Job Purpose:

Plan and direct the day to day safari operations to ensure that adequate staffing levels are in place to meet operational requirements and that quality and safety standards are maintained to meet the highest levels of customer service. Research and contribute to the development of new routes and products and support business activities to ensure safari operations can meet changing market needs and keep pace with the development of Arabian Adventures as a market leader for safaris in the UAE.

Job Outline:

• Manage the roster planning and scheduling team, doing employee and vehicle allocation on a daily basis, ensuring the skill and experience of Safari Guides match the requirement of the tours. Identify, resolve allocation issues and proactively plan and co-ordinate all resources effectively.
• Conduct market research in relation to tours and safaris within the UAE, review customer feedback and investigate complaints to identify and recommend improvements to existing routes and products. Contribute to the development of new initiatives in collaboration with the Operations Controller.
• Assist and accompany special groups (i.e. TV crews, photographers) and adhoc client inspections advising them on bespoke tours, scenic spots and locations, in collaboration with Meetings, Incentives and Events (MIE) team. Coach and develop a team of Safari Operations Supervisors to work on the MIE area of business enabling them to deliver services to meet the needs of special groups and clients.
• Improvise and maintain the Safari and Camp Operations Manual which covers all areas of operations, ensuring all information related to procedures, products, routes and safety is current and accessible. Conduct regular spot checks on convoys and address any deviation from standard operating procedures.
• Recruit and maintain a freelance team of Safari Guides and Drivers
• Ensure training needs in relation to customer service, first aid and safety are met. Provide one-to-one training on dune driving and product knowledge in liaison with the Safari Operations Supervisor ensuring compliance in line with safety standards.

FIELD OPERATIONS

• Review and monitor all vehicles to ensure their working condition and cleanliness (interior and exterior) is at a high standard. Organise timely vehicle servicing and replacement in co-ordination with suppliers and monitor daily vehicle utilisation ensuring fuel economy is maintained.
• Co-ordinate activities at the camp in collaboration with the Senior Camp and Catering Assistant to ensure store items, equipment and surroundings are maintained to a high standard in-line with client expectations and the service standards defined by the business.
• Conduct daily briefings with the Safari Guides and Senior Camp and Catering Assistant to ensure that a high level of customer service and safety is maintained by operational staff and provide feedback on any issues to the Operations Controller.

ADMINISTRATION

• Process the costing of all event orders for the MIE team along with ADHOC desert events whilst ensuring the most competitive rates from third party suppliers.
• Respond to and investigate Irregularity Reports (IR?s) and ensure that all staff are aware that any incident is reported via the IR procedure within 24 hours of occurrence.
• Monitor fleet usage of in-house vehicles versus outsourced vehicles and deliver an annual audit report with recommendations on optimal fleet size for the business whilst taking into account the need to maintain profitability.
• Co-ordinate the completion of performance reviews across the safaris team, ensure disciplinary and capability processes are adhered to and maintain all employee paperwork and files in close liaison with Human Resources.

Qualifications & Experience

• Hospitality / Tour / Field Guides: 5+ Years
• Degree or Honours: 12+3 or equivalent

Knowledge/skills:

• Experience of safaris, tours, knowledge of the tourism sector and safari operations within the UAE, of which one year should be at supervisory level.
• Detailed knowledge of Northern Emirates (off road routes). Experience in managing websites and other online business operations, and safari products will be an added advantage
• Good knowledge of UAE, its culture, heritage, wildlife, local hotels and service industry Knowledge of first aid and safety procedures
• Excellent knowledge of mechanical aspects of a 4WD vehicle
• Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• Valid UAE driver's license

Leadership Role: YES
Safety Sensitive Role: Yes
Details of Safety Sensitive role: Yes/No
Contact with contaminations materials (Humans/Animals/Chemicals): Yes
Work in heat: Yes
Driving a vibrating equipment: 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. Further information on what’s it like to live and work in our cosmopolitan home city, can be found in the Dubai Lifestyle section. Whatever role you are interested in, we offer a competitive total pay and benefits package. With the diverse range of the opportunities within the Emirates Group this package varies from role to role to ensure that we attract and retain the talent we need to continue our success.

The details below give a flavour of the benefits we offer for generic Dubai based roles, but please check with our Recruitment Specialists to find out which will be applicable to the role you are interested in, especially if this is outside Dubai or with dnata.

Alternatively please review the benefits in each of the specific careers sections.

Fixed Compensation for Dubai based roles

• Competitive base salary, paid tax free and reviewed annually
• Accommodation or a cash alternative
• Transport or a cash alternative

Variable Compensation for Dubai based roles

• Role specific allowances – payable to those in specialist roles or who have specialist skills
• Eligibility for the Emirates Group Profit Share scheme – an annual scheme that pays out to all eligible colleagues if the Group profit target is exceeded

Benefits (contractual)

• Medical insurance; Life insurance; Personal accident / Workmen’s Compensation – insurance to ensure you are appropriately covered for medical treatment, emergencies and accidents whilst employed by the Group.
• Education Support Allowance – assistance with the cost of your eligible children’s education in Dubai or abroad, applicable to eligible grades only.
• Annual leave – a minimum of 30 calendar days per year.
• Annual leave travel – a return ticket home each year, paid for by the Group.
• End of Service Benefit - a gratuity payment at the end of your service with the company which increases with your length of service.
• Pension Scheme – a retirement savings plan, applicable to eligible grades and nationalities only.

Benefits (non-contractual)
Emirates Group Staff Travel – enables you, your family and friends to travel the world at discounted rates on Emirates Airline and selected other airlines.

Emirates Platinum Card – enables you to benefit from discounts on shopping, dining, entertainment, services, leisure and hotels from 1000’s of retailers in Dubai and around the world.

Our culture and diversity

The Emirates Group has a lot in common with Dubai. The languages, cultures and ethnic backgrounds that make up our group help us innovate and grow our business in exciting ways. For example, Emirates was the first to introduce onboard showers. We also believe that the customer experience we offer is really different. And of course, safety is paramount – it’s there in everything we do. In the Middle East, dnata was one of the earliest adopters of electric ramp vehicles and ‘smart’ battery charging. We have also introduced Vaculex loading aids in Dubai, which are safer for staff and more cost effective for customers.

Our initiatives

Our whole industry is committed to reducing aviation’s carbon footprint. As a group, we want to go further than that – and make sustainability and eco-efficiency the cornerstones of all group operations in the air, and on the ground. We go further than making a difference within the industry. At dnata4good, we come together to reach out and support children in need and endangered wildlife all around the world. The Emirates Airline Foundation is another way we are actively working towards creating a better world for children. We provide life-changing medical treatment, clean water and educational opportunities.

Additional Requirements

• Valid UAE driver's license
• knowledge of Northern Emirates