Lead Air Traffic Controller - Tower Operations

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

International training

Career progression

State-of-the-art facility

Performance incentives

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks a Lead Air Traffic Controller to supervise tower operations and manage a team of controllers in a busy airport environment.

You will ensure safety, maintain procedures, and coordinate with pilots and operations while upholding ICAO standards and national regulations.

Qualifications

• Must hold SACAA ATC licence with Aerodrome and Approach ratings.
• Minimum 10 years as an Air Traffic Controller, 3+ in lead role.
• Strong decision-making and leadership under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Direct and control air traffic in airport vicinity for safety and efficiency.
• Supervise, train, and mentor a team of Air Traffic Controllers.
• Develop and implement procedures to optimize flow and reduce congestion.
• Monitor weather and airport status; adjust traffic management as needed.
• Collaborate with pilots, airline operations and aviation stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with national/international aviation regulations.
• Respond to emergencies in a professional, decisive manner.
• Maintain proficiency through simulator training and development.
• Contribute to ongoing improvements of ATC services and systems.

Skills

Leadership

Decision making

Communication

Team management

Education

ATC License SACAA (Aerodrome & Approach)

Job description

About the Role Our client, a major airport operator in Cape Town, Western Cape , is looking for an experienced and certified Lead Air Traffic Controller to oversee tower operations. This pivotal role involves managing the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic within the airport's airspace. As a Lead Controller, you will be responsible for supervising a team of air traffic controllers, ensuring adherence to strict protocols, and maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional decision-making skills, a calm demeanor under pressure, and a proven track record in complex air traffic management environments. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the efficient functioning of one of South Africa's busiest airports, ensuring the safety of thousands of passengers and flights daily. You will be at the forefront of managing the dynamic aerial landscape of Cape Town .

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and control air traffic in the airport vicinity, including takeoffs, landings, and ground movements, to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Supervise, train, and mentor a team of Air Traffic Controllers, conducting performance evaluations and providing constructive feedback.
• Develop and implement operational procedures and strategies to optimize air traffic flow and manage congestion.
• Monitor weather conditions and airport status, making real-time adjustments to traffic management as needed.
• Collaborate effectively with pilots, airline operations, and other aviation stakeholders.
• Ensure strict compliance with national and international aviation regulations and standards.
• Respond to and manage emergency situations and unusual events in a professional and decisive manner.
• Maintain proficiency through regular simulator training and ongoing professional development.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of air traffic control services and systems.

Requirements

• Valid Air Traffic Controller license issued by the relevant Civil Aviation Authority (e.g., SACAA), with current ratings for Aerodrome Control and Approach Control.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience as an Air Traffic Controller, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Demonstrated ability to handle high-pressure situations and make critical decisions swiftly and accurately.
• In-depth knowledge of air traffic control procedures, ICAO standards, and aviation safety principles.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and team management skills.
• Proficiency in using Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems and associated technologies.
• Strong understanding of meteorological principles and their impact on air traffic.
• Ability to pass rigorous medical examinations and security background checks.
• Commitment to working irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and public holidays, as per operational requirements in Cape Town .

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly competitive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, and a retirement fund.
• Opportunities for international training and career progression within a globally recognized organization are available.
• You will work in a state-of-the-art facility and contribute to the vital infrastructure of South Africa's aviation sector.
• A robust employee assistance program and performance-based incentives are also part of the overall benefits.
• This role offers a challenging yet rewarding career in a critical industry.
• The professional environment fosters continuous learning and development.