Business Head - Fuel Farm Operations

Business Head – Fuel Farm

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Process Optimization:

Develop demand forecasting models based on flight schedules, seasonal trends, and airline needs to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply.

Align fuel farm operations with the airport’s growth strategy and master plan to support infrastructure expansion and increased flight operations.

Identify opportunities for fuel farm automation, energy savings, and process optimization to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

Fuel Farm Operations Efficiency:

Oversee the entire fuel storage and delivery network to ensure seamless operations across all airports.

Review and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maintain seamless operations with zero service deviations.

Establish and oversee procedures for fuel sampling, stock rotation, and fuel quality testing, ensuring compliance with JIG standards.

Ensure adequate manpower to handle current operations and future growth, with a focus on continuous skill development and workforce optimization.

Inventory and Budget Planning:

Develop and manage the annual fuel farm budget, ensuring cost efficiency in procurement, storage, and operational activities.

Oversee fuel stock levels, monitor dead stock, and oversee the inventory rotation process to maintain quality.

Keep a track on fuel usage metrics to minimize discrepancies and fuel losses.

Safety and Regulatory Compliance:

Ensure compliance with aviation fuel quality standards (JIG, EI/API standards), DGCA regulations, and ICAO guidelines., including IATA, ICAO, DGCA and environmental regulations.

Conduct periodic safety audits and quality assurance to ensure continuous compliance.

Stakeholder Coordination and Relationship Management:

Build strong relationships with key stakeholders including airlines, ground handlers, oil companies, ATC, and airport management.

Work with procurement teams and evaluate and assess vendor performance to maintain an uninterrupted fuel supply chain.

Team Leadership and Development:

Lead, mentor, and develop the fuel farm operations team, ensuring that employees are trained in fuel handling protocols, safety standards, and technical procedures.

Foster a culture of continuous improvement by implementing performance management systems and employee development programs.

Emergency Preparedness and Response:

Develop and regularly test fuel farm contingency plans to handle spills, fuel contamination, and equipment malfunctions.

Coordinate closely with ARFF and emergency response teams to Implement and maintain robust spill prevention and fire suppression systems to ensure operational continuity.

Conduct mock drills to evaluate the team’s preparedness for operational and safety emergencies.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

Ensure real-time monitoring and management of fuel systems.

Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as fuel throughput, downtime, and inventory accuracy to improve performance.

Review comprehensive reports on fuel farm operations, audit outcomes, safety metrics, and compliance and present it to senior leadership.

Digital Mindset:

Evaluate and implement automated refueling systems to enhance operational efficiency.

Key Stakeholders - Internal:

CEO AAHL

Airport Operations Team

Airport Operations Control Center (AOCC)

Terminal Operations

Emergency Medical Services

Engineering & MaintenanceTeam

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Team

Procurement and Supply Chain

Finance and Budgeting Teams

Key Stakeholders - External:

Airlines and Ground Handlers

Oil Companies and Fuel Suppliers

Air Traffic Control (ATC)

Non-Scheduled Operators and General Aviation

Regulatory Authorities (DGCA, IATA, ICAO)

Customs and Security Agencies

Vendors and Contractors

Emergency Response Teams and Local Authorities

Environmental and Safety Auditors

Qualifications

Education Qualification:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Civil Engineering, Aviation Management, or a related field. Master Degree is preferred.

Work Experience:

18+ years of experience in fuel operations management, preferably in the aviation sector or oil industry.

Relevant certifications in fuel management or safety (e.g., Hazmat, OSHA) are advantageous.