Chief Aviation Safety Regulatory Oversight Officer, Soweto

Chief Aviation Safety Regulatory Oversight Officer Applications are invited for the position of Chief Aviation Safety Regulatory Oversight Officer (FTC 5 Years) (Peromnes Grade 4) based at Head Office, Bruma. The successful applicant will be reporting to the Chief Executive Officer. The purpose of this role is to provide safety leadership through the establishment of an environment that enables and promotes effective safety management by embedding governance, communication, monitoring, evaluation, reporting and regulatory oversight. The goal is to ensure overall compliance of all ATNS core and non‑core operations and departments with SHE (safety, health and environment) regulations and legislation, and to provide assurance on occupational health and environmental safety in the organisation.

Strategic Alignment Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive safety management strategy that enables safe operations across divisions in alignment with ATNS strategic business objectives. Guide improvement in the organisation’s safety performance through effective management and monitoring of the safety management system, identify and mitigate safety risks within day‑to‑day operations, and increase the safety and resilience of business operations. Provide regulatory oversight for aviation safety compliance with ICAO and SACAA standards, and contribute safety management and regulatory oversight inputs into the business strategy. Ensure a robust governance and compliance environment, keep the CEO informed of changes that impact ATNS and the aviation industry, act as a trusted strategic advisor, and promote a safety culture throughout the organization.

Management of Aviation Safety Oversee the safety of all organisational activities, including air travel, ground operations and maintenance. Formulate and execute safety objectives based on identified priorities, monitor and evaluate performance, and provide safety leadership by embedding governance, communication, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. Lead the development, management and implementation of a safety management system (SMS) to increase operational resilience. Develop and monitor safety policy, processes and procedures for aviation operations, and report safety performance—including incidents, investigations and audit results—to the Safety Review Committee, EXCO, MANCOM and Board Committees monthly and quarterly. Provide oversight of audit processes conducted by SACAA, review audit reports, ensure findings are addressed and corrective plans developed and implemented. Manage emergency response plans, aviation safety issues, and prevent or minimise risks in compliance with regulations. Prepare and present safety reports and recommendations to aviation management and stakeholders, and ensure documentation complies with SACAA regulations. Embed safety best practice, monitor performance, and provide specialist advice on safety and regulatory oversight.

SHE Compliance Management Monitor and ensure compliance of business operations and departments with SHE regulations, legislation and company standards. Manage SHE safety issues, develop mitigation plans, and conduct audits in accordance with ISO 45001, ISO 19011, ISO/IEC 17021 and the OHS Act 85 of 1993. Report audit results, identify improvement opportunities, and ensure corrective actions. Promote safety awareness and understanding, provide basic SHE training to employees, and compile safety communications as required.

Safety and Regulatory Assurance Implement policies and processes to ensure a robust governance and compliance environment. Lead safety and regulatory meetings, coordinate oversight, and prepare submissions to CARCOM to support regulatory amendments. Obtain exemptions from CAA regulations when necessary, investigate and provide feedback to stakeholders, and participate in the development of the ATNS Safety Roadmap. Review SACAA regulation Part 140, coordinate safety platforms, drive improvements, and undertake regulatory projects to support strategic objectives. Provide safety oversight to licensed employees and business units, ensuring compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations and other relevant legislation. Oversee training activities (OJTI, DE, ATA, Simulators) and represent ATNS at CARCOM.

Research and Development Conduct regular research into SHE and aviation safety, recommend projects, and develop effective safety management programs. Perform statistical analysis, benchmark against other ANSPs, engage stakeholders, and review plans, processes, procedures and safety cases to enable new technologies and procedures.

Governance, Compliance, Risk Management and Reporting Provide oversight to ensure compliance of the safety management system with ICAO and SACAA standards. Maintain a risk register, monitor and measure compliance, manage emergency response plans, and prepare reports for executive management, the Board and the Safety Regulator. Submit approvals to authorising authorities, prepare ad‑hoc reports, review executive management reports, and support compliance with ATNS Quality Management System.

Stakeholder Relations Management Engage with aviation regulators, industry organizations and other stakeholders to advance aviation safety. Manage communications, correspondence and responses, facilitate collaboration, and build mutually beneficial relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Financial Management Manage expenditure within business priorities and approved parameters, develop and manage the department’s budget, report monthly expenditure and deviations, ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures, and account for all costs incurred.

People Management Manage employees in accordance with HC policies, ensure availability of skilled staff, promote discipline and performance, implement the performance management system, drive employee engagement and retention, and coach and mentor staff.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Engineering, or a related field in Aviation/Aeronautics

Post‑graduate degree in Business Management or related qualification (advantage)

Minimum Years of Experience

Seasoned professional with at least 10 years relevant technical and operations experience in aviation safety management, including at least 5 years at a management level

Experience in regulatory compliance, incident investigation and risk management

Proficiency in data analysis

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.

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