Manager: Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) & Airspace Integration - September
Position summary
About our company
Introduction
Job description
Strategic Alignment - Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for integrating UAS into the national airspace system, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practice; Identify and assess emerging trends, technologies, and regulatory changes related to UAS operations and develop proactive strategies to leverage opportunities and mitigate risks.
Unmanned Aerial System Operation, Integration and Monitoring – Oversee the planning, execution, and monitoring of UAS missions, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, operational procedures, and regulatory requirements; Collaborate with air traffic control and other aviation stakeholders to facilitate seamless integration of UAS operations into the airspace system; Ensure the proper maintenance, calibration, and operational readiness of UAS equipment and supporting infrastructure; Ensure that ATNS apply appropriate systems able to effectively monitor unmanned aerial systems and their compliance to relevant governance frameworks; Manage and coordinate the activities of various functional teams involved in UAS operations, including flight operations, maintenance, data analysis, and regulatory compliance; Coordinate operations with SAPS to remove unmanned aerial vehicles from unauthorized areas; Establish and maintain effective communication channels and information flow between functional teams and external stakeholders.
Governance, Risk Management Compliance and Reporting - Develop and implement an effective governance framework that includes policies, processes, and guidelines for controlling and monitoring UAS operations, and ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, regulation and industry standards; Conduct risk assessments and develop risk mitigation strategies to ensure the safe and secure operation of UAS missions.
Stakeholder Relations Management - Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with regulatory bodies, aviation authorities, and other UAS operations and airspace integration stakeholders; Represent the organization in industry forums, conferences, and meetings related to UAS operations and airspace integration.
Financial Management - Manage expenditure in line with business priorities and objectives, and within approved financial parameters; Provide input into the development of the budget namely for travel/operational expenses; Identify opportunities for cost optimization and operational efficiencies while maintaining safety and compliance standards; Manage expenditure in line with business priorities and objectives, and within approved financial parameters; Ensure compliance to Finance policies and processes. Report on all costs incurred against the approved budget including deviations monthly.
People Management - Manage staff in accordance with HC policies, processes, and practices; Ensure that new employees have been properly on-boarded prior to commencing work; Monitor the time and attendance of subordinates, take appropriate action in the case of absenteeism, and report issues to management and Human Capital; Recruit, train, and develop a highly skilled and knowledgeable team of UAS operators, maintenance technicians, and support personnel. Foster a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and professional development within the team; Promote high performance standards to achieve the function’s performance targets and strategies through implementation of the organization’s performance management system; Ensure the availability of skilled and competent staff in the function to meet the current and future needs aligned to the departmental and overall business strategies; Manage and maintain high performance standards to achieve targets and objectives through application of the HC performance management system, and take corrective action promptly and effectively when required; Mentor and coach staff as required to ensure continuous development and availability of the always required; Ensure the transfer of knowledge and skills to enable sustainability within AIM from a succession management perspective; Perform talent reviews in accordance with the HC Talent Management process; Drive employee engagement by creating a positive and productive work environment.
Minimum requirements
Required Minimum Qualifications and Experience
- Air traffic control qualification (aerodrome or approach or area)
- Tertiary qualification in Business Management / Aviation / Aerospace Engineering or a related field
- Certification or Licenses related to unmanned aerial systems operation
- Minimum 5 years of experience in air traffic management of which at least 3 years must be at Managerial level.
Candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications and experience, may apply, if they meet the following Alternative Qualification and experience:
- Air traffic control qualification (aerodrome or approach or area)
- Tertiary qualification in Management Development Program or related field
- Minimum 8 years of experience in air traffic management of which at least 5 years must be at managerial level.
Note: A candidate appointed with alternative required qualifications and experience must be prepared to undergo compulsory development (sponsored by ATNS) to achieve the required tertiary qualification and certification or Licenses related to unmanned aerial systems operations and within three years.
If you have not been contacted within 3 weeks of the closing date of this advert, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
ATNS is an equal opportunity employer that strives to achieve a diverse workforce broadly representative of our people. This position will be filled in line with the objectives of ATNS’ Employment Equity Plan and therefore candidates from designated groups as per the Employment Equity Act of 1998, are encouraged to apply.
People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
