Country Manager-West Africa and Rwanda

Job Details

The Country Manager-West Africa and Rwanda is responsible for leading Uganda National Airlines Company Limited (UNACL) commercial operations in the assigned country/region, driving revenue growth and improving market share. The role oversees all aspects of the airline's business in the country, including sales, marketing, customer service and operations, and supervises GSAs, Station Managers and local ticketing/sales teams. Duty Station: Entebbe / Kampala. Employment Type: Full Time. Work Hours: 8. Reports to Head Office commercial leadership and coordinates with Passenger Sales, Revenue Management, Network Planning, Cargo, Brand & Advertising, Commercial Systems, Airport Services and Finance.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Represent UNACL commercially within the assigned country/territory and drive implementation of UNACL commercial strategy and market growth initiatives.
• Maintain strong visibility and market presence within the travel trade, corporate sector, tourism industry and government environment; identify market opportunities, competitive risks and growth initiatives.
• Achieve assigned revenue targets, passenger targets, market share and sales growth objectives; monitor sales performance by route, channel, customer segment and point of sale.
• Develop local sales plans and tactical market activation initiatives; support route growth, demand stimulation and commercial performance improvement.
• Directly supervise and manage Passenger GSAs and Cargo GSAs; ensure compliance with contractual obligations, sales targets, reporting, branding, customer service standards and UNACL commercial policies.
• Monitor GSA productivity, trade engagement and market coverage; conduct regular performance reviews, recommend corrective actions and escalate breaches or underperformance.
• Develop and maintain relationships with travel agencies, tour operators, corporate customers, government institutions, NGOs, diplomatic missions and strategic travel partners; support negotiation of corporate sales agreements.
• Manage and monitor approved commercial budget for the territory and control expenditure related to sales, marketing, trade engagement, GSA support and office operations.
• Review, validate and approve invoices related to the assigned territory before payment processing; ensure alignment with contracts, budgets and confirmed service delivery; monitor local sales reconciliation and remittances.
• Monitor customer service standards and passenger experience; support resolution of escalated complaints and coordinate market communication during disruptions and schedule changes.
• Monitor competitor pricing, schedules, promotions and market positioning; provide commercial intelligence and market feedback to Head Office.
• Coordinate with internal departments to support market performance and operational continuity; support route launches, schedule adjustments and commercial projects.
• Prepare and submit sales, market performance, GSA performance, budget and intelligence reports; ensure compliance with governance and financial controls.
• Supervise Station Manager and local airport commercial support teams; monitor passenger handling, customer service, disruption management, on-time performance support and baggage services.
• Coordinate with Ground Handling Agents, Airport Authorities and OCC/IOCC on station operational matters affecting commercial performance.
• Supervise local ticketing, reservation and sales office activities; ensure compliance with ticketing procedures, fare rules, revenue protection, cash handling and customer service standards.
• Monitor daily ticket sales, EMD sales, refunds and ancillary revenue; ensure accountability and reconciliation of cash, card, mobile money and bank deposits; escalate irregularities and revenue leakage risks.

Qualifications, Skills and Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management, Marketing, Tourism, Accounting, Commerce, Business Administration, related field or an equivalent IATA Certification.
• Master's degree is an added advantage.
• Professional Airline commercial or IATA training is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in sales, commercial operations, travel trade management or aviation market development.
• At least 2 years in sales leadership, GSA management, market management or country commercial representation.
• Full understanding of the designated market and operating environment.
• Strong experience in travel trade engagement, corporate sales, GDS distribution and revenue generation is essential.
• Experience working with passengers and GSAs, airport stakeholders and international commercial markets is highly desirable.
• Strong commercial and market leadership capability, relationship management, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Budget and financial management capability, revenue accountability awareness, strategic thinking, communication and presentation skills.
• Customer Service Orientation, problem-solving, leadership and team coordination, commercial discipline and governance awareness.
• Strong understanding of sales, GSA management, corporate sales, market development and commercial governance is essential.