Senior Aerospace Project Manager

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Provident fund

Career development opportunities

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Aerospace Project Manager for a leading aerospace manufacturer in Randburg. The role blends on-site collaboration with remote work, directing projects from conception to completion while managing budgets, schedules, and resources.

You will lead cross-functional teams, ensure regulatory compliance, develop plans, mitigate risks, and report progress to stakeholders. 8+ years in aerospace/defense PM required; PMP desirable; strong leadership and communication

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; PMP certification desirable.
• 8+ years progressive PM experience, 5+ years in aerospace/defense.
• Experience managing budgets, schedules and resources.

Responsibilities

• Lead aerospace projects through full lifecycle within scope, budget and schedule.
• Develop detailed project plans with milestones, tasks, resources, and risk plans.
• Oversee execution, monitor progress and implement corrective actions.
• Manage budgets and expenditures to meet financial objectives.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, QA.
• Serve as primary stakeholder contact with regular status reporting.
• Identify and mitigate risks with contingency planning.
• Ensure compliance with aviation regulations and company policies.
• Lead and motivate teams to foster collaboration and results.
• Conduct post-project reviews to capture lessons learned.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or related field

PMP certification desirable

Tools

MS Project

Jira

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading aerospace manufacturer renowned for its innovative aircraft solutions, is looking for a highly experienced Senior Aerospace Project Manager to lead complex projects from conception to completion. This role operates on a hybrid model, combining essential on-site collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. You will be responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing aerospace projects, managing budgets, schedules, and resources effectively. This position demands strong leadership, exceptional organizational skills, and a deep understanding of the aerospace industry's unique demands and regulatory landscape. You will drive project success, foster cross‑functional teamwork, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality aerospace products and services within the Randburg operational hub. Your expertise will be critical to our ongoing success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage aerospace projects throughout their entire lifecycle, ensuring objectives are met within scope, budget, and schedule.
• Develop detailed project plans, including defining milestones, tasks, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
• Oversee project execution, monitor progress, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Manage project budgets, track expenditures, and ensure financial objectives are met.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with cross‑functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality assurance.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for project stakeholders, providing regular updates and reporting on project status.
• Identify and mitigate project risks and issues, developing contingency plans.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant aviation regulations, industry standards, and company policies.
• Lead and motivate project teams, fostering a collaborative and results‑oriented work environment.
• Conduct project reviews and post‑project analysis to identify lessons learned and areas for improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. PMP certification is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in project management, with at least 5 years specifically within the aerospace or defense industry.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex aerospace projects from initiation to closure.
• Strong understanding of aerospace engineering principles, manufacturing processes, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira).
• Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, timelines, and resources effectively.
• Experience with risk management and change control processes.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing on‑site and remote responsibilities.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits package, a provident fund, and excellent opportunities for professional development and career advancement. The hybrid work model provides a flexible approach to work, balancing in‑office collaboration with remote autonomy. This role, based in the Randburg area, offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to lead impactful projects in the exciting aerospace sector.