Airport Operations Specialist (Airside) (Western Cape) FULL TIME & PERMANENT NEW

Description

Develop and oversee weekly operational plans, aligning resources (staffing and equipment) to business priorities and passenger demand forecasts;
Anticipate operational constraints and recommend proactive solutions to maintain service quality and compliance;
Contribute to workforce and capacity planning to ensure operational resilience;
Manage relationships with contracted third-party providers and airport authority, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations, service-level agreements, and safety standards;
Lead performance reviews with service providers, addressing deficiencies and negotiating improvements;
Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Flight Operations, Technical and Ground Handling) to align operational activities;
Act as the delegated authority for the Base Manager during periods of absence, ensuring operational continuity and compliance with safety, security, and regulatory requirements;
Provide guidance and direction to operational staff, escalating and resolving complex issues when required;
Represent the Base Manager in audits, regulatory inspections, and cross-functional operational forums where required;
Collect, interpret, and model operational data (e.g., turnaround times, incident investigations, delay root cause analysis, passenger handling metrics, and third-party KPls);
Design and maintain dashboards and reporting tools to monitor real-time performance and long-term trends;
Apply statistical and data-visualisation techniques to generate insights that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery;
Partner with theBase Manager and senior stakeholders to make data-driven recommendations on operational strategy and resource allocation.

Requirements

Grade 12 or Equivalent (Essential);
Diploma/Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Management, Data Analytics, Logistics, or a related discipline (Essential);
Minimum 7 years’ experience in airport or airline operations, with at least 2 years in a specialist or supervisory capacity (Essential);
Demonstrated experience in third-party/vendor performance management (Essential); – Demonstrated experience in data analytics (Essential);
Proven track record of applying data insights to improve operational efficiency and service quality (Essential);
Knowledge of Baggage and Ramp handling Procedures;
Knowledge of IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM);
Knowledge of IATA Ground Operations Manual (GOM);
Knowledge of Ground Support Equipment (GSE), Safety Standards and Maintenance;
Sound understanding of SACAA regulations and airport operational standards;
Knowledge of relevant Airport Authority Operation Procedures Manual;
Knowledge of IATA Dangerous Goods Manual;
Proficiency in data analysis tools, reporting systems, and MS Office.

Personal Attributes:

Professional;
Integrity;
Reliable and dependable;
Able to work independently;
Proactive;
Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights;
Strong stakeholder engagement and vendor management capability;
Decision-making authority under operational pressure.

Application guideline:

Email applications will not be accepted;
Preference will be given to members of under-represented designated groups;
Should no feedback be provided within two (2) weeks from the closing date, please consider your application as unsuccessful.

FlySafair reserves the right:

Not to proceed with this vacancy;
To appoint the selected candidates based on its operational requirements.

Closing Date: 16 October 2026

Work Level

Mid-Level

Job Type

Permanent

Salary

Market Related

EE Position

No

Location

Western Cape