Component Workshop Manager

About the role

Aviation Link is looking for an experienced Component Workshop Manager to lead the daily operations of an Aircraft Maintenance Organisation specialising in aircraft landing gear, wheels and brakes. 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 successful candidate works closely with the CEO and current owner, and the current owner remains involved during the transition.

Key responsibilities

• Manage daily workshop operations, including job allocation, scheduling, resource planning and delivery commitments
• Review and update SOPs, introduce missing procedures and ensure staff follow them consistently
• Own recruitment, onboarding, training, skills development and performance, within budget and delegated authority
• Maintain safety, workmanship, quality and regulatory compliance with technical and quality personnel
• Improve productivity, turnaround times and resource use while reducing delays and rework
• Drive operational profitability through job costing, labour allocation, purchasing and cost control
• Monitor and report performance indicators on delivery, productivity, quality, staff development and profitability
• Ensure tooling, equipment maintenance, calibration, stock control, parts traceability and maintenance records
• Coordinate with the owner to capture technical knowledge and document repeatable processes
• Support preparation for additional capabilities and certifications, including staffing, training, tooling and process needs

Required profile

• 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 in a South African AMO and a sound understanding of SACAA requirements
• Experience with landing gear, wheels and brakes strongly preferred
• Strong spoken and written English; additional South African languages are an advantage
• Regular on-site presence in the Johannesburg area, with occasional local travel

Required skills

• Developing and implementing SOPs, training plans, maintenance workflows and performance reporting
• Quality systems, audits, maintenance documentation, parts traceability and tooling controls
• Job costing, labour productivity, workshop budgets and profitability
• Spreadsheets and maintenance or workshop management software