Senior Airline Operations Leader — Hybrid Strategy

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Airline Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day airline operations, including flight scheduling, crew management, and ground handling, with a hybrid work model combining remote oversight and on-site activities at operational hubs in Soweto.

The ideal candidate has extensive airline operations experience, strong leadership, regulatory knowledge (ICAO, SACAA), and a proven track record in managing complex operations while ensuring safety, punctuality, and high

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management or related field.
• 7+ years in airline operations management or similar.
• Knowledge of SACAA, ICAO regulations; strong regulatory understanding.
• Proven ability to manage disruptions and implement solutions.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily flight operations, scheduling, dispatch, and real-time monitoring.
• Lead crew planning and scheduling to meet duty-time and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with ground handling, maintenance, and air traffic control for turnarounds.
• Develop procedures to improve efficiency, safety, and customer service.
• Monitor KPIs for on-time performance, fuel efficiency, and costs; drive improvements.
• Manage irregular operations (IROPs) and flight disruptions.
• Ensure compliance with aviation regulations and company policies.
• Mentor and lead operational teams fostering safety and continuous improvement.
• Engage with regulatory authorities and participate in audits.
• Analyze data to identify trends and opportunities for enhancement.

Skills

Leadership

Decision-making

Problem-solving

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Crew management

Flight scheduling

Airline operations software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management or related field

Tools

Flight scheduling software

Crew management systems

Regulatory compliance tools

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Airline Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day airline operations, including flight scheduling, crew management, and ground handling, with a hybrid work model combining remote oversight and on-site activities at operational hubs in Soweto.

The ideal candidate has extensive airline operations experience, strong leadership, regulatory knowledge (ICAO, SACAA), and a proven track record in managing complex operations while ensuring safety, punctuality, and high