Planning Manager

Planning Manager

📍 Location: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi, Kenya

📄 Employment Type: Local Position

📊 Reporting Line:

• Direct: Managing Director
• Functional: Group Planning & Process Development Director
• 👥 Direct Reports: Planning Specialist

About the Role

A leading aviation cargo and ground handling organization is seeking a highly analytical and results-driven Planning Manager to lead planning, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives across Cargo Warehouse and Ground Handling operations.

This role is critical to ensuring optimal staffing, equipment utilization, cost control, and operational excellence across airport operations, in line with corporate targets and global planning standards.

Key Purpose of the Role

• Drive effective planning and continuous improvement across Cargo and Ground Handling services
• Plan, monitor, analyze, and report staffing, equipment, and operational performance against financial and operational targets
• Provide accurate, data-driven insights to support senior management decision-making

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Budgeting

• Define departmental objectives, strategies, activity plans, and budgets aligned with business goals
• Prepare and present annual budgets, quarterly forecasts, and business plans covering:
• Cargo tonnage
• Flight volumes
• Staffing requirements
• Equipment and Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
• Develop personnel and equipment plans using group-approved planning standards
• Present budgets and business plans for senior management approval

Performance Monitoring & Analysis

• Track and report cargo tonnage, flight numbers, staffing levels, and productivity against budget on a weekly and monthly basis
• Analyze variances and prepare performance reports for senior and station management
• Follow up on corrective actions to improve productivity and reduce deviations
• Coordinate performance target setting and ensure consistent tracking across stations

Systems, Costing & Data Management

• Monitor and audit effective use of WMS, ERP, Real-Time Resource Management Systems, and digital planning tools
• Ensure data accuracy, system integrity, and compliance with costing procedures
• Prepare average and marginal cost analyses for airline customers in coordination with Sales & Commercial teams
• Deliver ad hoc analysis and reports to support operational and financial decisions

Project & Process Management

• Lead projects related to new or enhanced operational processes
• Participate in local initiatives impacting personnel, infrastructure, and equipment
• Ensure project outcomes align with operational efficiency, safety, and financial objectives

People Management & Leadership

• Build, lead, and develop the Planning team through effective onboarding and training
• Set clear performance expectations and provide regular coaching and feedback
• Foster collaboration, accountability, and a high-performance culture
• Ensure alignment with company values, policies, and ethical standards

Compliance, Safety & Quality

• Ensure compliance with Management System Standards, including:
• ISO 9001
• ISO 14001
• ISO 45001
• ICAO Safety Management Systems (SMS)
• Promote a safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible working environment
• Ensure adherence to occupational health, safety, and environmental procedures
• Represent the organization in external stakeholder engagements when required

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree is an advantage)

Experience

• 5–7 years of relevant planning or operational experience
• Proven background within aviation, cargo, logistics, or ground handling environments

Language

• Advanced English (spoken and written)

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