiency and ROI.
• Manage airport services procedures, ensuring compliance with quality, safety and regulatory standards.
• Prepare operating budgets, monitor expenditures and drive cost‑saving initiatives.
• Lead start‑up and operational readiness of new hubs, covering contracting, manpower, facilities, systems and training.
• Build and maintain relationships with airports, civil aviation authorities, GHAs and industry bodies.
• Negotiate and manage ground handling and customer service contracts.
• Conduct field visits, audits and performance reviews, analysing data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Partner with HR to set objectives, KPIs and provide coaching to station teams.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in aviation management, business administration or related field (Master’s degree advantageous).
• 5+ years progressive experience in ground operations, with at least 2 years in a managerial or multi‑station leadership role.
• Proven experience managing airport operations, GHAs and compliance with IATA, ICAO and GCAA standards.
• Commercial and cost‑awareness mindset with ability to link operations to ROI.
• Strong leadership, analytical and negotiation abilities.
• Willingness to travel extensively across the assigned regions.
• Moroccan nationality or residency is mandatory.

Required skills

• Proficiency in MS Office.
• Experience with operational management systems.