Airport Operations Specialist

Company: FlySafair Careers

Job Description

The Airport Operations Specialist is responsible for optimising airport operations through effective planning, performance management, and data-driven decision-making to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage weekly operational plans by aligning staffing and equipment resources with business priorities and passenger demand forecasts.

• Anticipate operational constraints and implement proactive solutions to maintain service quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

• Contribute to workforce and capacity planning to support operational resilience and continuity.

• Manage relationships with third-party service providers and airport authorities, ensuring compliance with contracts, SLAs, and safety standards.

• Lead performance reviews with service providers, addressing performance gaps and negotiating continuous improvement initiatives.

• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including Flight Operations, Technical, and Ground Handling teams, to ensure aligned operational execution.

• Act as the delegated authority for the Base Manager during periods of absence, ensuring uninterrupted operations and compliance with safety, security, and regulatory requirements.

• Provide leadership, guidance, and escalation support to operational staff when resolving complex or high-impact issues.

• Represent the Base Manager during audits, regulatory inspections, and cross-functional operational forums when required.

• Collect, analyse, and interpret operational data such as turnaround times, delay root cause analysis, incident investigations, passenger handling metrics, and third-party KPIs.

• Design, maintain, and enhance dashboards and reporting tools to monitor real-time performance and long-term operational trends.

• Apply statistical analysis and data visualisation techniques to identify improvement opportunities, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery.

• Partner with the Base Manager and senior stakeholders to deliver data-driven recommendations on operational strategy and resource allocation.

Job Requirements

• Grade 12 or equivalent qualification (Essential).

• Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Management, Data Analytics, Logistics, or a related field (Essential).

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in airport or airline operations, including at least 2 years in a specialist or supervisory role (Essential).

• Proven experience in third-party or vendor performance management (Essential).

• Demonstrated experience in data analytics and operational reporting (Essential).

• Proven ability to use data insights to improve operational efficiency and service quality (Essential).

• Knowledge of baggage handling and ramp operations procedures.

• Knowledge of IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM).

• Knowledge of IATA Ground Operations Manual (GOM).

• Understanding of Ground Support Equipment (GSE), safety standards, and maintenance requirements.

• Sound knowledge of SACAA regulations and airport operational standards.

• Knowledge of relevant Airport Authority Operations Procedures Manuals.

• Knowledge of the IATA Dangerous Goods Manual.

• Proficiency in data analysis tools, reporting systems, and Microsoft Office applications.

Personal Attributes

• Professional with strong integrity and reliability.

• Able to work independently and take ownership of operational outcomes.

• Proactive with a solutions-driven mindset.

• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.

• Strong stakeholder engagement and vendor management capabilities.

• Confident decision-maker, able to perform effectively under operational pressure.

Application Guideline

• Email applications will not be accepted.

• Preference will be given to members of under-represented designated groups.

• If no feedback is received within two weeks of the closing date, please consider the application unsuccessful.

FlySafair Reserves the Right

• Not to proceed with this vacancy.

• To appoint candidates based on its operational requirements.