Senior Manager: Technical Support, Johannesburg

Responsibilities

Provide oversight of aircraft maintenance planning to ensure optimal resource allocation, effective hangar slot utilisation, and adherence to approved maintenance schedules;

Ensure robust control of MEL/CDL processes and the timely evaluation and implementation of Service Bulletins (SBS) and Airworthiness Directives (ADS) in accordance with regulatory and OEM requirements;

Drive effective integration between Engineering and Maintenance Planning functions to optimise the execution of maintenance events and minimise aircraft downtime while maintaining operational and regulatory compliance;

Provide leadership and governance to ensure all engineering and maintenance activities comply with SACAA Part 121 and Part 145 regulations, OEM documentation, and internal organisational standards;

Drive audit readiness across the Engineering and Planning functions by establishing robust compliance controls, overseeing internal and regulatory audits, and ensuring the timely implementation and closure of corrective and preventive actions;

Provide leadership in resolving recurring aircraft defects by identifying root causes and implementing sustainable corrective actions;

Lead technical investigations into significant incidents or defects and develop appropriate engineering directives to ensure continued airworthiness and operational safety;

Ensure compliance with SACAA Part 121 and Part 145 regulations, AMO requirements, and applicable OEM standards to maintain airworthiness and regulatory integrity;

Oversee aircraft reliability, modification status, and configuration control to ensure accurate technical records and continued fleet airworthiness;

Lead audit readiness across Engineering and Planning functions, overseeing the preparation for internal, regulatory, and external audits and ensuring the effective resolution and closure of audit findings;

Proactively identify and mitigate technical and operational risks impacting;

Translate fleet expansion plans into scalable engineering and maintenance strategies;

Drive long‑term fleet lifecycle strategies that focuses on maximising the fleet value and cycle;

Translate aircraft reliability and performance trends into forward‑looking engineering strategies that enhance fleet performance, align with OEM guidance, and support evolving operational requirements;

Continuously optimise the AMO operating model by balancing in‑house and outsourced maintenance;

Define and build future technical capability requirements by anticipating evolving fleet complexity, regulatory changes, and technology advancements, ensuring the Engineering and Planning functions remain equipped to support future operational demands;

Develop and manage the Engineering and Maintenance Planning budget, ensuring alignment with organisational financial objectives and operational requirements;

Drive cost efficiency across engineering and planning activities by optimising planning strategies, resource utilisation, and decision‑making while maintaining safety, quality, and regulatory compliance;

Monitor and analyse engineering and planning expenditure against budget, implementing corrective measures where necessary to maintain financial discipline;

Collaborate with Finance, Operations, and Supply Chain to support accurate financial planning, forecasting, and cost control related to maintenance planning, technical programs, and engineering initiatives;

Provide financial insights to support strategic decision‑making, including maintenance planning optimisation, reliability initiatives, modification programs, and long‑term fleet maintenance strategies;

Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing expert technical and operational insights on engineering performance, maintenance planning effectiveness, fleet reliability, and strategic initiatives impacting aircraft availability and operational continuity;

Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders, including Operations, Flight Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and Executive leadership, to ensure alignment between engineering strategies, maintenance planning, and organisational objectives;

Facilitate cross‑functional collaboration between Engineering, Maintenance Planning, and Operational teams to ensure maintenance activities are effectively integrated with operational schedules and fleet performance requirements;

Liaise with OEMs, vendors, and regulatory authorities on engineering and technical matters, ensuring alignment with OEM standards, regulatory requirements, and best practice;

Engage proactively with regulators, OEMs, and approved service providers to address engineering challenges, manage technical escalations, and ensure continued airworthiness and regulatory compliance;

Collaborate with Operations, Finance, and Supply Chain to align maintenance strategies, engineering initiatives, and planning activities with operational and commercial objectives;

Represent the AMO and the Engineering&Planning functions in operational forums, technical steering committees, industry forums, and regulatory engagements, ensuring technical priorities, risks, and planning considerations are effectively communicated and addressed;

Provide leadership and direction to managers and supervisors, establishing clear performance expectations and accountability for operational, safety, and quality outcomes;

Drive a high‑performance, safety‑focused culture through effective performance discussions, leadership development, and coaching to strengthen team capability and operational excellence;

Produce accurate, comprehensive monthly and quarterly reports for the Executive team, ensuring clarity and relevance of information;

Translate data into meaningful insights and actionable recommendations that inform decision‑making and support strategic outcomes;

Maintain high standards of reporting accuracy, consistency, and alignment with organisational objectives, governance requirements, and best practices.

Qualifications

Grade 12 or Equivalent (Essential);

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aeronautical, or a related Engineering discipline (BEng/BSc/BTech) (Essential);

Demonstrated experience with regulatory authorities and managing audits (Essential);

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's License (Advantageous);

Minimum 10‑12 years' experience in an Airline/Aviation AMO environment, of which, 5 years must have been in a management role (Essential);

Extensive exposure to Boeing 737 or similar commercial aircraft (Advantageous);

Willingness to work extended hours, weekends, and be available afterhours as required to support operational demands.

Personal Attributes

Professional;

Analytical and decisive under pressure;

Integrity, safety‑orientated, and operational discipline;

Results‑driven and process oriented;

Innovative and proactive in problem‑solving;

Influential;

Immaculate time keeping.

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