Training Group Manager

Job Description

VACANCY: Training Group Manager

REPORTING TO: ATO Accountable Manager

LOCATION: Durban

Starlite Aviation Training Academy (Pty) Ltd has a requirement for a passionate, motivational and visionary leader to fill this position in Durban/Mossel Bay within the Starlite Group.

The Training Group Manager will support the ATO Accountable Manager and have full responsibility for the day-to-day running of SATAs ATO. This individual will have overall supervision of base operations for both helicopter and fixed wing deployments (including oversight travel from time to time), RPAS operations, control of the personnel required to support operations, budgetary supervision for contracts as well as responsibility for ensuring that all operational systems are in place and functioning effectively to ensure compliance with all Aviation Regulations as applicable, Industry best practice and Client requirements.

KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage, guide and inspire personnel, facilitate communication, and ensure a collaborative and result-driven work environment
• Fleet and Course Planning: Own and maintain the Training School Fleet and Course Planning Module, integrating aircraft utilisation, insurance, instructor availability, maintenance schedules, and student throughput to ensure sustainable delivery.
• In conjunction with the above, establish and maintain daily and weekly dashboards covering operational performance, financial forecasting, insurance views and other metrics helpful to predict planning for the school.
• Financial Stewardship: Responsible for end-to-end training school financial management, including annual and monthly cashflow forecasts, margin analysis (GP/EBITDA), instructor cost vs revenue, debtor control, commentary on monthly management accounts, and feedback reporting into fleet and course module for performance tracking.
• Amend and implement Base Operations Policies and Procedures to ensure Starlites continued compliance with revised and new Aviation regulations and best practices.
• Project Leadership: Lead cross-functional projects including fleet upgrades, simulator modernization, systems acquisitions and implementation, facility renovations, and other training school projects, ensuring delivery within budget and scope and providing comprehensive standard business case analysis including ROI and other metrics.
• Contract Administration and Management: Continuously improve and develop the Scope of Services and Contract capabilities and ensure implementation to meet market requirements and contract Service Level Agreements. Monitoring and amendment of facilities and approvals as required by the company from time to time. This will include a structured reporting framework comprising relevant role players in a regular update of compliance and performance.
• Ensure total compliance with the Company's QSMS and HSE Systems (general operations).
• Ensure company general management standards are fit for each contract and complies with contract requirements.
• Travelling duties as required from time to time for contact with company/group contracts.
• Active contributor to the business planning and budgeting processes.
• Provide oversight of Contract Training Delivery and ensure that the highest standards are met for all aspects of contract training.
• Ensure all training by SATA and third-party providers are delivered to SATL and the Clients expectations iaw agreed contracts and the SATL Contract Training Delivery Policy, including the liaison between SATA and SATL.
• Strategic Integration: Continuous collaboration with commercial team to identify and assist with executing business development initiatives, preparing business cases and tenders (with emphasis on correct cost modelling), and pursuing innovative training solutions aligned with the academy's strategic direction. This will include assistance with acquisition and implementation of any business development systems identified, eg new simulators and competencies within the academy.

CRITICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven Business Development management experience at a senior level.
• Financial management/reporting and analysis skills.
• Strategic planning and resource management skills.
• Strong leadership and motivational ability.
• Skilled in developing and reviewing complex technical requirements and proposals.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the confidence to influence all internal stakeholders and external bodies recognising cultural, legal and regional diversity.
• Thorough understanding of Civil Aviation Regulations.
• Good understanding of International Aviation Regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The following list of qualifications is essential to fill the position:

• General Management/Aviation/Business Development Degree or Diploma.
• Pilot with Instructor Rating (preferable).
• Successful past performance (5 years) in business development or executive management experience, including building customer/industry relationships & intelligence, developing account strategies and leading client acquisition initiatives & senior level negotiations in the commercial aviation contracts or similar sectors.
• Understanding of the technical and operational requirements for helicopter/fixed wing support services to the Aviation Training Services, both civilian and military.
• Understanding of the Utility, Mining, O&G exploration & HEMS contracts sectors (advantageous).
• Experience in international contract negotiations & developing effective business relationships with multiple international end users, customers, partners, OEMs and Government Institutions in the aviation (Rotor & Fixed Wing)

The above position will be filled in accordance with the Recruitment and Selection Policy to achieve the Groups Objectives and Goals. Should you not receive a response within 2 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Applicants must submit their CV by Thursday, 20 November 2025.

This summary and its contents are the sole property of Starlite Aviation Group. Any unauthorised reproduction or modification of this information and contents without the express written permission from Starlite Aviation Group is prohibited ad may result in legal action.