Senior Manager Commercial Operations

The job based in United Arab Emirates

JOB PURPOSE/SUMMARY:

Sanad Aerotech is a leading global aircraft Engine MRO provider, generating >$2bn Revenues from more than 20 different OEM and Non-OEM customers across 4 Engine Types (Trent 700, V2500, LEAP and GEnx). The Senior Manager – Commercial Operations is responsible for leading and overseeing the operational commercial functions of Sanad Aerotech's Engine MRO Business including the functions of Account Management and Invoicing. The role provides strategic direction and operational governance across both functions, ensuring strong contract and customer relationship management, efficient coordination of Engine Shop Visits and accurate and timely invoicing to ensure financial success of the company in line with the agreed contracts. The Senior Manager directly manages the Teams for Account Management and Invoicing together with their respective teams, driving performance, compliance, and continuous improvement across all commercial operations. The role acts as a key interface between operational teams and senior leadership, ensuring alignment of commercial activities with the company's broader business objectives. Additionally, the Senior Manager plays a critical role in building team capability, maintaining high standards of service quality and fostering strong internal and external stakeholder relationships.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Strategic Leadership and Departmental Oversight

Provide strategic direction and operational oversight for the Invoicing and Account Management functions, ensuring both teams operate effectively and in alignment with departmental and organizational goals.

• Set clear performance objectives, KPIs, and service standards for the Invoicing and Key Account Management, conducting regular reviews to monitor progress and drive accountability.
• Lead workforce planning, talent development and succession planning activities across both functions.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, identifying and implementing process enhancements to increase efficiency, accuracy and customer satisfaction.
• Represent the Commercial Operations function in senior leadership discussions, contributing to strategic planning and business development initiatives.
• 2. Invoicing Function Oversight
• Internal (Restricted)
• Oversee the end-to-end invoicing process, ensuring timely and accurate invoice preparation in compliance with contractual obligations, billing standards, and company procedures.
• Review and approve escalated billing disputes, complex reconciliation issues and non-standard invoicing scenarios that require senior-level resolution.
• Ensure invoicing systems, ERP platforms, and Microsoft Office tools are utilized effectively and that data integrity is maintained across all billing activities.
• Collaborate with the Finance department to ensure accurate financial reporting and reconciliation of invoiced amounts.
• Monitor invoicing team performance metrics and implement corrective actions where necessary to maintain operational standards.
• 3. Account Management Function Oversight
• Oversee the Key Accounts function, ensuring optimal management of OEM and Non-OEM accounts, with a focus on performance, profitability, retention and customer satisfaction.
• Guide the Key Account Managers in developing and executing account growth strategies, including upselling and cross-selling opportunities aligned with company objectives.
• Review financial analyses related to Engine Shop Visits, ensuring accuracy in labor and material cost assessments and alignment with contractual terms.
• Support the resolution of complex customer challenges, serving as a senior escalation point for key account issues.
• 4. Stakeholder Engagement and Cross-functional Collaboration

Serve as the primary commercial operations interface with senior internal stakeholders including Finance, Engine Line Operations, Engineering & Operations Support, Supply Chain, and Logistics.

• Lead or participate in cross-functional meetings and steering committees to ensure alignment on billing practices, account management protocols, and operational priorities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key external customers and partners, ensuring a deep understanding of their needs and expectations.
• Collaborate with the Director – Commercial & Sales to report on commercial operations performance and contribute to business strategy.
• 5. Financial Performance and Reporting

Monitor and report on key financial and operational metrics for both the Invoicing and Account Management functions, providing regular updates to the Director – Commercial & Sales.

• Identify risks and opportunities related to commercial operations performance and develop mitigation or improvement plans accordingly.
• Oversee the preparation of management reports, dashboards, and ad hoc analyses as required by senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial controls, audit requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.

QUALIFICATIONS,

• Minimum Qualifications: (Education / Certification / Licensure / Professional Membership)
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics or a related discipline. Master's degree (MBA or equivalent) is preferred.
• Minimum Experience:
• Minimum 10 years of experience in commercial operations or account management, preferably within the Aviation or Aero Engine MRO industry.
• At least 5 years of progressive leadership experience, including management of multi-functional or cross-departmental teams.
• Demonstrated experience in overseeing invoicing operations and/or key account management within a complex technical or MRO environment.
• Familiarity with V2500, Trent700, LEAP, and GEnx engine platforms is an advantage.
• Job Specific Competencies:
• Strategic Leadership: Ability to lead, inspire, and develop multi-functional teams while aligning operations with organizational strategy.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of commercial operations, aviation MRO industry dynamics and revenue/cost management principles.
• People Management: Demonstrated ability to manage, coach, and develop team leaders and their respective teams, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Customer Relationship Management: Ability to manage and nurture strategic customer relationships, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and long-term partnership.

Financial and Analytical Skills: Proficiency in financial analysis, reporting, and cost management related to invoicing and MRO shop visits, including labor and material cost review.

Invoicing and contractual Knowledge: Strong understanding of complex Pricing models such as T&M, Fixed and NTE Prices, Invoicing processes and principles, ERP/billing systems, and regulatory compliance requirements.

Cross-functional Collaboration: Strong ability to work across multiple departments (Finance, Operations, Engineering, Logistics, Supply Chain) to align priorities and resolve issues.

• Communication and Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to senior stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Ability to analyze complex operational and commercial challenges, develop effective solutions, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• MRO Technical Understanding: Strong knowledge of Aero Engine Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul processes to oversee billing accuracy and account execution.
• Organizational and Time Management Skills: Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple functions and deliver results within defined timelines.
• Intercultural Intelligence: Ability to effectively interact with and manage individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds in an international aviation environment.