South African Airways (SAA) has recently opened applications to fill five key executive leadership positions, including the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), after the collapse of the Takatso deal. The airline is seeking to maintain stability and move forward after the deal fell through.
The company is currently looking to fill high-profile executive leadership positions, which include:
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)
- Chief Human Capital Officer (CHCO)
- Technical CEO
- CEO Airchefs
These positions are crucial for the future growth and success of SAA. The interim board had previously appointed an interim executive team during the Takatso negotiations to assist with the transition.
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However, since the deal collapsed, the company is now focused on finding a more permanent leadership team.
Interim Board Chairperson, Derek Hanekom, stated that advertising these vacancies is a positive move by the company. It demonstrates SAA’s commitment to providing organizational stability, showcasing growth, and expanding its plans.
The interim executive management team, including interim CEO Prof. John Lamola, fully supports this development as a necessary and natural step in strengthening SAA’s position in both local and international aviation markets.
The collapse of the Takatso deal was undoubtedly a setback for SAA. However, by actively seeking new executive leaders, the airline is showing its determination to overcome challenges and rebuild itself.
“The interim executive management team has admirably rebuilt the airline as it emerged out of business rescue with the understanding that their posts would remain interim positions until a new controlling shareholder appoints its management team.
“All of them, including the interim CEO, Prof John Lamola, support the development as a necessary and natural step in strengthening SAA’s position in both local and international aviation markets,” interim board chair Derek Hanekom said.
One of the key positions being sought is that of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO plays a vital role in leading the company, setting its strategic direction, and ensuring its overall success.
See details of the minimum required qualifications and experience for the five executive leadership positions.
Job requirements for CEO
Key responsibilities, qualifications and experience for the SAA CEO
- Set the airline’s overall strategy vision and culture
- Ensure that SAA translates its customer value proposition into practical product and service attributes
- External stakeholder management
- Develop and lead high performing executive leadership team and deliver a robust leadership
- Optimal governance frameworks and systems ensuring compliance to all relevant legislation
- Relevant post-graduate qualification in business or equivalent with extensive knowledge and executive-level experience in the Aviation industry with at least 10-15 years is essential
Job requirements for CCO
Key responsibilities, qualifications and experience
- Develop and implement the commercial strategy which will support the business strategic objectives
- Oversee strategy development and implementation within the Commercial function, providing guidance around strategy development
- Oversee the teams responsible for sales and marketing, product design, geographic profitability, and Cargo sales and day-of operations.
- Collaborate with the customer experience team to align on the overall customer agenda
- Degree in Commerce, Business Administration and/or equivalent & MBA or similar
- 10-12 years experience in an airline Commercial related role, with at least 5 years at the management level
- Industry experience advantageous
Job requirements for CHCO
Key responsibilities, qualifications and experience
- Assist in developing the Group Business Strategy
- Act as a strategic member of the Exco teams to align the development and implementation of HR programmes and processes
- Provide consultative advice to management regarding the execution of business strategy and participate in corporate-wide human resources initiatives
- Benchmark best practices in talent management and organisational effectiveness to develop a clearly defined HR strategy
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Human Resources Management (e.g.: B.Com, B.BusSci, BA Human Resources)
- Minimum of 10 years of human resources generalist/ HR business partner leadership experience Q
Job Requirements for SAA Technical CEO
Key responsibilities, qualifications and experience
- Set the organisation’s overall strategy, vision and direction, in line with Group strategy
- Represent SAAT and its interest in discussions surrounding the broader Group strategy
- Prepare operating and capital budgets and prudently manage/allocate resources within budget
- Establish goals and a monitoring system for operational performance
- Measure performance of direct reports and their respective departments against the approved budget
- Maintain a deep understanding of the airline’s revenue and cost performance
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business Management or related field
- Minimum 10 years of experience in a technical operations leadership position
- Understanding of SACAA licensing requirements
- Experience in commercial service contract negotiations and administration preferred
Job Requirements for AirChefs CEO
Key responsibilities, qualifications and experience
- Budget preparation and management
- Actively monitors the process improvement expenditure and service delivery against plans and budgets
- Seeks high-value net profit opportunities
- Embarks on cost containment initiatives to maximise the benefits of realisation business initiatives
- Management of Stakeholder Networks and partnerships
- Honours Degree in business/logistics/transport economics or related Master’s degree
- At least 6- 10 years’ experience in a similar role or similar business environment
- Proven track record on airing new business and entering into new business opportunities
- Proven track record of effective negotiating skills
- Understanding of the economics of business as well as the influence of global and local markets
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