Lead Consultant – Aviation Cargo, MHS - Dubai

Role Overview · We are seeking a Principal Consultant with strong aviation cargo expertise and deep experience in Material Handling Systems and preferably Baggage Handling Systems. · The role focuses on operational assessment, cargo facility planning, MHS/BHS strategy, capacity e ...

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking a Principal Consultant with strong aviation cargo expertise and deep experience in Material Handling Systems and preferably Baggage Handling Systems.

The role focuses on operational assessment, cargo facility planning, MHS/BHS strategy, capacity enhancement, master planning and transition planning across major airport programs.

The successful candidate will translate cargo and handling operations into structured spatial, system and performance requirements that guide long-term airport development and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Comprehensive Operational Assessment

• Conduct end-to-end review of cargo terminal operations and handling processes
• Assess cargo throughput, ULD flows, build-up and break-down zones
• Evaluate truck docks, landside interface and apron connectivity
• Analyse KPIs including dwell time, truck turnaround, pallet storage density and equipment utilization
• Identify MHS and BHS constraints and performance gaps
• Develop structured gap analysis between current state and projected demand

Cargo Capacity Enhancement Plan

• Develop demand forecasts for cargo tonnage, aircraft movements and ULD volumes
• Define peak hour cargo and landside planning parameters
• Establish storage capacity logic including racking systems and temperature-controlled zones
• Define automation thresholds and expansion triggers
• Recommend scalable cargo facility configurations
• Evaluate phased expansion strategies

MHS and BHS Strategy

• Define system philosophy for cargo MHS including conveyors, ASRS, sortation, ULD transport and screening integration
• Evaluate BHS performance parameters where relevant
• Develop high-level system architecture diagrams
• Conduct throughput modelling and system sizing
• Define redundancy, resilience and maintenance strategies
• Coordinate integration with screening, customs and security requirements
• Benchmark against international best practices

Candidate must demonstrate experience with large-scale cargo MHS projects and preferably airport BHS environments.

Concept Master Plan / Design Basis

• Develop cargo terminal layout concepts including landside truck circulation and airside connectivity
• Define adjacency logic between build-up, break-down, storage, screening and office functions
• Establish area schedules and operational zoning
• Define Design Basis parameters including throughput assumptions and system performance criteria
• Provide planning inputs to downstream engineering and system integrators
• Ensure compliance with aviation and customs regulations

Technology & Automation Recommendations

• Assess automation potential including robotics, AGVs, smart racking and digital tracking systems
• Evaluate WMS and cargo management system integration
• Conduct cost-benefit analysis of automation investment
• Recommend digitalization roadmap aligned with operational efficiency

Transition Planning

• Develop structured migration strategies for cargo operations during expansion or relocation
• Map phased commissioning of MHS systems
• Identify operational risks during cutover
• Develop contingency and fallback strategies
• Coordinate testing and commissioning sequencing

Financial Modelling

• Develop CAPEX models for cargo facilities and MHS systems
• Assess lifecycle cost of automation scenarios
• Conduct sensitivity analysis for cargo growth projections
• Support investment decisions with structured financial outputs

Stakeholder & Multidisciplinary Coordination

• Lead workshops with cargo operators, airlines and regulators
• Coordinate with system integrators, MHS vendors and engineering teams
• Present modelling outputs and system logic to executive stakeholders
• Ensure integration between facility planning and system design

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Engineering, Aviation Planning, Industrial Engineering or related discipline
• 12 to 18 years of experience in aviation cargo planning
• Proven experience delivering cargo terminal projects
• Deep knowledge of Material Handling Systems
• Experience with airport Baggage Handling Systems preferred
• Strong throughput modelling capability
• Experience coordinating with MHS system vendors
• Understanding of customs, screening and regulatory frameworks
• Strong financial and analytical capability
• Ability to independently lead complex workstreams

Please submit /forward your CV to if you meet the above requirements.

Good Luck