Senior Baggage Handling / Cargo Manager

Job Summary

The Senior BHS & Cargo Systems Manager will hold end-to-end accountability for the design approval, procurement, installation, and rigorous testing of all BHS and cargo handling assets. This includes managing multi-disciplinary contractor interfaces, overseeing high-security baggage screening integrations, and directing operational handovers alongside airport operators, airlines, and ground agents.

Qualification

• Mandatory Educational Background: A formal University Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Systems Engineering is required.
• Professional Membership: Active membership in an accredited professional engineering body is highly preferred.
• Regulatory Design Competency: Deep familiarity with International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards (specifically AHM and IGOM frameworks), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements, and global security bodies including TSA and EU aviation security regulations.
• Linguistic Mastery: Flawless professional fluency in written and verbal English is essential.

Experience

Candidates must showcase a distinguished, progressive background in complex airport infrastructure delivery:

Specialist Systems Expertise & Longevity

• Aviation Project Tenure: A minimum of fifteen (15) years of direct, hands-on experience working on airport projects.
• BHS & Cargo Specialization: Documented, specific history overseeing the delivery of Baggage Handling Systems and/or specialized cargo handling system infrastructure.
• Deep Architectural Toolset: Advanced technical knowledge of specialized BHS technologies, including:
  • Tilt-tray and belt conveyor machinery.
  • Destination-coded vehicles (DCV).
  • Hold Baggage Screening / Explosive Detection Systems (HBS/EDS integration).
  • SCADA and specialized BHS programmable controls.
• Geographic Advantage: Prior professional experience working within Africa or comparable developing international markets is highly advantageous.

Interface Coordination & Handover Management

• Strong Interface Multi-Tasking: Exceptional interface management skills, with a proven ability to coordinate multiple civil, MEP, and special systems contractors simultaneously while managing airport operator requirements.
• Commercial Procurement Exposure: Experience managing technical procurement strategies, evaluating supplier bids, and structuring data-driven award recommendations.
• Operational Handover Execution: Proven history organizing operational readiness tracking, creating operator training programs, and managing complex asset handovers.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Governance & Procurement Strategy

• Act as Technical Authority: Function as the ultimate technical signing authority for all BHS and cargo handling systems from initial design review through to final operational handover.
• Evaluate Design Submissions: Review and formally approve comprehensive BHS/cargo design packages, including detailed system design reports, complex equipment specifications, and spatial layout drawings against IATA Level of Service standards.
• Steer Procurement Processes: Manage the targeted BHS procurement strategy, critically evaluating international supplier bids to provide objective technical award recommendations to leadership teams.
• Mitigate Technical Risks: Proactively maintain the official project BHS risk register, tracking and managing technical safety and operational risks through to full close-out.

On-Site Installation, Commissioning & Handover

• Oversee Installation Works: Supervise on-site BHS construction, directly managing critical interfaces across civil, MEP, and special systems contractors to ensure fully coordinated delivery tracking.
• Direct the Commissioning Program: Develop and manage the end-to-end BHS commissioning workflow, including Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and total integrated operational testing parameters.
• Align Airport Operators & Airlines: Coordinate directly with the airport operator regarding long-term operational requirements, staffing interfaces, and pre-opening readiness, while serving as the primary bridge to airline representatives and ground handling agents during testing phases.
• Govern Handover Documentation: Compile and manage high-value handover archives, including Operations & Maintenance (O&M) manuals, finalized as-built engineering drawings, long-term maintenance contracts, and comprehensive operator training programs.

Skills Required:

• Electrician / Electronics / Electrical / Engineering
• Mechanics / Mechanical / Engineering