Specialist: Application at South African Airways (SAA)

Job Purpose    

• The Specialist: Application is responsible for studying overall business and information needs of the organization to effectively analyse, design, test and implement new/changed developments. The role will identify business needs and the costs benefits of implementing new/changed developments.
• Furthermore, the role will provide support to the business according to the agreed SLA’s as well as analyse existing problems/issues and provide the necessary solutions to problems/issues.

Principal Accountabilities    

• Support management with the implementation of key IT strategic initiatives
• Liaise with the respective business units, service providers and 3rd party suppliers for new functionality as well as support and maintenance of current applications
• Provide general user support and maintenance of multiple existing operational applications / systems to ensure SLAs are met or exceeded
• Consult with business stakeholders to make recommendations regarding IT enablement of business strategies
• Negotiate various options available for successful implementation of new developments and enhancements with business stakeholders
• Ensure quality assurance and testing procedures are adhered to
• Thoroughly test all new developments and enhancements and ensure the required business sign off is received
• Proactively analyse and revise existing systems as necessary to improve performance / stability to changing business requirements
• Stay current on emerging tools, techniques and technologies
• Perform bridging role between business and technical teams
• Facilitate workshops / meetings to ensure the required functional requirements are clearly documented
• Assist / review in the preparation of detailed business specifications
• Provide communication and liaison between cross-functional teams and organizations
• Researches, analyses, recommend and implement business processes
• Manage risks and changes related to application / business environment including impact analysis and the development of contingency plans using set processes and standards
• Analyse system / business gaps and do the necessary requirements specification or business processes to bridge these
• Respond promptly and accurately to customer requests and co-ordinate follow-up activities
• Coach and mentor all departments using the applications on system functionality and implementation of business processes
• Assist the Training department with setting up the necessary training documentation and assist with training where required

Qualifications & Experience    

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and/or related field at NQF level 7
• At least 3 years of IT experience in an airline industry
• At least 3 – 5 years previous experience as a business analyst with a focus on applications

Knowledge and Skills    

• Airline Industry Knowledge
• IT Passenger Service System Knowledge
• IT Project Methodology
• Business process design and mapping
• SAA Commercial and Operations business policies and procedures
• Conflict Management
• Project Management
• Interpersonal skills
• Time Management skills
• Planning and organisation skills
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Influencing and negotiating skills 
• Customer excellence
• Information processing
• Strong administrative skills
• Strong multi-tasking ability
• Critical thinking
• Teamwork
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)

Attributes    

• Manages transformation and change initiatives
• Drives innovation
• Sells/translates the vision
• Leverages team diversity
• Role models behaviors and values
• Customer centric
• Results driven
• Stakeholder relationships
• Ethics and integrity
• Collaboration
• Relationship building
• Independent worker
• Proactive
• Resilient
• Motivated and detailed oriented

Deadline:30th September,2026