Manager: Ground & Cargo Operations

FlySafair • Full-time • City of Johannesburg, ZA • 1d ago

Assume responsibility for compliance with SACAA, IOSA and AOC requirements relating to ground handling and cargo operations;
Serve as the Dangerous Goods governance owner (or designated post-holder, if applicable);
Ensure the implementation and maturity of the Safety Management System (SMS) within all operational areas;
Oversee internal and external audits, regulatory inspections, and corrective action plans. Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks;
Maintain all regulatory documentation, manuals, and approvals;
Ensure incident, accident, and DG reporting is accurate, timely, and compliant with regulatory requirements;
Ensure safe, efficient, and consistent execution of all ground handling and cargo operations;
Monitor and improve OTP, turnaround performance, loading accuracy, and aircraft readiness;
Ensure the fleet of aircraft is correctly trimmed within the weight and balance criteria and envelope;
Oversee load control compliance, aircraft configuration accuracy, and documentation standards;
Ensure all aircraft are operated within approved weight, balance, and loading limitations;
Drive continuous operational improvement through data analysis, trend monitoring, and root cause investigations;
Implement corrective and preventive actions to address recurring operational issues;
Lead the end-to-end cargo operation, ensuring compliance with service level agreements, safety standards, and commercial objectives;
Monitor cargo weights, load planning, and personnel availability;
Oversee cargo manifest controls and reconciliation processes;
Manage cargo irregularities, claims, pilferage, and damage investigations;
Review and approve high-risk or exceptional cargo requests where applicable;
Oversee monthly cargo reporting, performance analysis, and trend tracking;
Drive optimisation of cargo revenue within safety and operational constraints;
Manage relevant/applicable ground handling and cargo service providers;
Establish and enforce SLAs, KPls, and performance. Conduct regular performance reviews with service providers;
Lead contract negotiations, renewals, and compliance monitoring;
Ensure service providers meet training, safety, and regulatory standards;
Escalate and resolve contractual breaches or safety concerns;
Drive cost optimisation without compromising safety or service quality;
Monitor staff within the Cargo Operations and service providers receive required regulatory and safety training;
Oversee COMAIL, COMAT, DG, SMS, and procedural training;
Ensure manuals, SOPs, and operational documentation remain current and compliant. Implement training interventions following audit findings, incidents, or regulatory changes;
Maintain oversight of catering equipment status across the existing fleet and ensure appropriate provisioning as additional aircraft are introduced. Establish and maintain effective communication frameworks with external catering service providers to ensure equipment remains sufficient, serviceable, and aligned with operational requirements;
Participate in regular catering and performance review meetings with service providers;
Oversee and ensure the effectiveness of processes for the collection, repair, and return of catering equipment, in line with defined serviceability standards;
Procure catering equipment that is reliable, compliant, and operationally fit for purpose;
Authorise vendor evaluations or changes to ensure cost-effectiveness and service quality;
Identify and address systemic equipment issues or service provider performance concerns through structured escalation and corrective action processes;
Manage costs within the department;
Monitor cost drivers and implement efficiency initiatives;
Approve expenditure related to equipment, training, and operational support;
Forecast resource requirements based on network demand and seasonal fluctuations;
Ensure responsible use of operational assets and equipment;
Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team. Identify skills gaps and implement targeted development plans;
Ensure succession planning for key operational roles;
Partner with Flight Operations, Safety, Quality, Training, Engineering, and Commercial teams;
Serve as a subject matter expert for all ground and cargo-related matters;
Represent the organisation in regulatory, industry, and supplier forums;
Provide regular reports and insights to executive leadership.
Grade 12 or Equivalent (Essential);
Relevant degree/diploma (Essential);
10 years' Operational experience in a mid-sized organisation, of which, at least 3 years must have been in a Managerial role (Essential);
Exposure to auditing practices (Essential).

Personal Attributes

Professional;
High integrity;
Immaculate time keeping;
Safety-first mindset;
Accountability Resilience;
Empathy;
Patience;
Self-motivated;
Independent (able to work without supervision);
Goal oriented;
Positive attitude;
Able to cope with changing workload priorities and 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.

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