- Published on
AIR TRAFFIC AND NAVIGATION SERVICES COMPANY (ATNS)
CHIEF OPERATIONS TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Listing reference: atns_000948
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 12 August 2026
Position summary
Industry: Aviation & Aerospace
Job category: Operations Management
Location: Bedfordview
Contract: Fixed Term Contract
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: No
Introduction
VACANCY: CHIEF OPERATIONS TECHNOLOGY OFFICER (FIVE-YEAR PERFORMANCE-BASED FIXED-TERM CONTRACT) GRADE: PEROMNES LEVEL 3 LOCATION: BRUMA, JOHANNESBURG The Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) is responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of air traffic services within South Africa’s airspace, including the surrounding oceanic areas designated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) over the Africa-Indian Ocean region. The company supports operations at nine statutory airports managed by the Airports Company of South Africa, 11 regional airports, and the St Helena Airport in the South Atlantic Ocean. We are seeking a visionary and principled leader to guide our Operations Technology Department. We are deeply committed to the highest standards of ethical leadership, corporate citizenship, and integrated reporting as embodied in the applicable King Code on Corporate Governance for South Africa. Job title: Chief Operations Technology Officer Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer Ref: ATNS COTO/2026 Conditions of Service: ATNS is an equal opportunity employer that strives to achieve a diverse workforce broadly representative of our people. This position will be filled in line with the objectives of ATNS’ Employment Equity Plan, and therefore, candidates from designated groups as per the Employment Equity Act of 1998 are encouraged to apply. Purpose To lead operations technology, communication and navigation systems that directly interact with aircraft operations, airport infrastructure, air traffic control, maintenance systems, and other safety-critical systems and equipment to ensure safe and efficient air traffic management and to continuously monitor the availability of required systems and infrastructure to ensure safe and effective aviation operations
Job description
Key performance areas
· Strategic Engineering Leadership - Develop and implement the Operations Technology (OT) strategy in alignment with ATNS strategic objectives and business requirements; Conceptualise and define the ATNS operations engineering services model considering end-user requirements, benchmarked global, regional, national Air Traffic Management (ATM) concept plans, and supporting ATNS strategic objectives; Influence the development of communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management system (CNS) concepts and plans nationally and regionally over a 20-year timeframe by articulating and promoting the ATNS agenda to ICAO, international and domestic associations and other stakeholders; Ensure effective interpretation of global, regional and national air navigation plans while taking due cognisance of user requirements ensuring that the national ATNS systems and infrastructure meet international standards; Instil the core vision, mission and values of ATNS within the engineering environment, and ensure that activities and outputs are congruent.
· Operations Technology Management - Develop OT strategy and roadmap for efficient ATM and operations; Align OT strategy with air navigation and safety goals and objectives; Ensure management of total engineering quality, planning, design, specification and acquisition support; Deploy, integrate and operationalize OT systems; Ensure OT security, safety, governance and compliance in ATM; Monitor and optimise OT performance in ATM; Ensure the effective operation and maintenance of CNS/ATM OT systems; Ensure effective support of OT users and operators in ATM. Lead operations technology planning and adoption to ensure availability of the required systems and infrastructure to ensure safe and effective aviation operations;
· Develop an operations technology plan with relevant planning periods that take into account obsolescence of technology and equipment and the replacement thereof; Design and develop effective OT safety and security systems to ensure safe and secure operations systems and technology; Monitor and optimise OT performance to meet user requirements as measured by system availability, reliability, stability, security and other associated service levels in ATM; Provide strategic direction for operations technology and infrastructure maintenance, security, disaster recovery, and ATM end-user support; Ensure effective integration and implementation of engineering service plans that meet benchmarked capability in order to meet user requirements, measured by system availability and reliability and other associated service levels; Initiate and direct business-driven engineering projects; Ensure project management disciplines are implemented; Ensure projects are managed, that resources are appropriately allocated, and that deadlines are achieved.
· High-tech Infrastructure/CAPEX and Implementation - Lead and/or contribute to the mapping of the short-, medium-, long-term and high-value (multi-million rand) operations technology plans of ATNS and the implementation thereof from conceptualisation, feasibility, technical formulation, acquisition, operation, to maintenance; Perform contract management of high-tech suppliers and Original Equipment Manufacturers; Ensure the availability of the required systems and infrastructure that will enable safe and effective aviation operations.
