Manager: Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) & Airspace Integration – September needed at ATNS

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.