Airport Operations Specialist (Airside)

Flysafair; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

FlySafair seeks a seasoned Base Manager to oversee weekly operational plans, align resources with passenger demand, and ensure compliance with safety standards. You will manage third-party providers, lead performance reviews, and collaborate with internal departments to optimize turnaround times and service delivery.

With 7+ years in airport or airline operations (2+ in a supervisory role) and strong data analytics skills, you will guide strategic decisions, model performance, and represent the

Qualifications

• Grade 12 or equivalent (Essential).
• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management, Data Analytics, Logistics, or a related discipline (Essential).
• Minimum 7 years in airport/airline operations, with at least 2 years in a specialist or supervisory capacity (Essential).
• Experience in third-party/vendor performance management (Essential).
• Demonstrated experience in data analytics (Essential).
• Proven track record applying data insights to improve operational efficiency and service quality (Essential).
• Knowledge of baggage and ramp handling procedures; IATA AHM/GOM; GSE; SACAA regs; airport procedures.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools, reporting systems, and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee weekly operational plans aligning staffing and equipment with priorities and demand forecasts.
• Anticipate constraints and recommend proactive solutions to maintain service quality and compliance.
• Contribute to workforce and capacity planning for operational resilience.
• Manage relationships with third-party providers and airport authority; ensure SLAs and safety standards.
• Lead performance reviews with service providers; address deficiencies and negotiate improvements.
• Collaborate with Flight Ops, Technical, and Ground Handling to align activities.
• Act as delegated Base Manager authority during absences; ensure safety compliance.
• Provide guidance to operational staff; escalate and resolve complex issues.

Skills

Data analytics

Stakeholder engagement

Vendor management

Analytical thinking

Decision-making under pressure

Independent work

Education

Grade 12 or equivalent

Diploma/Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management/Data Analytics/Logistics

Tools

MS Office

Reporting systems

Data visualization tools

Job description

• Develop and oversee weekly operational plans, aligning resources (staffing and equipment) to business priorities and passenger demand forecasts;
• Anticipate operational constraints and recommend proactive solutions to maintain service quality and compliance;
• Contribute to workforce and capacity planning to ensure operational resilience;
• Manage relationships with contracted third-party providers and airport authority, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations, service-level agreements, and safety standards;
• Lead performance reviews with service providers, addressing deficiencies and negotiating improvements;
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Flight Operations, Technical and Ground Handling) to align operational activities;
• Act as the delegated authority for the Base Manager during periods of absence, ensuring operational continuity and compliance with safety, security, and regulatory requirements;
• Provide guidance and direction to operational staff, escalating and resolving complex issues when required;
• Represent the Base Manager in audits, regulatory inspections, and cross-functional operational forums where required;
• Collect, interpret, and model operational data (e.g., turnaround times, incident investigations, delay root cause analysis, passenger handling metrics, and third-party KPls);
• Design and maintain dashboards and reporting tools to monitor real-time performance and long-term trends;
• Apply statistical and data-visualisation techniques to generate insights that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery;
• Partner with theBase Manager and senior stakeholders to make data-driven recommendations on operational strategy and resource allocation.
• Grade 12 or Equivalent (Essential);
• Diploma/Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management, Data Analytics, Logistics, or a related discipline (Essential);
• Minimum 7 years' experience in airport or airline operations, with at least 2 years in a specialist or supervisory capacity (Essential);
• Demonstrated experience in third-party/vendor performance management (Essential); - Demonstrated experience in data analytics (Essential);
• Proven track record of applying data insights to improve operational efficiency and service quality (Essential);
• Knowledge of Baggage and Ramp handling Procedures;
• Knowledge of IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM);
• Knowledge of IATA Ground Operations Manual (GOM);
• Knowledge of Ground Support Equipment (GSE), Safety Standards and Maintenance;
• Sound understanding of SACAA regulations and airport operational standards;
• Knowledge of relevant Airport Authority Operation Procedures Manual;
• Knowledge of IATA Dangerous Goods Manual;
• Proficiency in data analysis tools, reporting systems, and MS Office.

Personal Attributes

• Professional;
• Integrity;
• Reliable and dependable;
• Able to work independently;
• Proactive;
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights;
• Strong stakeholder engagement and vendor management capability;
• Decision-making authority under operational pressure.

FlySafair Reserves The Right

• Not to proceed with this vacancy;
• To appoint the selected candidates based on its operational requirements.

Closing Date: 16 October 2026