· Development of Technical Standards - Lead and direct the development of technical standards to meet engineering service requirements and project deliverables; Anticipate changes in engineering standards and requirements; Implement changes, and drive equipment, organisational and other requirements to meet new technical standards.
· Service Excellence - Establish technical service delivery SLA’s; Ensure technical service delivery is achieved in line with identified engineering standards; Ensure the analysis and development of engineering services and standards in line with emerging trends and developments; Keep abreast of technical maintenance developments.
· Commercial Revenue Streams - Consult the organisational strategy and deliverables to determine CNS-specific products and services requirements; Manage the development of CNS-related and collaborative products and services to meet identified opportunities; Ensure that the products and services meet market demands and take appropriate action where necessary to prevent possible losses.
· Governance, Compliance, Risk Management & Reporting - Ensure a robust governance environment by leading the development, maintenance, monitoring and continuous review of Operations Technology policies, processes, procedures, and service level agreements; Ensure full compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory standards, and ATNS frameworks; Prepare strategic level reports to EXCO, the Board and other key stakeholders; Identify strategic and operation business risks and develop and implement appropriate mitigation; Ensure all identified risks are appropriately and timeously measured, corrected, and managed in accordance with the ATNS Risk Management Framework.
· Stakeholder Relations Management - Develop, manage and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with key stakeholders including regulatory bodies, airports, professional institutions, and service providers to ensure ongoing alignment and collaboration; Monitor service delivery levels to ensure the provision of service excellence and user satisfaction.
· Financial Management - Manage expenditure in line with business objectives and priorities within approved financial parameters; Develop the divisional budget in conjunction with Finance to ensure financial sustainability; Manage operations costs in accordance with the mandate matrix (delegation of authority; Ensure accountability and reporting on all costs incurred against the approved budget including monthly deviations; Manage the overall Operations Technology budget in accordance with financial policies and processes.
· People Management - Ensure the optimal development, deployment, and management of human resources in order to meet the required targets and objectives; Manage staff in accordance with Human Capital policies, processes, practices and the disciplinary code; 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 Human Capital; Promote high levels of safety, discipline, output standards within a motivational climate so that performance and other outputs are achieved; Manage performance outputs of employees through the performance management system, and take corrective action promptly and effectively; Facilitate change in the Operations Technology environment through ATNS change management processes; Mentor and coach staff as required, and ensure the transfer of knowledge to ensure ongoing performance improvement; Implement transformation initiatives within Operations Technology to ensure an inclusive environment and a representative staff complement; Drive employee engagement and retention within the Operations Technology environment.
Minimum requirements
Qualifications Requirement
· Masters level qualification in Business Management or related field is required.
· Bachelor’s degree in electronic/electrical (Light Current) Engineering or equivalent is required.
· Registration as Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa.
· Formal Leadership and Business Management training as an added advantage.
Experience Requirement
· At least ten (10) years engineering experience in an aviation environment or similar of which seven (7) years should have been at senior management level.
· Air traffic navigation experience will be an added advantage.
The incumbent will be based at the ATNS offices currently in Bruma. Applicants will be subjected to various types of assessments that include interviews, psychometric assessment, vetting, etc. Interested candidates are requested to first register their CV’s/detailed personal profiles at Pnet https://atns.ci.hr/ and if interested in this specific position, ensure that the next step of applying for the job is completed by not later than 17 July 2026.
If you have not been contacted within 6 weeks of the closing date of this advert, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
Please do not send certificates, diplomas or testimonials. We thank all applicants for their interest. Communication will be conducted with short-listed applicants only.
People living with disabilities will be given preference in line with the Employment Equity Plan.
SYSTEMS ENGINEER: PLANNING
Listing reference: atns_000947
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 7 August 2026
Position summary
Industry: Aviation & Aerospace
Job category: Electrical Engineering
Location: Bedfordview
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: No
Introduction
Applications are invited for the position of Systems Engineer: Planning (Grade 7) based at Head Office, Bruma. The successful applicant will be reporting to the Senior Systems Engineer Planning (CNS). Purpose To participate in CNS life cycle planning, and technical research and development efforts, focusing on the planning and design of ATNS communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) systems and to participate in the determination and quantification of the CNS and Air Traffic Management technology needs for incorporation into the CNS planning and CAPEX budgeting processes.
