Training Group Manager

Training Group Manager – Starlite Aviation Training Academy

Durban or Mossel Bay, South Africa | Full-Time | On-Site

Company Overview

Founded in 1999, Starlite Aviation Group is a globally recognised provider of helicopter and fixed-wing aviation services. Headquartered in Durban North, South Africa, at Hangar 123, Virginia Airport, we operate across Africa and internationally, delivering excellence across a broad spectrum of aviation solutions.

Our service portfolio includes Helicopter Operations, Fixed-Wing Charter, Humanitarian Support, Offshore Services, MEDEVAC, Aerial Firefighting, Search and Rescue, Aviation Training, Aircraft Maintenance, and Aerosales.

Renowned for our commitment to safety, reliability, and technical excellence, we maintain our fleet to international standards and proudly serve a diverse client base including government agencies, international organisations, energy companies, and private corporations.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Training Group Manager (TGM) to lead and oversee the daily operations of our Approved Training Organisation (ATO). Based in Durban or Mossel Bay, this is a full-time, on-site leadership position responsible for ensuring operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and continued excellence across our helicopter, fixed-wing, and RPAS training operations.

The successful candidate will support the Accountable Manager and provide strategic and operational oversight of all training bases, personnel, budgets, systems, and performance metrics.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, mentor, and inspire instructors and support staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Ensure effective communication, accountability, and operational alignment across all bases.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee base operations for both rotor-wing and fixed-wing training deployments, including RPAS operations.
• Maintain and optimise the Training Fleet and Course Planning Module, integrating aircraft utilisation, instructor availability, maintenance, and student throughput for sustained performance.
• Develop and monitor daily and weekly dashboards for operational, financial, and insurance performance metrics.

Financial Management

• Manage all financial aspects of the training school, including cash flow forecasts, margin analysis (GP/EBITDA), instructor cost tracking, and debtor control.
• Provide regular performance feedback through data-driven reports and dashboards.

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure total compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations, company QSMS, and HSE systems.
• Update and implement Base Operations Policies and Procedures in line with regulatory and best-practice requirements.

Project & Contract Management

• Lead strategic projects including fleet upgrades, simulator modernisation, facility enhancements, and system implementations.
• Manage contract administration, ensuring Service Level Agreements and training standards are consistently met.
• Provide regular compliance and performance reports to stakeholders.

Strategic & Business Development

• Collaborate with the commercial team to drive business growth initiatives, develop tenders, and implement innovative training solutions.
• Support ROI and business case analyses for new simulators, facilities, and training technologies.
• Contribute to annual business planning and budgeting.

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or Diploma in General Management, Aviation, or Business Development.
• Pilot with Instructor Rating (highly advantageous).
• Minimum of 5 years' senior-level management or business development experience in aviation training or related sectors.
• Proven track record in financial management, operational leadership, and strategic planning.
• Strong understanding of Civil Aviation Regulations and international aviation standards.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Strong analytical, financial, and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with aviation contracts (civilian and military) and international business development is advantageous.
• Familiarity with Utility, Mining, Oil & Gas, Exploration, and HEMS sectors will be beneficial.

Join Us

At Starlite Aviation Training Academy, you'll be part of a dynamic organisation shaping the future of aviation training in Africa and beyond. If you're a motivated leader with the experience and passion to drive operational excellence and innovation, we'd love to hear from you.