Aerospace Project Manager

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Annual leave

Professional development

Flexible work arrangements

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane, Limpopo seeks an experienced Aerospace Project Manager to lead major aviation initiatives from conception to completion. You will plan, resource, budget, and drive execution while coordinating internal teams and external contractors.

The role calls for 7+ years in aerospace project management, strong leadership, and fluency with PM tools. A Bachelor’s in a related field is required; a Master’s is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7+ years of project management experience in aerospace/aviation.
• Proficiency with PM software (MS Project, Asana, Jira).
• Strong knowledge of Agile and Waterfall methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Solid understanding of aerospace principles and technologies.
• Ability to manage budgets and financial forecasts.

Responsibilities

• Define project scope, goals, deliverables, and success criteria with senior management.
• Develop comprehensive project plans with timelines, budgets, resources, and risk strategies.
• Lead and motivate project teams; drive a high-performance culture.
• Monitor progress; ensure adherence to plans and quality standards.
• Identify and mitigate risks; implement corrective actions.
• Communicate status and decisions to stakeholders, including executives.
• Manage vendor/contractor relationships and ensure contractual deliverables.
• Oversee procurement of project resources and equipment.
• Conduct post-project evaluations to capture lessons learned.

Skills

Aerospace PM

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder Mgmt

Budgeting

Risk Mgmt

Education

BSc/BEng in Aerospace or related

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

MS Project

Asana

Jira

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative player in the aerospace sector, is seeking an experienced Aerospace Project Manager to lead significant projects from conception through to completion. Based in Polokwane, Limpopo, this role offers the opportunity to manage complex and high-stakes aviation initiatives. You will be responsible for planning, executing, and finalizing projects according to strict deadlines and within budget. This includes acquiring resources and coordinating the efforts of team members and third-party contractors or consultants. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership qualities, a comprehensive understanding of project management methodologies within the aerospace context, and a proven ability to navigate technical challenges. This is a demanding role that requires strategic thinking, effective communication, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results in a fast-paced, evolving industry. We are looking for a visionary leader to drive our client's ambitious projects forward.

Key Responsibilities

• Define project scope, goals, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
• Lead and motivate project teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Manage project execution, monitor progress, and ensure adherence to project plans and quality standards.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and issues, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Communicate project status, updates, and key decisions effectively to all stakeholders, including executive leadership.
• Manage vendor and contractor relationships, ensuring deliverables meet contractual obligations.
• Oversee the procurement of necessary project resources and equipment.
• Conduct post-project evaluations and identify lessons learned to improve future project performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Proven experience (7+ years) as a Project Manager in the aerospace or aviation industry.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex projects from initiation to closure.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Jira).
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Solid understanding of aerospace engineering principles and technologies.
• Ability to manage budgets and financial forecasts effectively.
• Must have legal authorization to work in Polokwane, Limpopo.

Benefits

• Attractive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Opportunities for professional development and certifications (e.g., PMP).
• Exposure to cutting-edge aerospace projects.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Potential for flexible working arrangements.
• Travel opportunities related to project activities.