Component Workshop Manager
We are seeking an experienced Component Workshop Manager to lead the daily operations of an Aircraft Maintenance Organisation specialising in aircraft landing gear, wheels and brakes.
The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO and current owner to strengthen workshop management, establish or update standard operating procedures, develop the team and improve operational profitability.
Proven experience within a South African AMO is essential. The candidate must understand the local regulatory environment and be able to translate those requirements into practical workshop processes.
Responsibilities
- Manage daily workshop operations, including job allocation, scheduling, resource planning and delivery commitments
- Review existing SOPs, update them where needed and introduce missing procedures - ensure staff understand and consistently follow them
- Take ownership of workshop recruitment, onboarding, training, skills development and employee performance, within approved budgets and delegated authority
- Maintain high standards of safety, workmanship, quality and regulatory compliance, working with the relevant technical and quality personnel
- Improve productivity, turnaround times and resource utilisation while reducing avoidable delays and rework
- Take responsibility for operational profitability through effective job costing, labour allocation, purchasing and cost control
- Monitor and report clear performance indicators covering delivery, productivity, quality, staff development and workshop profitability
- Ensure appropriate tooling, equipment maintenance, calibration, stock control, parts traceability and maintenance records
- Coordinate with the current owner to capture technical knowledge and establish documented, repeatable processes
- Support preparations for additional capabilities and certifications, including identifying staffing, training, tooling and process requirements
Supervisor
- Reports directly to the CEO
- Works closely with the current owner during the transition and knowledge-transfer period, and coordinates with quality, technical, administrative and commercial personnel
Qualifications / Technical Skills
- Relevant qualification in aircraft maintenance (SACAA AME Licence), mechanical engineering or a recognised technical trade
- Substantial experience in aircraft maintenance or component repair and overhaul, including workshop supervision or management
- Proven practical experience within a South African AMO, with a sound understanding of SACAA requirements and local operating practices
- Experience with landing gear, wheels and brakes is strongly preferred
- Ability to develop and implement SOPs, training plans, maintenance workflows and performance reporting
- Working knowledge of quality systems, audits, maintenance documentation, parts traceability and tooling controls
- Commercial understanding of job costing, labour productivity, workshop budgets and profitability
- Confidence using spreadsheets and maintenance or workshop management software
Soft Skills
- Hands-on leadership, with clear accountability for team performance and results
- Strong communication, coaching and people-management skills
- Ability to introduce improvements while maintaining constructive relationships with an experienced team
- Sound judgement, practical problem-solving and effective prioritisation
- Ability to balance safety, quality, customer commitments and commercial performance
- Professional integrity and the confidence to raise concerns promptly with the CEO
Language
- Strong spoken and written English is required, including the ability to prepare SOPs, communicate technical instructions and produce clear management reports
- Additional South African languages would be an advantage when supervising and developing the workshop team
Travel Requirements
- The position requires regular presence on site in the Johannesburg area
- Occasional local travel may be required for meetings with customers, suppliers, training providers or regulatory authorities
-Any international travel requirements will be confirmed according to business needs
New Position
- This is a new management position intended to strengthen the workshop’s leadership structure and formalise responsibility for people, processes, operational performance and profitability
- The current owner will remain involved during the transition to support technical continuity and knowledge transfer
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to submit their CV online or to nico@aviationlink.co.za for consideration.
Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements and have relevant experience will be considered. Please consider your application unsuccessful if you have not received feedback within 7 days of applying.