Shift Leader |SAAT) – Gauteng

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Shift Leader Job Opportunity at South African Airways Technical (SAAT) – Johannesburg, Gauteng

South African Airways Technical (SAAT) is inviting qualified and experienced professionals to apply for the Shift Leader position within its Procurement and Supply Chain division. This permanent opportunity is suited to candidates with a strong background in aircraft maintenance logistics, aviation supply chain management, inventory control, and team leadership.

As a Shift Leader, you will play a critical role in ensuring aircraft materials, components, and tooling are available when needed to support maintenance operations, minimise Aircraft on Ground (AOG) delays, and maintain high service standards for SAAT and its airline customers.

Position Details

  • Position: Shift Leader
  • Company: South African Airways Technical (SAAT)
  • Reference Number: SAA260715-2
  • Division: SAAT
  • Business Unit: Procurement
  • Department: Supply Chain
  • Job Type: Permanent
  • Job Grade: S3
  • Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
  • Closing Date: 24 July 2026
  • Reporting To: Manager: Supply Chain

About the Role

The successful candidate will supervise daily shift operations within the aircraft stores and logistics environment, ensuring materials, aircraft components, tools, and equipment are available to meet operational requirements. The role focuses on inventory accuracy, urgent aircraft material sourcing, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and effective leadership of supply chain staff.

You will also coordinate Aircraft on Ground (AOG) requirements, ensuring urgent aircraft parts are sourced locally and internationally to minimise downtime and support flight schedules.

Key Responsibilities

Supply Chain & Inventory Management

  • Lead aircraft stores and logistics operations during allocated shifts.
  • Coordinate urgent Aircraft on Ground (AOG) material requests.
  • Allocate aircraft materials and tooling according to operational priorities.
  • Monitor inventory accuracy and stock integrity.
  • Ensure all stock movements are correctly captured in AMOS.
  • Oversee receiving, issuing and storage of aircraft components.
  • Produce operational and inventory performance reports.
  • Optimise stock availability while reducing operational costs.

Aircraft Maintenance Support

  • Ensure maintenance teams receive parts and equipment on time.
  • Coordinate delivery of aircraft materials to maintenance lines.
  • Support domestic and international maintenance operations.
  • Facilitate aircraft component loans and exchanges with airline partners.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with SACAA, EASA and FAA aviation regulations.
  • Maintain Quality Management System standards.
  • Enforce health, safety and environmental procedures.
  • Support regulatory audits and corrective actions.
  • Promote continuous improvement initiatives.

Leadership & People Management

  • Supervise and mentor shift employees.
  • Allocate work and monitor staff performance.
  • Conduct performance reviews.
  • Identify training and development needs.
  • Promote teamwork, accountability and operational excellence.
  • Manage labour relations where required.

Customer Service

  • Maintain regular communication with airline customers and stakeholders.
  • Provide timely operational updates during AOG situations.
  • Resolve customer queries professionally.
  • Deliver services according to Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must possess one of the following:

Option 1

  • Relevant Degree or N6 qualification
  • Minimum 4 years’ relevant experience

Option 2

  • Relevant Diploma
  • Minimum 6 years’ relevant experience

Option 3

  • Licensed Aircraft Trade (Avionics or Aircraft Mechanic)
  • Minimum 8 years’ relevant experience

Experience Required

Successful applicants should demonstrate experience in:

  • Aircraft maintenance logistics
  • Supply chain management
  • Inventory control
  • Warehouse operations
  • Operations management
  • Aircraft materials planning
  • Supervisory or team leadership
  • Large aircraft line maintenance environments
  • Technical or aviation industries

Essential Knowledge

  • Aircraft maintenance operations
  • Aviation supply chain management
  • Aircraft component control
  • AMOS Maintenance System
  • Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint
  • SACAA regulations
  • EASA requirements
  • FAA regulations
  • Cost management
  • Inventory accounting
  • Operational planning

Required Skills

  • Leadership
  • Decision-making
  • Analytical thinking
  • Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Planning and organising
  • Conflict resolution
  • Customer service
  • Problem-solving
  • Team management
  • Report writing
  • Time management

Personal Attributes

  • High integrity
  • Strong initiative
  • Customer-focused
  • Results-oriented
  • Organised
  • Adaptable
  • Team player
  • Professional under pressure
  • Strong attention to detail

Why Join SAAT?

Working at South African Airways Technical offers the opportunity to contribute to one of Africa’s leading aircraft maintenance organisations. Employees benefit from exposure to world-class aviation operations, advanced maintenance systems, leadership development opportunities, and a dynamic environment where safety, quality, and operational excellence remain top priorities.

Application Deadline

Closing Date: 24 July 2026

Interested and suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.

Apply Here