General Manager

Impact Talent; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation services group is seeking a General Manager for Southern Africa based in Johannesburg. This high-impact leadership role involves managing operations across South Africa and neighboring countries, driving performance, and enhancing service delivery. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in aviation leadership, strong commercial acumen, and excellent stakeholder management skills. Join a respected team and contribute to impactful growth in the aviation sector.

Benefits

High-visibility leadership role

Opportunity for professional growth

Collaborative leadership environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role in the aviation industry.
• Track record of improving operational performance and managing budgets.
• Skilled in leading multi-site teams across diverse regulatory environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage operational activities ensuring compliance with safety standards.
• Develop regional strategies to enhance service performance.
• Monitor KPIs and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Represent the organization to clients and industry authorities.

Skills

Senior leadership experience in aviation

Commercial acumen

Interpersonal and communication skills

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree

MBA preferred

Job description

Overview

General Manager – Southern Africa

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Lead a regional operation at scale with strategic influence and commercial impact.

We\'re partnering with a leading aviation services group to appoint a General Manager for Southern Africa. Based in Johannesburg and covering operations across South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, this is a high-impact leadership role with full responsibility for delivering safe, efficient, and customer-focused aviation services across the sub-region.

As General Manager, you\'ll play a key role in driving operational performance, enhancing service delivery, and shaping long-term business growth. With direct accountability for regional operations, financial outcomes, and stakeholder relationships, this is a strategic and hands-on position for a commercial-minded leader.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all operational activities across assigned stations, ensuring safety, reliability, and compliance with regulatory standards
• Develop and implement regional strategies to improve operational infrastructure, systems, and service performance
• Monitor KPIs, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure adherence to service level agreements (SLAs)
• Represent the organisation to clients, authorities, and industry bodies, strengthening key partnerships and supporting growth
• Lead change management and contract transitions, ensuring scalability and cost-effectiveness
• Develop and control annual budgets, analyse financial performance, and identify new business opportunities aligned with wider growth strategies
• Champion QHSE and security compliance across all stations in coordination with functional leaders

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role in the aviation industry (airline, airport operations, airport services, aviation services)
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of improving performance, managing budgets, and driving strategic outcomes
• Skilled in leading multi-site teams across diverse regulatory environments
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Bachelor\'s or Master\’s degree required; MBA preferred

Why Join?

• High-visibility leadership role with strategic and commercial influence
• Opportunity to shape regional operations and contribute to broader business growth
• Be part of a respected and expanding aviation services group with a strong footprint across Africa
• Work within a collaborative and dynamic leadership team, with autonomy to drive change

Next Steps

If you\'re ready to take the next step in your career and take on the General Manager – Southern Africa role, we want to hear from you.

Please apply now to start a confidential conversation with our executive search team. We\'ll support you through every step of the process and ensure this move adds real value to your career.