Chief Operations Officer at Airports Company South Africa

Job Description

• We are seeking an accomplished operational leader to direct the safe, secure and efficient running of Airports Company South Africa’s airport network. Are you ready to build a resilient, future-ready operating model that protects ACSA’s licence to operate and delivers operational excellence in a dynamic aviation environment?

Key Performance Output

• In this pivotal leadership role, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the successful individual will provide strategic leadership in building a resilient, future-ready operating model that enables the company to respond effectively to a dynamic aviation environment, emerging risks, changing customer expectations and evolving regulatory requirements, focusing on the following:
• Translate organisational goals into a clear operational strategy and business plans, and drive operational performance within the agreed strategic framework;
• Direct and oversee airport operations across the ACSA network to ensure the safe, secure and efficient movement of passengers and cargo, advancing national connectivity and supporting economic growth;
• Direct the planning, commissioning, development and management of ACSA’s asset portfolio in line with business strategy and priorities;
• Direct a culture of operational compliance, safety, security and ethical conduct that protects ACSA’s licence to operate and upholds stakeholder confidence;
• Lead ACSA’s digital transformation, including smart airports technologies, cyber security and automation, and direct the IT infrastructure and solutions that support business processes and decision-making;
• Drive the development and implementation of the Permission in line with regulatory requirements;
• Lead innovation, growth and sustainability strategies, including Smart Airports and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) programmes, and champion the holistic transformation strategy across enterprise-wide programmes;
• Develop and manage operational, capex and labour budgets, and direct resources for the efficient delivery of operational targets;
• Lead regulatory safety and security compliance and manage ACSA’s risk exposure through effective risk control measures;
• Provide direction and nurture the development of leaders to ensure sustainable succession; and
• Build sound relationships with industry partners, government forums and other stakeholders, positioning ACSA as a key player in the local, national and international aviation and tourism industries.

Technical Skills and Experience

The following skills and experience or the equivalent of such will be required:

• A relevant Honours Degree (NQF Level 8) in built environment, airport management, general management, engineering, finance, infrastructure development or equivalent is essential;
• A Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Business Leadership (MBL) or equivalent master’s degree (NQF Level 9) is advantageous;
• A total of 15 years’ experience, including 10 years’ management experience in airport management, operations or general management, and 5 years’ experience at executive management level is essential;
• Knowledge of South African and international legislation, South African Civil Aviation Authority and aviation transportation sector regulations, and local and global aviation industry standards i.e. ICAO and ACI;
• Knowledge of corporate governance (King V) and national and international ISO standards;
• Knowledge of engineering, contract management, large infrastructure projects management and large capital expenditure management; and
• Strong commercial and strategic business management ability, and a good understanding of current and emerging technologies.

Competencies

• The ideal individual is a strategic thinker with strong business acumen and conceptual thinking ability, and a respected leader who builds relationships and networks across the industry.
• The individual must be able to negotiate, persuade and influence at the highest levels, and must display sound decision making and confident public speaking. A demonstrable affinity for ethics and integrity is essential.

Closing Date: 3 November 2026