Manager AES – Training and Standards

The Manager AES – Training and Standards is responsible for leading the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of training, competency, and compliance functions within Airport Emergency Services (AES) Training across Abu Dhabi Airports. The role ensures AES personnel meet required standards of operational readiness, regulatory compliance, and professional development in line with GCAA, ICAO, and AD Airports’ frameworks.

Reporting to the Senior Manager Airports Emergency Services, the role holder maintains AES preparedness through structured training programs, a robust Revalidation of Competence (ROC) regime, and quality assurance systems. Additionally, the role supports departmental strategy, budget management, capability planning, and may act as AES Manager during periods of absence.

Responsibilities

Training Strategy & Delivery

• Implement and maintain AES training programs aligned with regulatory and operational requirements.
• Ensure structured, auditable training (initial and recurrent) aligned with GCAA and ICAO standards.
• Oversee training deployment across all AES staff categories.

Regulatory Compliance & Assurance

• Ensure full compliance with GCAA, ICAO, and other international standards.
• Establish/manage internal audits and self-assessments on training and certification.

Competency Management

• Oversee Revalidation of Competence (ROC) system.
• Monitor operational currency and ensure staff maintain required qualifications.

Policy, Procedure & Documentation

• Maintain standardized training manuals, SOPs, and assessment tools.
• Ensure version control and regular updates of documentation.

People Leadership & Performance

• Line manage the Senior Officer AES Training and team.
• Support departmental capability building, succession planning, and talent development.

Instructor Workforce Management

• Lead and manage Fire Service Instructor cadre.
• Standardize instructional delivery and ensure instructor competency.

Operational Readiness & Exercises

• Plan and execute live/simulated emergency exercises.
• Evaluate outcomes and lead improvement planning.

Quality Assurance & Audit Readiness

• Foster a compliance culture through internal QA and audits.
• Support readiness for external regulatory audits.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with GCAA, internal audit teams, and stakeholders.
• Represent AES in external and inter-agency meetings.

Technology & Innovation

• Promote modern/blended learning solutions (e-learning, simulation, digital tools).
• Recommend adoption of industry advancements.

Reporting & Budget Support

• Track training KPIs and compliance data; produce reports.
• Support budget preparation and expenditure tracking.

Project & Change Support

• Deliver training during transformation initiatives and new system rollouts.

Medical & Fitness Oversight

• Manage AES firefighter medical and fitness program.
• Coordinate with occupational health, HR, and line managers.
• Inform readiness and wellness strategies using assessment data.

Management Cover

• Act as AES Manager during absence, ensuring leadership and compliance continuity.

Safety & Environmental Responsibilities

• Comply with Safety Management System (SMS).
Support environmental sustainability and prevent pollution.

Requirements & Skills

Top Competencies

• Proven ability to develop and lead high-performing teams.
• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office, LMS, and reporting tools.
• Deep knowledge of GCAA and ICAO compliance standards.

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, or related field.
• Certifications in Fire Service Training and Incident Command Systems.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years relevant experience, including at least 3 years in senior training or compliance role.
• Extensive fire and rescue services background, ideally in aviation or high-risk environments.
• Proven experience managing structured learning and regulatory frameworks.