Contracts Manager, dnata - Emiratisation

dnata is more than a global air and travel services provider. We connect people with possibilities and opportunities across 130+ airports in 34 countries through ground handling, cargo, travel, and catering & retail services. Our purpose is clear: to deliver on the promises our customers make. We are powered by a bold vision to be the world’s most admired air and travel services provider, which guides our strategy, culture, and every role across our teams. Our core values fuel everything we do: we are safe, we play to win, we respect everyone and work together as a team, and we are future thinking. At dnata, we foster diversity, nurture ambition, and celebrate achievement. If you're inspired by purpose and motivated to be part of a global team shaping the future of aviation and travel, we’d love to have you onboard.

As a Contracts Manager within dnata Business Support, you will be accountable for the Contract Management portfolio, including contracting new and existing vendors, end‑to‑end vendor management, and ensuring compliance with dnata’s safety, quality, and training standards. You will lead a team to ensure effective engagement with providers and seamless support to operations, including continuous review of processes and timely resolution of issues. This is a full time role based in our office in Dubai.

In this role, you will:

• Set an annual plan for vendor contract management against divisional requirements, including consolidation of all contract management into a single, central department.
• Work with Resource Planning, HR, and business stakeholders to define requirements for outsource manpower, including identifying relevant job roles to outsource, agreeing contractual terms/performance criteria, and defining supporting administrative processes.
• Evaluate and negotiate all agreements, reviewing implications, commitments, and guiding operational areas on agreement terms to protect the interests of the business.
• Ensure standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions are aligned with regulatory requirements, training, and department practices.
• Liaise with internal Group departments (Legal, P&L, Insurance, Finance) to ensure agreements comply with Group standards.
• As part of the dnata Business Support Management Team, champion a culture of open communication, clear direction, accountability, collaboration, and performance management aligned with dnata’s vision, mission, and values.
• Define performance objectives for direct reports and cascade objectives throughout the team structure.
• Develop the vendor management scorecard, defining SLAs and performance metrics to track vendors against contract terms.
• Provide recommendations and escalations to the Executive Team to manage disputes and risks in the organisation’s best interest.
• Manage a contract repository and ensure all internal stakeholders receive appropriate communication and education on final, agreed contract versions.
• Ensure contract extensions and renewals are completed in a timely manner and that contract expiry and legal terms are adhered to.
• Ensure outsource management providers maintain processes aligned to dnata’s strict safety and quality standards.
• Oversee efficient administrative processes for contract management, including time and attendance tracking, invoicing, payment, approvals, document storage, and performance KPI monitoring.
• Facilitate communication and consultation programmes with vendors to anticipate business requirement changes, performance issues, payments, risks, and concerns.
• Manage the process to assure outsource providers against contractual standards, including site visits to inspect accommodation, transport, training, or document management activities.
• Follow up on operational issues, customer complaints, and departmental disruptions, recommending and tracking appropriate actions.

To be considered for this role, you must meet the below requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent
• 8+ years of work experience in the ground handling industry
• Demonstrated experience in contract management within a large organisation, including working within a safety and quality framework
• Strong commercial and financial acumen
• In‑depth knowledge of ground handling operations and functional areas
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Proficient communication skills with the ability to effectively engage and influence external stakeholders
• Proficiency in MS Office suite of products

You will have an edge if you have:

• Strong relationship and communication skills, including the ability to handle challenging supplier discussions
• Experience managing large contract values (circa USD 300+ million)
• Comfort working with data-driven tools and reporting platforms

At dnata, part of the Emirates Group, we are committed to providing our employees with opportunities to grow and develop in their careers. So if you're looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, apply today and join our team.

dnata, part of Emirates Group, is an international organisation with employees from over 170 nationalities, and we encourage applications from across the globe. Your application journey begins by applying via the Emirates Group Careers website. Please ensure your CV is up to date for our talent acquisition team to review your profile.If you meet the criteria for the role, you may be invited to complete an initial assessment or video interview. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to interview with hiring managers. If you are successful, your recruiter will contact you with an offer, and our Onboarding team will ensure a smooth transition into your role at Emirates Group.

Discover what it’s like to live and work in our fast‑paced, cosmopolitan home city in the Dubai Lifestyle section of our website www.emirates.com/careers.

Join us in a management role and enjoy an attractive tax‑free salary. On top of our generous travel benefits, including discounted flights and hotel stays around the world, this managerial role also includes an excellent leave and healthcare package. That’s in addition to transport benefits, life insurance, and more.