Job description
Design, Specification, Performance and Quality Monitoring of CNS Systems and Facilities - Compile technical functional specifications for CNS systems and equipment in area of expertise for procurement purposes under the guidance of a Senior Systems Engineer; Develop tender documents, acquisition and implementation documentation under the guidance of a Senior Systems Engineer; Participate in contract negotiation sessions with bidders and contractors; Participate in site acceptance and commissioning tests of new CNS systems and equipment to ensure that specified requirements are met under the guidance of a Professional Engineer; Participate in the establishment of the Bid Specification Committee and the Bid Evaluation Committee; Evaluate change requests that will have a material impact on the performance or operation of deployed systems, as a member of the configuration management team environment, under the guidance of a Professional Engineer; Develop and maintain planning and prediction models; Prepare relevant plans, processes, procedures, business cases and safety cases for introducing new technologies into the operational environment; Make presentations to management on the recommended research approach to be followed, under the guidance of a Professional Engineer; Conduct research of ATM/CNS technologies in the global environment, under the guidance of a Professional Engineer; Make presentations to ATNS and third parties on research and development project outcomes; Attend seminars, conferences, workshops, etc. on related matters; Establish benefit levers for projects in alignment with business needs and requirements and ensure that the project prioritisation process is followed; Participate in seminars, conferences, workshops on related topics; Ensure that projects have project plans in line with the corporate project management framework; Identify plans, processes, and procedures for ensuring that planning for relevant safety cases for introducing new technologies into the operational environment, under the guidance of a Professional Engineer; Support the development of all mandatory milestone review documents including the technical design document (TDD), programme management plan (PMP), support and maintenance plan (SMP), system acquisition plan (SAP) and quality assurance plan (QAP); Performance Quality - Participate in site acceptance and commissioning tests of new CNS systems and equipment to ensure performance requirements as specified are met; Support the Senior Systems Engineer in managing the quality and performance of CNS systems and the implementation of CNS projects.
CNS and ATM Systems Planning - Participate in the preparation of the ATNS CAPEX plan using your area of expertise and inputs from other ATNS departments as regards ATM operational needs, equipment obsolescence and research and development outputs; Participate on an ad-hoc basis in the preparation of the ATNS submissions to the ATNS Regulating Committee; Participate in ATNS user consultation meetings; Review ITU-T agenda items and provide input to ICAO specifications; Develop an understanding of the ATM community and the CNS and ATM technology needs.
Governance, Compliance and Risk Management - Contribute to the development and implementation of relevant policies, processes and control measures to enable effective management and execution of required deliverables; Identify risks associated with technology projects and establish effective mitigation; Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, policies and processes; Support and ensure compliance with the ATNS Quality Management System; Prepare and submit reports to meetings as required under the guidance of a Professional Engineer; Make submissions for approval to the appropriate authorising authority under the guidance of a Professional Engineer; Prepare ad hoc reports as required by clients and management under the guidance of a Professional Engineer; Attend required departmental and company meetings.
Stakeholder Relations Management - Develop and maintain sound relationships with all key stakeholders to support ongoing collaboration and alignment; Interact with various levels within the organisation on technology and project-related activities; Interact with various levels within the organisation on technology and project-related planning activities; Build internal partnerships through interaction with multiple departments within ATNS; Provide recommendations when required for the prevention of problems that have occurred in one area from occurring in another by proactively identifying the cause and promoting preventative action.
Financial Management - Provide inputs into the budget development process; Manage delegated expenditure in line with business needs and priorities, and within set financial parameters; Report expenditure including any possible deviations to the budget on a monthly basis; Ensure compliance with ATNS Finance policy and Delegation of Authority; Ensure efficient utilisation of the approved budget; Manage costs involved while maintaining quality of service; Compile and provide required reports on utilisation of the budget; Identify and prevent irregular and fruitless and wasteful expenditure; Provide the required supporting documents to enable effective auditing processes.
Minimum requirements
Formal Qualifications
· BSc or BEng Degree in Electronic / Electrical/ Computer Engineering
· Professional Engineer registration with ECSA or eligibility to register as a Professional Engineer and
· Systems Engineer Professional will be an added advantage.
· Registered as a Candidate Engineer with ECSA will be an added advantage.
