Senior Flight Operations Dispatcher

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime pay

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual leave

Type-rating training

Employee assistance

Shift allowances

Unsocial hours pay

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Flight Operations Dispatcher to join the core operations team in East London, Eastern Cape. You will plan, authorize and monitor flights, coordinating with pilots, ATC and maintenance to ensure safe, efficient operations in real time.

The role demands aviation meteorology expertise, strong flight planning skills, and robust regulatory knowledge. You will work from the central operations hub and provide guidance to junior staff while managing shifts including

Qualifications

• Valid Flight Operations Dispatcher license or equivalent certification.
• Minimum 6 years of experience as a Flight Operations Dispatcher in cargo or passenger airline environment.
• Proven knowledge of flight planning software, meteorological data, and aeronautical information systems.
• Strong understanding of SACAA and ICAO regulations related to flight operations.
• Excellent decision-making, problem-solving, and communication under pressure.
• Ability to work a rotating shift schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Proficiency in using flight dispatch and operational control systems.
• Good geographical knowledge and understanding of airspace.

Responsibilities

• Plan and file flight plans, calculate fuel requirements, and determine optimal routes.
• Monitor weather, NOTAMs, and air traffic information for safe execution.
• Authorize and control flights per policies and regulations.
• Communicate updates and critical information to flight crews.
• Coordinate with maintenance on aircraft status and issues.
• Develop contingency plans and adjust operations in real time.
• Ensure compliance with aviation regulations and company procedures.
• Maintain accurate flight logs and records.
• Mentor junior dispatchers.

Skills

Decision making

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Work under pressure

Education

Flight Operations Dispatcher license

Tools

Flight planning software

Aeronautical information systems

Dispatch & control systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent cargo airline, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Flight Operations Dispatcher to join their vital team in East London, Eastern Cape. This position is responsible for the planning, authorization, and control of flights, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the airline's fleet. You will work closely with pilots, air traffic control, and maintenance personnel to manage flight operations in real-time, responding effectively to changing weather conditions, airspace restrictions, and operational requirements. This role is critical to the airline's success and requires a deep understanding of aviation meteorology, flight planning, and regulatory compliance. This role is hands-on and operates from our central operations hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and file flight plans, calculate fuel requirements, and determine optimal flight routes.
• Monitor weather conditions, NOTAMs, and air traffic information to ensure safe flight execution.
• Authorize and control flights in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate effectively with flight crew, providing updates and critical information throughout the flight.
• Coordinate with maintenance personnel regarding aircraft status and technical issues.
• Manage operational disruptions, developing contingency plans and making real-time adjustments.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable aviation regulations and company procedures.
• Maintain accurate flight logs and operational records.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior dispatchers.

Requirements

• A valid Flight Operations Dispatcher license or equivalent certification.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience as a Flight Operations Dispatcher, preferably in a cargo or passenger airline environment.
• Proven knowledge of flight planning software, meteorological data, and aeronautical information systems.
• Strong understanding of aviation regulations (SACAA, ICAO) related to flight operations.
• Excellent decision-making, problem-solving, and communication skills, especially under pressure.
• Ability to work a rotating shift schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Proficiency in using flight dispatch and operational control systems.
• Good geographical knowledge and understanding of airspace.
• Team-oriented approach with the ability to work collaboratively.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with overtime pay.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional growth and type-rating training.
• Employee assistance programs.
• Shift allowances and premium pay for unsocial hours.
• A supportive and professional work environment.