UAS Quality & Safety Manager

About the role

NatCarbon Africa is looking for a UAS Quality & Safety Manager for its Spekboom Restoration Project, covering the Eastern and Western Cape. The role builds and maintains the Quality Management System (QMS) and Safety Management System (SMS) supporting the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operating Certificate (UASOC) under Part 101 of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations. It reports to the Accountable Manager and works closely with the UAS Operations Manager.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of the SMS and QMS in line with SACAA Part 101 requirements.
• Maintain the UASOC compliance documentation, including safety policy, risk registers, audit schedules and corrective action logs.
• Plan and run internal quality audits of flight operations, training, maintenance and data management records.
• Manage occurrence and incident reporting through the SACAA system and track corrective and preventive actions to closure.
• Carry out risk assessments for new sites, mission types or aircraft, supporting operational specification changes such as BVLOS approval.
• Act as the main point of contact for SACAA compliance correspondence, inspections and audits.
• Promote a strong safety culture across field teams through training and safety promotion.
• Develop and maintain the emergency response plan and procedures, and oversee safety equipment maintenance.

Required profile

• Degree or relevant tertiary qualification in Aviation, Safety Management, Quality Management, Engineering or a related field; equivalent industry experience may be considered.
• Valid certificates in Quality Management and Safety Management issued by an ATO-approved body, as required by SACAA.
• Minimum 3-5 years' experience in aviation (or UAS) safety, quality or regulatory compliance roles.
• Experience with SACAA (or equivalent) audit, certification or occurrence-reporting processes, and with running an SMS or QMS in a regulated environment.
• Familiarity with drone/UAS operations and their risks is advantageous.

Required skills

• Working knowledge of SACAA Part 101, UASOC requirements and SMS/QMS principles.
• Auditing, documentation and process-management skills.
• Attention to detail, independent judgement and strong written communication.
• Ability to engage professionally with SACAA and other regulators.

What we offer

• Competitive pay depending on experience, plus health care and life insurance.
• Contributions to the retirement plan, paid time off and professional development funds.
• Salary increases and/or promotions for exceptional performance.