Experience
· Minimum three years post-qualification experience in electrical/electronic engineering
· Sound understanding of CNS/ATM technologies
· Sound knowledge of International Civil Aviation Organisation Standards and Recommended Practices as applied to communication, navigation or surveillance systems
· Experience in, and in-depth knowledge of planning, specifying, acquiring and implementing engineering projects
· Understanding of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, especially related to Communication, Navigation and Surveillance Systems
· Experience in Project Management, Contract Management and Systems Engineering Management
If you have not been contacted within 3 weeks of the closing date of this advert, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
ATNS is an equal opportunity employer that strives to achieve a diverse workforce broadly representative of our people. This position will be filled in line with the objectives of ATNS’ Employment Equity Plan and therefore candidates from designated groups, as per the Employment Equity Act of 1998, are encouraged to apply.
People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
MANAGER AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES: FALE
Listing reference: atns_000946
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 6 August 2026
Position summary
Industry: Aviation & Aerospace
Job category: Transport and Logistics Management
Location: Durban
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: No
Introduction
The purpose of this job is to provide overall business unit and operational leadership in the provision of Air Traffic Services at King Shaka International Airport and implementation of regional strategy and policies aligned to the vision and overall business strategy of ATNS and provide safe, orderly, efficient, and predictable Air Traffic Services in accordance with Company policy and ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices which will meet and satisfy all reasonable requirements of the aviation community in accordance with relevant ATS Policies and Procedures for ATS outputs.
Job description
Major Activities
Ø Provide operational leadership to the Air Traffic Service Unit to ensure achievement of Air Traffic Management Service Delivery, and overall ATNS business strategy.
Ø Provide operational Air Traffic Service Unit input and insights into the operations and long-term ATNS strategy.
Ø Participate in the development, implementation, and articulation of the regional strategy and value proposition to the organization aligned to the operations and business strategies.
Ø Support the Head and other thought leaders in the development, implementation and management of the Operations strategy aligned to the vision, culture, and business strategy of ATNS.
Ø Lead the design, implementation and management of the Air Traffic Service Unit business plan, aviation safety strategy including governance and service management capabilities, along with the service catalogue and service level agreements.
Ø Drive delivery of the required projects/initiatives within the Air Traffic Service Unit strategy to be on time, within budget and to the required standard.
Ø Lead implementation of processes to collect feedback on how all the aspects of the Air Traffic Service Centre/Unit strategy are being received in business.
Ø Analyse trends and metrics in partnership with the Head to develop the required solutions, programs, and policies aligned to the business needs and strategies.
Ø Set clear targets for the Air Traffic Service Centre/Unit and ensure achievement of such targets by cascading the targets appropriately.
Ø Develop the annual business plan for the Air Traffic Service Unit to enable achievement of the overall ATNS business strategy and targets.
Ø Support co-ordination and implementation of the corporate transformation strategy in the Air Traffic Service Centre/Unit in line with relevant policies and legislation.
Ø Build and maintain strong business relationships with customers to understand their strategies and plans to ensure alignment of the Air Traffic Service Centre/Unit operations to their needs.
Ø Ensure continuous collaboration for conducting research and development to enable continuous enhancement of the Air Traffic Service Centre/Unit’s operating model, products and services aligned with trends, technological advances, and changes in business strategy.
Ø Ensure the effective integration and implementation of all Air Traffic Service Centre/Unit ’s resources to meet the required service delivery capability aligned to customers’ requirements.
Ø Ensure the delivery of Air Traffic Services is in accordance to the South African Civil Aviation Regulations and Technical Standards and the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Standards and Recommended Practises.
Ø Develop, implement, maintain, measure, monitor and continuously review the Air Traffic Service Centre/Unit’s Station Standing Instructions, policies, procedures, service level agreements, and letters of procedures and/or agreements.
Ø Manage and implement Aeronautical Information Management to ensure the required level of support and to enhance the provision of the Air Traffic Service requirements.
Ø Provide Air Traffic Service Unit inputs and participate in the review of legislation that affects the delivery of Air Traffic Services.
Ø Implement and participate in projects aimed at improving the client experience at the Air Traffic Service Unit in collaboration with the stakeholders in the respective business areas.
Ø Ensuring communication to all affected parties is in line with the requisite quality, empathy, and timelines to deliver outstanding experiences.
