Manager: Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) & Airspace Integration 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 8 years of experience in conceptualizing, designing, implementing, and or managing air traffic   management Operations or functions of which at least 5 years must be at Pool Manager level or equivalent management within a complex air traffic services / air traffic management environment.
• Proven track record in managing complex projects and leading cross-functional teams.

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 10 years of experience in conceptualizing, designing, implementing, and or managing air traffic management Operations or functions of which at least 7 years must be at Pool Manager or level or equivalent management within a complex air traffic services / air traffic management environment.
• Proven track record in managing complex projects and leading cross-functional teams.