Safari Operations Controller

Job Purpose: Plan, co-ordinate, control, manage and develop the day-to-day
resourcing to bring to life our vision of providing a differentiated, customer
led quality service. Maximize utilisation of department and supplier resources
to deliver cost effective solutions and achieve budget. Monitor and maintain
service standards ensuring the company remains the market leader. Job Outline:
- Generic - Plan, co-ordinate and control all assignments including team
rostering, scheduling and working closely with resource planning to meet the
daily operational requirements enabling a smooth operation. - Monitor market
trends and recommend improvements to existing products and/or services offered
by the business. Work with the Operations Manager to develop new products and
initiative maintaining a competitive edge. - Ensure that the team is fully
staffed including recruitment of permanent approved vacancies and a pool of
temporary / freelancer staff to manage peaks and facilitate the operations of
large groups or special projects. - Comply with all government requirements
with regards to training and licensing for staff. Create and implement
training programmes to ensure that new and existing staff meet the required
performance standards. - Set performance objectives, review progress and
provide feedback to staff within the unit. Review and implement procedures to
improve productivity and performance. Effectively train, coach and mentor your
Team Leaders to empower them to deliver incredible holiday experiences and be
an award winning team. Effectively manage conflict, performance or conduct
issues to a successful conclusion. - Maintain an excellent relationship with
local authorities, senior government officials and suppliers in order to
enhance the company's image, gain special approval or permission related to
the unit and to maintain the business? edge over its competitors. Liaise with
and build relationships with relevant internal departments, ground handlers,
such as EK Network Control to understand their specific requirements, resolve
issues ensuring a positive result for our customer. - Implement the necessary
controls to monitor safety procedures set by the business and the Group Safety
Dept., in order to (i) minimise the company's exposure to accidents and
potential liability, (ii) comply with strict overseas consumer protection
laws, (iii) further improve the business image as a leading Service provider
in that respect. - Provide logistical support for any large conference
/incentive projects from start to finish. The jobholder may be required to
handle the co-ordination of the project independently or delegate some of the
tasks to the supervisors, whilst still maintaining the overall responsibility
for the operational aspects of the project. - Analyse information based on
statistical data and make recommendations on day to day and broader issues in
order to ensure that productivity and customer service levels are maintained.
Use gainfully all information provided to forecast requirements for resources
(staff/vehicles/equipment) in conjunction with service providers to ensure
minimal service failures. - Operations Controller Transport - Influence and
negotiate as required with the service providers, operating internal
departments (Reservations, Corporate, G&I, CSI etc.) and establish a coherent
day to day operation with a view to promote minimal service failures. -
Forecast and assess the requirements for the daily bus requirements for FIT
passengers and Group operations and provide the operating requirements to the
service provider. Ensure the required levels of transportation are achieved
through the evaluation of seasonal and daily schedules, passenger loads and
considering special operation events and ad-hoc movements. - Consolidate the
budgetary figures for the transportation needs and submit to Operations
Manager for appraisal. Manage the cost centre and budgets including overtime
for staff. - Consistently monitor vehicle allocation to best utilise AA fleet
of vehicle in a cost effective manner whilst maintaining quality service
level. - Operations Controller - Safaris - Ensure the best locations are being
used to deliver all AA products to maintain a competitive advantage, Have a
good working knowledge of functions of desert campsites with regards to day to
day operations, maintenance and on off road areas of the UAE and routes of
DDCR. - Research, understand the capabilities and recommend 4wd vehicles to
purchase/lease at competitive price ensuring the safety and quality of
customer satisfaction both internal and external. - Consistently monitor
vehicle allocation to best utilise AA fleet of vehicle in a cost effective
manner whilst maintaining quality service level. - Ensure and maintain the
health, safety and comfort of the client within the Safari operation.
Qualifications & Experience: Qualifications: Degree or Honours (‎12+‎3 or
equivalent) Experience : Commercial/Sales.Other ‎5+ Years Knowledge/Skills:
Experience commercial/ Sales/ Travel / Tourism Experience commercial/ Sales/
Travel / Tourism Knowledge/skills: - Detailed knowledge of the UAE, its
culture, heritage, local hotels, airport & visa procedures, tours, safaris and
the service industry. - An awareness of First Aid, safety procedures and
DTCM/DDCR/RTA regulations. - Preferred someone with a working knowledge &
understanding of ABTA and its rules - Good English language skills, both
written and verbal. - Computer literate and able to use Office Applications
such as Word, Excel and Outlook. - Proven ability to work independently with
minimum amount of supervision and strong communication skills. - Good
negotiating abilities with suppliers. - Ability to manage, motivate, coach and
develop multicultural teams. - Presentable with excellent time management
skills. - Logical and systematic problem solving and decision making skills. -
Should be available on call ‎24 hours to respond to any operational emergency
Other languages besides English: One or more of the following would be an
advantage. ‎1. Arabic written/spoken ‎2. French written/spoken ‎3. German
written/spoken Leadership Role: YES
Salary & Benefits: Join us in Dubai and enjoy an attractive tax-free salary
and travel benefits that are exclusive to our industry, including discounts on
flights and hotels stays around the world. You can find out more information
about our employee benefits in the Working Here section of our website
www.emirates.com/careers. Further information on what's it like to live and
work in our cosmopolitan home city, can be found in the Dubai Lifestyle
section.