Manager, ATC Operations

Position Summary:

The Manager, ATC Operations provides subject matter expertise in Air Traffic Control (ATC) procedures to Flight Operations and Dispatch, ensuring all flight activities are conducted safely, in full regulatory compliance, and with maximum operational efficiency. This role serves as a key advisor on domestic and international ATC requirements, supporting optimized airspace access and minimizing operational risk across the network.

Major Job Accountabilities:

• Provide expert Air Traffic Control (ATC) procedural guidance to Flight Operations and Dispatch, ensuring all flight releases comply with domestic and international air traffic regulations while maximizing operational efficiency and airspace access.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with global ATC facilities and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) to remain current on regulatory changes, reducing flight plan rejections, airspace violations, and ATC-related delays.
• Maintain advanced proficiency in dispatch systems including Flight Planning, Takeoff and Landing Performance, Weather Applications, and Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) communications to ensure legal, accurate, and performance-optimized flight releases.
• Analyze current ATC requirements against fleet Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) capabilities to define dispatch limitations, particularly during Minimum Equipment List (MEL) and Configuration Deviation List (CDL) scenarios, protecting compliance and preventing unauthorized airspace entry.
• Monitor future ATC modernization mandates (e.g., data link, Performance-Based Navigation (PBN), Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and assess impact to fleet capabilities, recommending procedural updates or equipment enhancements to ensure continued global operational access.
• Coordinate with ANSPs and airport authorities to optimize routings and flight levels, improving fuel efficiency, reducing block times, and enhancing on-time performance.
• Provide real-time operational support to the Global Control Center (GCC) during tactical ATC events including ground stops, flow restrictions, reroutes, and airspace closures, minimizing network disruption and protecting schedule integrity.
• Manage Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) System Wide Information Management (SWIM) and Eurocontrol Network Manager Business-to-Business (B2B) connectivity to ensure accurate, real-time Air Traffic Management (ATM) data integration into dispatch systems, improving situational awareness and decision-making.
• Oversee navigation database management and investigate pilot-reported discrepancies to ensure Flight Management System (FMS) accuracy and procedural compliance.
• Lead planning, documentation, validation, and implementation of Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) Airline Operational Control (AOC) software updates to maintain operational communication integrity and prevent system-induced dispatch errors.
• Develop and maintain Air Traffic Control (ATC) Operations Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within company manuals to ensure standardization, audit readiness, and alignment with regulatory requirements.

Performs other duties assigned simultaneously by Director, Performance Engineering.

Qualifications:

• Minimum BS or AS in Air Traffic Controller Program or equivalent years of experience
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the aviation industry, preferably within Flight Operation or Safety
• Background in ATC operations
• Dispatch or pilot license preferred
• Excellent proficiency in MS applications
• Software coding, including Python, APL coding proficiency preferred
• Strong analytical skills and communication skills
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize and cope with shifting demands
• Flexibility to adapt to a fast-paced environment
• Special demands: Minimum 10% travel required
• Must be flexible and able to work various hours and weekends

Skills:

• Exceptional communication skills (e.g., verbal, written, and listening), with the ability to communicate complex processes to internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision
• Critical thinking skills