SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Location: South Africa
Type: Full-time | Executive Leadership
Lead safety where airspace meets accountability.
This is a career-defining executive opportunity for a seasoned aviation safety expert. You'll be responsible for driving national aviation safety and regulatory oversight, influencing infrastructure development, environmental alignment, and international compliance — all under one critical mandate.
Recruitment partner: Edge Executive Search.
About the Role
As Executive for Aviation Safety, Infrastructure & Environment, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to one of the most vital divisions within civil aviation. You’ll oversee accident investigations, regulatory compliance, and safety promotion across the sector — engaging nationally and globally to elevate South Africa’s aviation safety standards.
What You’ll Lead
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Implementation of aviation safety strategy and ICAO-aligned regulatory frameworks.
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Oversight of accident and incident investigations (Annex 13).
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Safety audits, compliance enforcement, and risk-based surveillance.
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Regulation of aviation infrastructure and environmental compliance.
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Engagement with operators, AMOs, ATOs, airports, and international stakeholders.
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Cross-functional team leadership and budget accountability.
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Representation of South Africa at global aviation forums.
What You Bring
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Postgraduate qualification in Aviation, Engineering, Safety, or a related field. (Master’s degree preferred).
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10–15 years of senior aviation safety experience, with exposure to regulatory oversight.
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Deep knowledge of ICAO SARPs, Annexes, and Civil Aviation Regulations.
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Background in infrastructure oversight and environmental compliance in aviation.
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Experience managing investigations, audits, and sector-wide safety improvement initiatives.
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Proven stakeholder engagement across national and international platforms.
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Executive presence, strategic thinking, and operational leadership capabilities.
What Success Looks Like
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Strengthened regulatory compliance and operational safety nationwide.
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Improved international standing and ICAO audit readiness.
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Effective infrastructure and environmental regulation aligned to ICAO standards.
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Visible leadership in global aviation safety forums.
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High-performance culture across multidisciplinary teams.
What Awaits You
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A pivotal executive seat in a nationally influential aviation authority.
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The opportunity to shape the future of air safety, infrastructure, and sustainability.
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A leadership role that blends strategy, regulation, and global engagement.
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Impact across the full spectrum of aviation in South Africa.
