Re- Advert - Head of Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) at ATNS

Job description

Strategy and Implementation

• Establish and manage a strategic research and innovation agenda and framework within SRD&I aligned to business strategy which enables RD&I to seek opportunities for improvement and innovation in every area. Provide strategic leadership and guidance to the Research, Development & Innovation function to enable the successful achievement of required business objectives and deliverables. Provide input into the ATNS strategy based on research findings. Develop, implement and articulate the RD&I strategy and value proposition to the organization. Drive delivery of the required RD&I research and innovation project portfolio and initiatives within the agreed time, budget and standard/quality requirements. Analyze trends and metrics in partnership with the Chief SRD&I that will inform the development of current and future required solutions, programs, and policies aligned to business priorities

Manage the Research, Development & Innovation Agenda 

• Establish an in-depth understanding and analysis of the macro air traffic control and navigation environment and ATNS strategic objectives to inform the research agenda and identify innovation opportunities. Focus research, development and innovation on Air Traffic Management solutions and associated services that meet the needs and expectations of the ATM community and that will support the long-term financial sustainability of ATNS. Develop a research agenda that actively supports the company’s strategic objectives and business priorities. Provide plans and guidelines on the establishment of long-term ATM/cns systems to ensure system capacity that is aligned to stakeholder requirements. Prepare plans, processes, procedures and safety cases for introducing new technologies into the operations environment.  

Operationalization of RD&I

• Conduct or commission strategic market, industry and technology research. Develop and coordinate a roadmap for ATNS of the future in collaboration/partnership with all internal stakeholders. Manage and administer the end-to-end innovation management process from idea management to business case review. Provide RD&I thought leadership to the organization aligned to the vision and overall business strategies, and provide recommendations and advice on the research, development and innovation agenda. Develop and implement the RD&I operating model based on end-user requirements, benchmarking and strategic objectives. Conduct research and statistical analysis to identify opportunities for improving efficiency across the function. Benchmark service delivery of RD&I against global best practices. Provide specialist advice with regards to RD&I issues in the organization. Maintain, promote and continuously improve RD&I efficiency and related processes. 

Governance, Risk, Compliance & Reporting

• Manage and implement a robust governance framework for the RD&I function. Continuously monitor and measure compliance with all ATNS policies and procedures and relevant legislation. Manage the function’s performance against strategy and set targets and corporate objectives. Lead overall risk assessment of RD&I projects and issue management and develop and implement effective mitigation plans and actions. Develop product level risk analyses as appropriate. Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policy and standards. Consolidate input from all relevant parties to prepare strategic level reports for the Chief SRD&I and other relevant stakeholders. Prepare formal and ad hoc reports as required

Stakeholder Relations Management

• Build, maintain and nurture mutually beneficial relationships with relevant stakeholders. Develop, manage and maintain sound relationships with key stakeholders. Build and maintain effective collaborative relationships with all relevant business functions and teams within ATNS to enable alignment and optimal service delivery

Financial Management 

• Manage expenditure in line with business priorities and objectives, and within approved financial parameters. Develop and manage the RD&I budget in line with strategic business objectives and the ATNS mandate. Ensure compliance to company financial policies and procedures. Report on all costs incurred against the approved budget as well as any possible deviations thereto

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. Ensure the availability of skilled and competent staff in the strategy function to meet the current and future needs aligned to the departmental and overall business strategies. Ensure that staff is managed in accordance with HC policies, processes and practices. Promote high levels of discipline and performance standards to achieve the ATNS strategies.

Minimum requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Post graduate tertiary qualifications in Science, Business Management, Engineering or any relevant field
• Leadership Development qualification is advantageous

 Minimum Years of Experience:

• Seasoned professional is required with a minimum of 8 years of experience in conducting and managing research, development and innovation in a technological environment, preferably air traffic services/ air traffic management, of which at least 5 years must be at a managerial level
• Must have done research and published

Apply by: 27 August 2025