Airport Operations Manager

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 109,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical and retirement benefits

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Airport Operations Manager for Queenstown, Eastern Cape. The role oversees all airport functions, including airside and landside operations, passenger services, and ground handling coordination.

You will lead diverse teams, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with aviation regulations while driving improvements in efficiency and customer experience. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in airport operations, strategic planning, and staff

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Minimum 5 years in airport operations or aviation management.
• Strong knowledge of airside and landside operations and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Experience budgeting and financial management; SMS knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily airport operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate ground handling, security, airside operations and facilities management.
• Develop and implement policies to improve performance and passenger experience.
• Monitor budgets, control expenditures and identify cost savings.
• Liaise with airlines, ATC, ground handlers and stakeholders for smooth operations.
• Respond to disruptions and incidents with contingency planning.
• Ensure compliance with SMS and environmental regulations.
• Supervise and mentor operations staff; foster high performance.
• Drive initiatives to improve efficiency, service quality, and sustainability.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Airport Management, Aviation Management, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

Airport operations software

Job description

About the Role Our client, a dynamic airport management company, is seeking an experienced and proactive Airport Operations Manager to oversee the efficient and safe functioning of the **Queenstown, Eastern Cape** airport. This role is critical to ensuring seamless operations across all airport functions, including airside and landside activities, passenger services, and ground handling coordination. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership capabilities, a comprehensive understanding of airport operations, and a proven ability to manage complex logistical challenges. You will be responsible for implementing operational strategies, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with all aviation regulations and standards. This is an exciting opportunity to lead operations at a key regional airport in **Queenstown, Eastern Cape**.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily airport operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, and compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Manage and coordinate activities of various airport departments, including ground handling, security, airside operations, and facilities management.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to optimize airport performance and passenger experience.
• Monitor and manage airport budgets, controlling expenditures and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Liaise with airlines, air traffic control, ground handlers, security agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations.
• Respond effectively to operational disruptions, emergencies, and incidents, developing and implementing contingency plans.
• Ensure compliance with safety management systems (SMS) and environmental regulations.
• Supervise and mentor airport operations staff, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Drive initiatives to improve operational efficiency, customer service, and sustainability.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Airport Management, Aviation Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in airport operations or a closely related aviation management role.
• Strong knowledge of airport operations, including airside and landside management, security procedures, and regulatory frameworks (e.g., SACAA requirements).
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent understanding of airport budgeting and financial management.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a demanding environment.
• Proficiency in airport operations software and standard office applications.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training in airport management are available.
• This role provides a challenging and rewarding career at the forefront of aviation operations in **Queenstown, Eastern Cape**.
• Join a team committed to excellence in airport management and service.