Airport Operations Systems Lead

About the role

A contract role for an Airport Operations Systems Lead, based in Dubai, for a leading multinational client. The lead oversees the implementation, integration and operational management of critical airport systems across terminal operations, airfield operations and baggage handling, while driving the adoption of AI and ML-powered capabilities for smarter decision-making and optimized passenger flows. The contract has an initial duration of 14 months and is renewable.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design, deployment and integration of systems for terminal operations (check-in, boarding, gates), airfield management (AODB, resource management, surveillance) and baggage handling (BHS, BRS, baggage track and trace).
• Define technical and operational requirements aligned with airport strategy, safety standards and capacity planning.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders, consultants and solution providers to deliver systems on time, within scope and to performance benchmarks.
• Oversee daily performance and reliability of systems for uninterrupted 24/7 operation.
• Develop SOPs, incident response protocols and business continuity strategies.
• Coordinate with AOCC, IT, baggage operations and airside teams for real-time situational awareness.
• Introduce AI, machine learning and predictive analytics, and automation and cloud-based architectures.
• Ensure interoperability across security, passenger services, baggage and flight operations, and lead upgrades and migrations in line with cybersecurity and compliance.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Technology or Aviation Management; Master's preferred.
• 10 years of experience in airport systems or aviation IT, including leadership of large-scale technology implementations.
• Proven track record in passenger processing, self-service technologies and biometric integrations.
• Familiarity with IATA, ICAO and ACI standards and ITIL.
• Excellent communication skills; English is essential, Arabic is a plus.

Required skills

• Terminal systems: CUTE/CUPPS, CUSS, FIDS, BRS, security screening
• Airfield systems: AODB, RMS, surface movement, airport surveillance, GMS
• Baggage systems: BHS, SCADA, integration with airline DCS and BRS
• Experience designing or implementing AI/ML-enabled systems