General Manager - Operations

Position Title: General Manager - Operations

Sector: Airports

Business/Function: MRO School of Aviation

Department/Sub Department: Aviation Academy

Location: Hyderabad

Reports To: CEO

Role Summary/Purpose:

The General Manager - Operations will be responsible for the overall operational management of the Aircraft Maintenance Training Organization, ensuring efficient delivery of regulatory and non-regulatory training programs, in compliance with DGCA/EASA and other regulatory requirements, optimal utilization of resources, financial discipline, stakeholder management, revenue generation and achievement of business objectives as per AOP. The role involves overseeing the training operations, infrastructure, faculty management, student services, quality standards, and organizational growth initiatives.

Key Accountabilities and Performance Indicators:

Training Operations Management:

- Oversee day-to-day operations of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME)/ Part-147 trainings

- Ensure smooth scheduling and execution of theoretical, practical, and On-the-Job Training (OJT) programs.

- Drive operational excellence across all training functions.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance:

- Ensure continuous compliance with all regulatory requirements and organizational procedures.

- Monitor corrective and preventive actions arising from audits.

- Liaise with regulatory authorities, auditors, and accreditation bodies.

Business & Revenue Management:

- Support revenue generation initiatives through effective operational planning.

- Optimize batch occupancy and training infrastructure utilization.

- Monitor operational costs and improve profitability.

- Develop operational strategies to support training business expansion.

- Coordinate with Business Development teams for Trainees onboarding and project implementation.

Faculty & Resource Management:

- Ensure proper manpower planning and workforce deployment as per AOP

- Identify training needs and organize capability development programs.

- Foster a performance-driven culture.

Student Lifecycle Management:

- Oversee admissions, onboarding, and student support services.

- Ensure timely resolution of student grievances.

- Enhance student learning experience and satisfaction.

Infrastructure & Facility Management:

- Ensure availability and maintenance of classrooms, workshops, labs, simulators, and practical training facilities.

- Monitor hostel, transportation, security, housekeeping, and other support services where applicable.

- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.

Financial & Administrative Control:

- Prepare AOP and manage operational budgets.

- EBITDA Contribution- Achievement against annual financial plan

- Monitor expenditures and implement cost optimization measures.

- Review vendor contracts and service agreements.

- Ensure compliance with procurement and financial policies.

- Track operational KPIs and MIS reporting

Stakeholder Management:

- Coordinate with MRO, Airlines, OEMs, Educational institutions, and Corporate customers.

- Manage relationships with regulatory authorities and industry partners.

- Represent the GSA in operational and industry forums.

- Oversee/ audit- service providers or suppliers (contractors, sub-contractors, vendors and 3rd party working teams) to ensure that company requirements and regulations are fulfilled.

Strategic Planning & Growth:

- Develop operational strategies for new training solutions.

- Support introduction of new technical and non-technical training programs.

- Participate in organizational planning and transformation initiatives.

- Drive digitalization and process improvement projects.

Interactions:

External: Airlines / MROs/OEMs, Govt and Semi-state bodies, Regulatory Bodies: DGCA, EASA, CAAB, Etc., Overseas Clients, Universities, Educational bodies

Internal: All Departments, Other Group Companies, Other relevant stakeholders

Dimensions:

Financial Dimensions: To meet AOP Targets, completion of approved admissions intake.

Other Dimensions: Manage the teams including Academic and non-academic staff, Liaison and connect with Regulatory Auditors, Trainees Management

Background, Skills and Qualifications:

Educational Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Aeronautical/Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical) or Aircraft Maintenance Engineering license

Relevant Industry/Sector Experience: Minimum 20 years of experience in Aviation Training, Aircraft Maintenance, MRO, Airline Operations, or Technical Training. Minimum 7-8 years in a leadership role and Administrative functions managing a large-scale operations. Experience in DGCA/EASA Part-147 training environments preferred. Proven experience in managing training functions and large teams.

Technical Competencies: Aviation Training / Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Training, Strategic Business Planning and Execution, Dealing with Parents / Guardians and others, Financial Management, Aviation Regulatory Compliance, Relationship Management with Regulatory Bodies

Behavioral Competencies: Stakeholder focus, Networking, Personal Effectiveness, Execution and Results, Teamwork and Interpersonal Influence, Strategic Orientation, Planning and Decision Making, Problem Solving and Analytical Thinking, Entrepreneurship, Capability Building, Social awareness