Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng (JHB)
Company:
Department: Heavy Maintenance
Industry: Aviation
Job Type: Permanent
Reference: FOR_JNBHM1
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related
Closing Date: 20 August 2026
About the Position
FlySafair is looking for a highly experienced Heavy Maintenance Foreman to join its Head Office team in Johannesburg. The successful candidate will report directly to the Maintenance Manager and take responsibility for supervising and coordinating heavy aircraft maintenance activities.
The position requires a strong combination of aviation maintenance expertise, technical leadership, people management and operational planning. The successful candidate will help ensure that aircraft maintenance is completed safely, efficiently, accurately and within planned timelines.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The Heavy Maintenance Foreman will be responsible for:
- Overseeing daily Heavy Maintenance activities within the assigned operational scope.
- Ensuring maintenance activities comply with safety, quality and regulatory requirements.
- Supporting the Heavy Maintenance plan through effective task sequencing and priority setting.
- Allocating manpower according to qualifications, certifications, skills and operational requirements.
- Supervising maintenance crews and Crew Chiefs.
- Monitoring work progress and addressing delays or operational constraints.
- Coordinating aircraft induction and maintenance preparation activities.
- Ensuring aircraft access, tooling, equipment and staging requirements are ready.
- Providing technical guidance and troubleshooting assistance to maintenance staff.
- Mentoring and supporting maintenance personnel.
- Ensuring approved technical data and procedures are followed.
- Identifying risks and escalating maintenance constraints early.
- Checking the accuracy and completeness of maintenance records.
- Managing task cards, references, sign-offs and supporting documentation.
- Ensuring tooling and equipment are available, serviceable and appropriately calibrated where required.
- Coordinating spares and material requirements with relevant departments.
- Escalating shortages that could affect maintenance schedules.
- Promoting a strong safety culture throughout the Heavy Maintenance team.
- Conducting toolbox talks and safety briefings when required.
- Ensuring appropriate PPE and safe working practices are followed.
- Identifying overtime requirements and submitting motivations for approval.
- Monitoring overtime utilisation and operational costs.
- Providing input into continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Participating in weekly and monthly operational meetings.
- Representing FlySafair and providing specialist technical advice when required.
- Supervising daily team activities and monitoring team performance.
- Addressing and escalating performance concerns.
- Supporting departmental goals and operational targets.
- Coordinating staff training, shift schedules and leave planning.
- Providing input into annual budgeting.
- Preparing daily operational updates for the Maintenance Control Centre and management.
- Reporting on aircraft status and maintenance activities.
- Preparing monthly reports covering fleet status, personnel utilisation and operational challenges.
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Education and Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following essential requirements:
- Grade 12 or equivalent.
- Mechanical Trade Test Certificate.
- Licensed AME with SACAA A & C License on B737-800.
An SACAA A & C License on B737-8 (MAX) will be advantageous.
Aviation Experience
This is a senior aviation maintenance position. Applicants should have:
- At least 20 years of aviation experience.
- At least 5 years of ground run experience on the CFM56-7B engine.
- At least 3 years of people management experience.
- Previous experience working as an Aviation Technician on B737-800 mechanical systems.
Additional experience that will strengthen an application includes:
- B737-8 (MAX) mechanical systems experience.
- Full Ground Runs experience on CFM56/LEAP engines.
- Experience supervising aircraft maintenance teams.
- Experience coordinating heavy maintenance activities and aircraft maintenance schedules.
Working Requirements
The successful candidate must be prepared to:
- Work extended hours when operationally required.
- Work weekends and public holidays when necessary.
- Make themselves available at short notice.
- Travel at short notice, both within South Africa and internationally.
- Maintain high standards of professionalism and safety.
- Work effectively under operational pressure.
A valid South African passport is required.
Personal Skills
FlySafair is looking for someone who is:
- Professional and technically competent.
- Accountable and dependable.
- Reliable and committed to operational requirements.
- Proactive and solutions-focused.
- A strong team player.
- Respectful towards colleagues.
- Capable of working independently.
- Able to lead and motivate maintenance personnel.
- Disciplined with excellent timekeeping.
- Committed to maintaining high standards of safety and quality.
Important Application Information
Email applications will not be accepted. Candidates should apply through the official FlySafair recruitment/application process.
Preference may be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups.
FlySafair reserves the right not to proceed with the vacancy and to appoint candidates according to its operational requirements.
If no feedback is received within two weeks after the closing date, applicants should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Job Summary
Position: Heavy Maintenance Foreman
Company: FlySafair
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Reference: FOR_JNBHM1
Employment: Permanent
Department: Heavy Maintenance
Industry: Aviation
Experience: 20+ years aviation experience
Key Aircraft: Boeing 737-800 / B737-8 MAX
Key Engine Experience: CFM56-7B; CFM56/LEAP advantageous
Salary: Market Related
Vacancies: 1
Closing Date: 20 August 2026
This is a highly senior aircraft maintenance position suited to experienced licensed AMEs and aviation maintenance professionals with extensive B737 heavy maintenance and leadership experience.