About this role
This is an internal only position - no external applicants will be considered.
About the job
As Backup Turnaround Coordinator you will play a crucial role in coordinating the safe and efficient arrival, turnaround and departure, including headset responsibilities, of aircraft through effective communication and in accordance with all aviation and company policies, procedures, standards and regulations. In addition, you are responsible for monitoring SLAs in real-time in order to support on-time performance and maximise operational excellence and maximum output in line with the company’s mission and strategic objectives. This position plays a crucial role as part of the team that turns the aircraft around safely and efficiently and communicates with the flight deck and tug driver to ensure the safe and timely pushback of aircraft.
As backup Turnaround Coordinator, you will receive training and you will be rostered to replace the permanent TRC as and when required. You will be based at OR Tambo International Airport, reporting to the Duty Manager. The role requires working shifts, which include weekends, public holidays and last-minute overtime due to operational needs.
About the team
Our team values operational efficiencies, safety, and teamwork. With high levels of trust, we are empowered to deliver exceptional value for the Company. Each day provides opportunities for learning and growth. We work hard every day and we always stay focused on our mission, yet find time to have fun together. In this role, you will need to be comfortable with taking control, multi-tasking, taking initiative, coordinating others and driving operational efficiencies. Your passion for aviation and your commitment to excellence will be instrumental in supporting our team.
In this role, you will
• Coordinate and manage the highest level of safety standards and operational efficiencies during the arrival, turnaround and departure of the aircraft in line with all aviation regulations and company policies, procedures, standards and SLAs to ensure on-time performance ensuing ground operations procedures are complied with before actual movement of the aircraft, ensuring the safety of all concerned and that the aircraft is secure at all times.
• Oversee the smooth operations and all safety aspects of passenger embarking and disembarking, servicing co-ordination, such as baggage and cargo on and offloading, catering, fueling, water, waste, technical and aircraft interior cleaning services taking into account all possible normal operational variations to achieve both safety and on time departures.
• Coordinate the safe and efficient arrival and departure of aircraft through effective communication with the flight deck through the headsets, coordination of GPU connection and disconnection, chocking, approval for GSE approach and conducting the aircraft walkaround inspections.
• Ensure the implementation of the Company's safety and security management system in daily operations to ensure the highest safety standards at all times.
• Build strong working relationships and manage clear, professional and effective communication with all third parties, service providers, crew and ground operations teams to ensure all operational activities are completed to the highest quality, safety and efficiency standards.
• Communicate clearly and effectively between the Aircraft, AMC, Terminal Operations and OCC to minimise delays and disruptions keeping everyone regularly and well informed with regards to any deviations, technical issues, and time discrepancies and arrival and departure times, acting as a point of coordination between the ground (service providers), Pilots, AMC and technical for all real-time incidents escalating when necessary.
• Carry out all duties related to receiving the aircraft/night stop, which include but are not limited to identifying and removing hazards on the bay, ensuring all necessary people are present within the required timeframes, ensure that the Ground Power Unit (GPU) and all necessary equipment is in place and serviceable, inform the Captain that park brakes need to be engaged in order to commence with the turnaround procedures or follow the chocking procedure in the absence of an engineer, conduct an inspection to check for visible damages to external sensors, panels, passenger and cargo doors, engines, wing roots and wing tips, navigation lights, tail, tail scratch indicator, APU, nose and central main landing gear, check for hydraulic and fuel leaks, wear and tear on tyres, and the nose cone for damage and ensure the PIC shuts down the aircraft and the GPU is connected by external service provider, and safely opening, closing and securing the aircraft doors (night stops/ in the absence of crew).
• Conduct monthly quality and safety checks on all internal processes and service providers to ensure the highest safety standards in line with IOSA requirements.
• Report all incidents immediately to the relevant parties and accurately and meticulously record and compile all relevant documentation and information from safety checks after completion of the turnaround for auditing and record-keeping purposes.
• Ad hoc responsibilities and projects to ensure the effective and smooth operation of the department.
• When the operation requires it, you will be required to assist in the airport operations environment. This will include AMC, check-in, boarding and arrivals duties as and when directed by the team leader.
Requirements
Qualifications
• Grade 12 (Essential)
• Tertiary qualification in business management, travel and tourism or similar (Desirable)
Experience
• Proven track record working in airport Operations (Essential) with experience or knowledge of ramp/turnaround operations
• Proven track record as a Ground Team Agent, with competency sign-off in check-in (Essential) and another specialised area (Desirable)
• Track record of delivering operational excellence in an airport environment (Essential)
• Track record of delivering exceptional levels of customer service (Essential)
• Shadowing or basic knowledge of Ramp duties (Desirable)
Knowledge
• Knowledge of company policies, procedures and aviation regulations.
• Knowledge of Airside and Landside airports
• Knowledge of Ramp Control Procedures
• Updated knowledge of Airport Operations, Policies and Procedures
• Knowledge of service providers and the agreed SLAs
• Advanced knowledge of internal and external Safety and Security requirements
• Basic technical knowledge of Aircraft
• Knowledge of configuration changes on Aircraft
• Knowledge of INK system
Skills
• MS Office
• Radio etiquette
Competencies
• Accuracy and Attention to Detail
• Adaptability
• Communication Skills
• Following Instructions
• Influencing Skills
• Personal Effectiveness
• Planning and Organising
• Relationship Management
• Reporting and Analytics
• Resilience
• Taking Initiative
• Team Work and Collaboration
Other
• Be prepared to work irregular and extended hours on short notice, including weekends and public holidays. (Essential)
• Drivers Licence (Essential)
• Access to reliable transport to work shifts - early morning / late evening (Essential)
• Medical Assessment (Essential)
• Must be able to be attired in Safety Apparel when working airside (PPE, earmuffs, reflective apparel, safety shoes etc).
• Ability to work outside in all types of weather conditions and exposure to loud noise.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 14h00 Friday 28th August 2026.
This position is only available for internal applicants.