16/02/2026
VACANCY
HEAD OF OPERATIONS MANAGER
Cape Town
The S.A. Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS) are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Operations Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership across their aeromedical, aviation maintenance and support functions.
Role Purpose
The Head of Operations is accountable for the overall strategic, clinical and aviation operational performance of AMS. The role ensures the safe, compliant and sustainable delivery of aeromedical services through the effective integration of Flight Operations and Clinical Operations, in alignment with AMS’s humanitarian mandate, regulatory obligations and organisational strategy.
The incumbent will provide executive leadership to operational divisions, strengthen safety and clinical governance, optimise limited resources, and ensure that patient care, aviation safety and service reliability remain central to all operational activities.
Key Responsibilities
• Provide overall leadership and direction for aeromedical and aviation operations, ensuring safe, efficient and compliant service delivery.
• Oversee flight operations, clinical operations, maintenance coordination and ground support functions in line with SACAA, HPCSA and organisational requirements.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, policies and performance frameworks aligned with AMS’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, safety and quality management systems, including oversight of audits, incident management and continuous improvement.
• Lead, mentor and manage multidisciplinary teams, fostering a high-performance, safety-driven and patient-centred culture.
• Manage operational budgets, resource planning and fleet utilisation to ensure sustainability and cost-effective service delivery.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government departments, donors, hospitals, regulators and other strategic partners.
Minimum Requirements
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Aviation Management, Operations Management, Health Sciences or a related field.
• At least 8–10 years’ senior management experience in aviation, aeromedical, emergency medical services or a similarly regulated operational environment.
• Proven leadership experience managing complex, high-risk operations and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of aviation and healthcare regulatory frameworks, safety management systems and quality assurance.
• Excellent strategic planning, financial management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A commitment to the humanitarian values and mission of the Red Cross Movement.
Attributes
• Decisive and resilient leader with exceptional problem-solving ability.
• Strong safety, compliance and risk management orientation.
• High emotional intelligence and the ability to lead under pressure in time-critical environments.
AMS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to transformation and employment equity.
Interested candidates are invited to submit a comprehensive CV and cover letter to recruitment@ams.org.za by 06 March 2026.
We appreciate your interest in the S.A. Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS), should you not receive a response within two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.
