Airport Operations Manager

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary & bonus

Health & retirement plan

Leadership development

Strategic impact

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Airport Operations Manager to lead Mossel Bay airport operations, overseeing airside and passenger services, safety, security, and emergency response. The role requires strategic leadership, regulatory knowledge, and strong stakeholder engagement with airlines, ATC, and authorities.

You will drive service quality, reduce costs, and shape the airport's future, while directing an operations team and ensuring compliance with aviation standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Strong leadership and people-management experience.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making and strategic planning abilities.
• Deep knowledge of aviation safety, security and regulatory requirements.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate all daily airport operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve service quality and reduce costs.
• Oversee airside operations, including aircraft parking, taxiing, and apron management.
• Ensure effective coordination with airlines, ground handlers, ATC, and relevant agencies.
• Develop and manage the airport's emergency response plan and procedures.
• Lead, motivate, and develop the airport operations team.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Communication

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dynamic and experienced Airport Operations Manager to lead and manage all aspects of airport operations in Mossel Bay . You will oversee daily activities, including airside operations, passenger services, safety, security, and emergency response, ensuring the efficient and safe functioning of the airport. This senior role requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and excellent stakeholder management skills, working closely with airlines, air traffic control, and other aviation stakeholders to maintain operational excellence and enhance the passenger experience, playing a pivotal role in the smooth functioning of a key regional aviation hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate all daily airport operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve service quality and reduce costs.
• Oversee airside operations, including aircraft parking, taxiing, and apron management.
• Ensure effective coordination with airlines, ground handlers, air traffic control, and other relevant agencies.
• Develop and manage the airport's emergency response plan and procedures.
• Lead, motivate, and develop the airport operations team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in airport operations or management, with a strong understanding of aviation regulations.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic planning abilities.
• Strong knowledge of airport safety, security, and environmental management systems.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder engagement.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive executive health benefits package and retirement plan.
• Opportunities for leadership development and executive training.
• Significant role in the strategic direction and operational success of the airport.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.