Chief Operations Technology Officer

Key performance areas

• Strategic Engineering Leadership -  Develop and implement the Operations Technology (OT) strategy in alignment with ATNS strategic objectives and business requirements; Conceptualise and define the ATNS operations engineering services model considering end-user requirements, benchmarked global, regional, national Air Traffic Management (ATM) concept plans, and supporting ATNS strategic objectives; Influence the development of communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management system (CNS) concepts and plans nationally and regionally over a 20-year timeframe by articulating and promoting the ATNS agenda to ICAO, international and domestic associations and other stakeholders; Ensure effective interpretation of global, regional and national air navigation plans while taking due cognisance of user requirements ensuring that the national ATNS systems and infrastructure meet international standards; Instill the core vision, mission and values of ATNS within the engineering environment, and ensure that activities and outputs are congruent.
• Operations Technology Management -  Develop OT strategy and roadmap for efficient ATM and operations; Align OT strategy with air navigation and safety goals and objectives; Ensure management of total engineering quality, planning, design, specification and acquisition support; Deploy, integrate and operationalise OT systems; Ensure OT security, safety, governance and compliance in ATM; Monitor and optimise OT performance in ATM; Ensure the effective operation and maintenance of CNS/ATM OT systems; Ensure effective support of OT users and operators in ATM. Lead operations technology planning and adoption to ensure availability of the required systems and infrastructure to ensure safe and effective aviation operations;
• Develop an operations technology plan with relevant planning periods that take into account obsolescence of technology and equipment and the replacement thereof; Design and develop effective OT safety and security systems to ensure safe and secure operations systems and technology; Monitor and optimise OT performance to meet user requirements as measured by system availability, reliability, stability, security and other associated service levels in ATM; Provide strategic direction for operations technology and infrastructure maintenance, security, disaster recovery, and ATM end-user support; Ensure effective integration and implementation of engineering service plans that meet benchmarked capability in order to meet user requirements, measured by system availability and reliability and other associated service levels; Initiate and direct business-driven engineering projects; Ensure project management disciplines are implemented; Ensure projects are managed, that resources are appropriately allocated, and that deadlines are achieved.
• High-tech Infrastructure/CAPEX and Implementation -  Lead and/or contribute to the mapping of the short-, medium-, long-term and high-value (multi-million rand) operations technology plans of ATNS and the implementation thereof from conceptualisation, feasibility, technical formulation, acquisition, operation, to maintenance; Perform contract management of high-tech suppliers and Original Equipment Manufacturers; Ensure the availability of the required systems and infrastructure that will enable safe and effective aviation operations .
• Development of Technical Standards -  Lead and direct the development of technical standards to meet engineering service requirements and project deliverables; Anticipate changes in engineering standards and requirements; Implement changes, and drive equipment, organisational and other requirements to meet new technical standards.
• Service Excellence -  Establish technical service delivery SLA’s; Ensure technical service delivery is achieved in line with identified engineering standards; Ensure the analysis and development of engineering services and standards in line with emerging trends and developments; Keep abreast of technical maintenance developments.
• Commercial Revenue Streams -  Consult the organisational strategy and deliverables to determine CNS-specific products and services requirements; Manage the development of CNS-related and collaborative products and services to meet identified opportunities; Ensure that the products and services meet market demands and take appropriate action where necessary to prevent possible losses .
• Governance, Compliance, Risk Management & Reporting -  Ensure a robust governance environment by leading the development, maintenance, monitoring and continuous review of Operations Technology policies, processes, procedures, and service level agreements; Ensure full compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory standards, and ATNS frameworks; Prepare strategic level reports to EXCO, the Board and other key stakeholders; Identify strategic and operation business risks and develop and implement appropriate mitigation; Ensure all identified risks are appropriately and timeously measured, corrected, and managed in accordance with the ATNS Risk Management Framework.
• Stakeholder Relations Management -  Develop, manage and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with key stakeholders including regulatory bodies, airports, professional institutions, and service providers to ensure ongoing alignment and collaboration; Monitor service delivery levels to ensure the provision of service excellence and user satisfaction.
• Financial Management - Manage expenditure in line with business objectives and priorities within approved financial parameters; Develop the divisional budget in conjunction with Finance to ensure financial sustainability; Manage operations costs in accordance with the mandate matrix (delegation of authority; Ensure accountability and reporting on all costs incurred against the approved budget including monthly deviations; Manage the overall Operations Technology budget in accordance with financial policies and processes.
• People Management - Ensure the optimal development, deployment, and management of human resources in order to meet the required targets and objectives; Manage staff in accordance with Human Capital policies, processes, practices and the disciplinary code; 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 Human Capital; Promote high levels of safety, discipline, output standards within a motivational climate so that performance and other outputs are achieved; Manage performance outputs of employees through the performance management system, and take corrective action promptly and effectively; Facilitate change in the Operations Technology environment through ATNS change management processes; Mentor and coach staff as required, and ensure the transfer of knowledge to ensure ongoing performance improvement; Implement transformation initiatives within Operations Technology to ensure an inclusive environment and a representative staff complement; Drive employee engagement and retention within the Operations Technology environment.

Minimum requirements

Q ualifications Requirement

• Masters level qualification in Business Management or related field is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in electronic/electrical (Light Current) Engineering or equivalent is required.
• Registration as Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa.
• Formal Leadership and Business Management training as an added advantage.

Experience Requirement 

• At least ten (10) years engineering experience in an aviation environment or similar of which seven (7) years should have been at senior management level.
• Air traffic navigation experience will be an added advantage.

Apply by: 12 August 2026