Manager: Base Airports

Company: FlySafair Careers

Job Description

The Manager: Base Airports is accountable for the effective management of airport operations, service delivery, cost control, and stakeholder coordination to ensure safe, compliant, and customer-focused operations aligned with FlySafair standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Authorise and manage purchases and invoices for Passenger Services, Crew, and Technical operations.

• Control and manage costs arising from delays and missed connections.

• Motivate and evaluate the need for additional procurement contracts.

• Implement and monitor cost-saving initiatives across base airports.

• Manage and maintain strong relationships with external service providers.

• Attend to operational matters of common interest across stations.

• Ensure full compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable legislation, including airside, ground safety, and labour regulations.

• Drive punctuality targets and overall on-time performance.

• Ensure effective emergency plans are in place for all relevant stations.

• Plan, organise, and secure appropriate resources to meet operational requirements.

• Coordinate delay handling, including on-site airport presence during severe disruptions when required.

• Coordinate and oversee regular audits to ensure high service quality and safety standards.

• Ensure a consistently smooth and positive passenger experience.

• Promote and manage customer service KPIs as directed by Management and Net Promoter Score objectives.

• Ensure external service providers align their customer service standards with FlySafair requirements.

• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to supervisors and operational staff.

• Maintain effective communication channels across all teams.

• Ensure staff are adequately trained, skilled, and operationally competent.

• Manage staff performance, discipline, and unresolved employee matters.

• Maintain appropriate staffing levels and workforce planning.

• Lead recruitment processes in close collaboration with the Human Resources division.

• Manage staff scheduling and daily operational activities.

• Enforce housekeeping standards across operational areas.

• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and the company code of conduct.

• Represent Safair Operations at relevant airport forums through third-party service providers, including:

  • Airline Operators Committee (AOC)

  • Local Baggage and Pilferage Committees

  • Local Airport Security and Safety Committees

  • Local Bird and Wildlife Committees

Job Requirements

• Grade 12 or equivalent qualification (Essential).

• Diploma or Degree in Travel and Tourism, Aviation, or a related field (Advantageous).

• Minimum of 10 years’ aviation industry experience, including at least 5 years in a management role.

• Proven experience in baggage handling, passenger handling operations, and cargo handling.

• Experience managing non-scheduled operations.

• Experience with commercial ground handling agreements.

• Experience working with IOSA and ISAGO audit requirements.

Personal Attributes

• Professional with a high level of integrity.

• Immaculate time keeping and reliability.

• Empathetic and patient leadership approach.

• Self-motivated and able to operate independently.

• Goal-oriented with a strong performance focus.

• Positive attitude and solution-driven mindset.

• Ability to manage pressure and adapt to changing operational priorities.

Application Guideline

• External email applications will not be accepted.

• Preference may 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 in line with operational requirements.