Ø Continuously monitor and identify any trends or other possible indicators of deterioration in safety or service levels. A proactive plan to ensure safety and service levels is implemented and maintained.
Ø Manage and oversee investigations into air traffic incidents and occurrences, recommending and implementing appropriate action.
Ø Authorise the extension of normal services and services for special operations in accordance with policy and regulations, providing personnel and facilities at locations where ATS is not permanently provided and augmenting staff at permanent locations if required.
Ø Ensure that aviation safety as well as all value-added measures are delivered and monitored at all times.
Ø Plan and manage visits to other regional ATCC’s to ensure inter-regional co-ordination and the pursuance of successful conclusions to mutual agreements.
Ø Support a drive for continuous innovation and evolution of ATNS products and services to always deliver a best-in-class customer experience.
Ø Drive continuous improvements in the conceptualisation of ideas to attract new opportunities.
Ø Identify and recommend improvements in existing processes and procedures to enhance service delivery, innovation and research.
Ø Consider commercial implications in all decision-making including IP protection processes.
Ø Monitor and evaluate outcomes of new products and processes to ensure continuous and improved business results in the Air Traffic Service Unit.
Ø Actively contributes to building a high-performing and collaborative culture with customers being at the heart of the company’s offerings.
Ø Partner with the wider business to build and foster innovation in our culture of service excellence.
Ø Manage and implement a robust governance framework for the Air Traffic Service Unit.
Ø Continuously monitor and measure compliance of the Air Traffic Service Centre/Unit to all ATNS policies and procedures and relevant legislation.
Ø Manage the Air Traffic Service Unit’s performance against strategy and set targets and corporate objectives.
Ø Lead the Air Traffic Service Unit’s projects' overall risk assessment and issue management.
Ø Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policy and standards.
Ø Consolidate input from all relevant parties to prepare strategic level reports for the Head of Region and other relevant stakeholders.
Ø Prepare ad hoc reports as required.
Ø Build, maintain and nurture mutually beneficial relationships with all relevant stakeholders.
Ø Adapt Air Traffic Management service delivery as practically as possible to meet client needs and expectations.
Ø Participate in industry and regulatory forums and workgroups on a local, regional, national, and international level.
Ø Build and maintain effective collaborative relationships with all relevant business functions and teams within ATNS to enable the required alignment and optimal Air Traffic Management service delivery.
Ø Lead development, utilisation, and management of the Air Traffic Service Centre/Unit’s budget.
Ø Ensure effective leadership in the management of operational costs to enable efficient utilisation of financial resources.
Ø Ensure compliance with the financial policies and procedures applicable in ATNS.
Ø Ensure accountability and reporting on all costs incurred against the approved budget.
Ø In conjunction with ATS Capacity Planning, ensure the availability of skilled and competent staff in the Air Traffic Service disciplines at the Centre to meet the current and future needs aligned to the operating model and overall business strategies.
Ø Ensure high levels of discipline and performance standards to achieve Air Traffic Management service delivery objectives and the ATNS business strategy.
Ø Coordinate and ensure resourcing deliverables in line with the Service Level Agreements
Ø Lead and manage the team to utilise their skills and expertise to support an integrated approach to managing the Air Traffic Service Centre/Unit.
Ø Manage performance outputs of the Air Traffic Service Centre/Unit by using the performance management system and taking corrective action promptly and effectively.
Ø Train, mentor and coach staff as required to ensure continuous development and availability of the required skill and talent.
Ø Ensure the transfer of knowledge and skills to enable sustainability within Air Traffic Service Centre/Unit from a succession management perspective.
Ø Perform talent management aligned to the HR policies and procedures.
Ø Drive employee engagement and retention within the Air Traffic Service Centre/Unit function.
Minimum requirements
Minimum Qualifications
Ø Air traffic control qualification (Aerodrome, Approach and Area control)
Ø Formal leadership (Management Development Program) and or Business management qualification.
Added Advantage
Ø Post graduate qualification in Business Management, Aviation Management, Operations, or any relevant field.
Experience
Ø Minimum 8 years of experience in conceptualising, designing, implementing, and managing air traffic management Operations or functions of which at least 5 years must be at Watch Manager / ATSU Manager level within a complex air traffic services / air traffic management environment.
Benefits
Pension Fund
Medical Aid
