Chief Information Officer

Airports Company South Africa; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 2,500,000 - 4,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Airports Company South Africa is seeking a visionary technology leader for a 5-year contract to drive digital transformation and smart airport enablement. You will shape ICT strategy, governance, and enterprise architecture while ensuring resilience and regulatory compliance across aviation standards.

You will own ICT services, lead cyber security with zero-trust principles, and advance data analytics, AI governance, and digital passenger experiences.

Qualifications

• Honours Degree in information technology or computer science is essential.
• MBA or master’s degree in IT or related field is advantageous.
• Registration with IITPSA or relevant body is required.
• Total 13 years’ experience, incl. 8 years in ICT management and 5 years at senior level.
• Strong knowledge of IT strategy, governance, resilience, and operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement ICT and digital strategy and roadmap aligned to corporate plan.
• Govern enterprise architecture and prioritise technology investments with measurable outcomes.
• Own ICT services and ensure availability of mission-critical systems with BC/DR.
• Lead cyber security strategy based on zero-trust principles and coordinate incident response.
• Ensure compliance with POPIA, ICAO cyber security requirements, and ISO 27001.
• Deliver data strategy, BI, predictive analytics, and AI governance.
• Manage ICT OPEX and CAPEX budgets; drive value-for-money procurement.
• Establish ICT governance aligned to King IV, PFMA, COBIT and ISO 38500.
• Report to Executive Management, Audit and Risk Committee, and Board on ICT posture.
• Lead, develop and coach a high-performing ICT team.

Skills

ICT governance

IT strategy

Enterprise architecture

Digital transformation

Information security

Budget management

Executive leadership

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Education

Honours Degree in IT / CS

MBA or Masters in IT / related

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a visionary technology leader to drive Airports Company South Africa’s digital transformation (5 year contract). Are you ready to shape a smart airport network, strengthen cyber resilience and use technology and data to improve the experience of every passenger, airline and tenant?

Role

• Develop and implement an ICT and digital strategy and roadmap that translates the Corporate Plan into prioritised technology investments and measurable business outcomes, and govern the enterprise architecture;
• Develop and execute the enterprise-wide smart airport roadmap, implementing AI, IoT, automation, biometrics, digital twins and a connected airport operations centre;
• Own all ICT services and platforms and maintain the availability of mission-critical airport systems, including tested business continuity and disaster recovery;
• Develop and implement a cyber security strategy based on zero-trust principles, and coordinate cyber incident response with national cyber security structures and aviation regulators;
• Ensure compliance with POPIA, ICAO aviation cyber security requirements, ISO 27001 and other applicable standards;
• Implement an enterprise data strategy and governance framework, deliver business intelligence and predictive analytics, and establish an AI governance framework;
• Deliver a seamless, contactless passenger journey and enable non-aeronautical revenue growth through digital channels;
• Develop and manage the ICT OPEX and CAPEX budgets, plan ICT capital investment through the Permission process and drive value-for-money procurement in line with the PFMA and PPPFA;
• Establish an ICT governance framework aligned to King IV, the PFMA, COBIT and ISO 38500, and oversee ICT contract and supplier performance management;
• Report to Executive Management, the Audit and Risk Committee and Board structures on ICT governance, cyber security posture, technology risks and performance; and
• Lead, develop and coach a high-performing ICT team.

Technical Skills And Experience

• A relevant Honours Degree (NQF Level 8) in information technology, computer science or equivalent is essential;
• A Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Business Leadership (MBL) or a master’s degree in information technology, computer science or equivalent (NQF Level 9) is advantageous;
• Registration with the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA) or other relevant professional bodies;
• A total of 13 years’ experience, including 8 years in business-facing ICT management and governance and 5 years at senior management level;
• Strong knowledge of IT strategy, governance, resilience and operations, including enterprise architecture, information security, service integration and strategic sourcing;
• Executive-level capability in digital transformation, complex programme delivery, cyber risk and commercial management;
• Working knowledge of the aviation, transport or airports industry and an appreciation of public sector dynamics; and
• Knowledge of the ACSA Act, Companies Act, B-BBEE, PFMA and PPPFA legislation, and of ACI, ICAO, CAA and IATA requirements.

Competencies

The ideal individual is a strategic and tactical thinker who can translate business vision into technology programmes, and an innovative leader who drives change. It is an individual with strong analytical, problem solving and risk management abilities, who communicates clearly, builds networks and manages conflict constructively. The individual must make sound decisions in a complex, regulated environment.

Application and Enquiries

Closing Date: 09 November 2026

Positions will be filled in line with Airports Company South Africa value, transformation and Employment Equity Policy and Plan, including people living with disabilities.