Specialist Route Network and Partnership Performance at South African Airways (SAA)

Job Purpose    

• The role is responsible for analysing and optimising the airline’s route network, codeshare agreements, and interline partnerships to maximise revenue and profitability. This role involves conducting in-depth market research, financial modelling, and performance analysis to drive strategic decision-making and operational efficiency. The incumbent will be the custodian of the reporting ecosystem and processes supporting the effective management of the airline route network and codeshare partnership.

Principal Accountabilities    

• Route Profitability: Conduct regular profitability analysis of the route network and airline partnerships to identify cost inefficiencies and revenue gaps and provide actionable recommendations to enhance business performance
• Forecasting and Advisory: Lead in-depth analysis during route and codeshare development, focusing on connectivity, route contribution and strategic alignment to support network expansion and profitability goals
• Reporting: Continuously evaluate and enhance profitability reporting frameworks for the route network and partnerships to maximise revenue generation and profitability
• Reporting Tools: Develop and implement advanced revenue and profitability reporting tools for the network and airline partnerships to enable data driven decision making
• Operating Costs: Conduct detailed operating cost analysis to identify the behaviour of key cost drivers and uncover opportunities for profit improvement, and the development of effective cost monitoring practices
• Collaboration: Work closely with Finance and Data Analytics teams to refine and optimise business processes related to route network and airline partnerships profitability
• Collaboration: Work in partnership with Network Planning and Alliances to identify and implement optimisation opportunities that enhance the efficiency and profitability of the airline
• Financial Modelling: Conduct scenario analysis and financial modelling to evaluate impact of new route, codeshares and schedule changes on the bottom line of the airline
• Performance Benchmarking: Establish performance benchmarks for route profitability and partnership effectiveness, regularly assessing performance against these standards
• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare and present insights, reports, and recommendations to senior management and other stakeholders, ensuring alignment on profitability strategies and initiatives
• Review the effectiveness of commercial strategies and recommend best practice options for improvement
• Lives and role models the Airline’s Values

Qualifications & Experience    

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Financial Management or related field at NQF level 7
• At least 3 – 5 years’ experience in driving profitability and cost analysis
• Experience in delivering analysis to a high standard and working to deadlines in a fast paced, dynamic environment

Knowledge and Skills    

• Knowledge of Financial Modelling and Forecasting
• Knowledge of Variance Analysis
• Cost Management
• Data Analytics Tools
• Excellent communication skills
• Advanced Microsoft Excel
• Report writing skills
• Presentation skills
• Problem solving
• Analytical
• Decision making

Attributes    

• Curiosity and innovative
• Critical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Collaboration
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Drives results
• Deadline driven
• Organisational awareness
• Ethics and integrity
• Resilience
• Strategic vision