Chief Operations Officer

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Kampala, Uganda (with oversight of all operational areas including outstations and Entebbe International Airport)

 

Relationships with:

Staff, Department Heads, Government Ministries, Agencies, Authorities, Foreign Missions, and Vendors

 

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO is responsible for managing the airline’s day-to-day operations with a focus on strategic, tactical, and short-term operational execution and continuous improvement of systems that deliver Uganda Airlines’ services. The role involves coordinating activities across Technical Services, Ground Services, Operations Control Centre, and Flight Operations, while maintaining close collaboration with the Commercial Department. The COO also deputizes the CEO.

 

Key Accountabilities / Responsibilities:

1.1 Safety, Security, Risk Management

• Ensure all policies are in place.
• Ensure policies are communicated.
• Ensure workable committees are in place for coordination.
• Ensure full policy implementation.
• Ensure monitoring of the functionality of the policies.
• Recommend adjustments to the policies.
• Ensure all safety records are stored, maintained, and updated regularly.
• Ensure UCAA is informed of any breaches as required by regulation.
• Liaise with departments to solve challenges related to safety and security.
• Assist operations staff to reduce or change risky and harmful lifestyle behavior.
• Ensure a safety and security register is in place.
• Ascertain that all potential risks are analysed and mitigation measures implemented.
• Train committee members to keep abreast with current aviation risk management practices.
• Recommend training for safety teams through HR.

 

1.2 Operations Strategy

• Work with all departments (Commercial, Engineering, Flight Operations, Ground Operations) to formulate a functional operations strategy.
• Develop an operations performance scoreboard (matrix) to measure progress.
• Regularly evaluate airline performance and make sustainable, meaningful recommendations with senior management.
• Benchmark against other airlines for best practice approaches.
• Set up operations review strategy meetings with key departments to update the CEO regularly.
• Implement the Four Disciplines of Strategy Execution training for the operations team.
• Periodically review airline performance by route, schedule, and other parameters for maximization.
• Work with outstations to ensure smooth operations and address challenges.

 

1.3 Budgets and Control

• Participate in the preparation of operational budgets in liaison with key departments.
• Ensure all expenses are in line with the budget and assist in expediting approvals.
• Ensure all financial accountabilities are accurate, timely, and ethical.
• Participate in regular budgetary reviews with relevant teams.

 

1.4 Operational Feedback Communication

• Maintain awareness and sound knowledge of operational developments, theory, and methods and provide feedback to Directors, Managers, and staff.
• Collect feedback from staff regarding operational improvements, promoting inclusive leadership.
• Display operations matrices and scorecards for staff awareness.
• Motivate and encourage staff participation in company-wide improvement initiatives.
• Work with Commercial and PR to ensure accurate information to external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Heads of Department in preparing board papers and defending airline initiatives.

 

1.5 Relationship Management

• Maintain strong relationships with regulatory bodies and Government Ministries, including IATA, ICAO, UCAA, and foreign missions.
• Ensure the airline benefits from strategic relationships to support business growth.

 

1.6 Compliance and Monitoring

• Work with Heads of Departments to ensure full operational compliance across the airline.
• Ensure all operations staff undergo mandatory training.

 

1.7 IT Systems Accuracy

• Work with the IT Department to ensure smooth and effective operational IT systems for passengers and staff.

 

Additional Duties

• Perform any other duties as may be required by the CEO from time to time.

 

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Experience):

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Aviation, Engineering, Business, or a related field (required).
• Minimum of 10 years’ senior management experience in the aviation industry.
• Previous experience as an airline COO, post-holder, or Accountable Manager is an added advantage.
• Relevant aviation training is desirable.
• Deep knowledge and experience in operational areas including flight operations, maintenance, safety, and operations management.
• Progressive leadership experience across one or multiple operational areas in a reputable airline or aviation organization, preferably within an LCC or international airline environment.
• Outstanding leadership capability with strong ability to manage large operational teams.
• Well-known and respected reputation within the airline industry.
• Proven success in leading operational units through a collaborative and team-oriented approach aligned with company goals.

 

Competencies:

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinking and execution capability.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Ability to drive performance and operational excellence in a complex environment.