The Aerospace Industry Support Initiative Programme Manager

Job Description

The CSIR is recruiting a Programme Manager for the Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) to coordinate and manage activities linked to industry/sector-wide interventions under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) and Aerospace Programme (IDAP). The role involves developing partnerships, aligning activities with government strategies, and managing strategic operations. The position is based in Pretoria.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering
• Postgraduate qualification (advantageous)
• Ten years’ project management experience in a multi-disciplinary business environment
• Experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams at a management level
• Experience in industry development, supply, and value chains
• Experience with manufacturing and engineering disciplines
• Knowledge of relevant government policies and instruments linked to socio-economic activities
• Knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA)
• Strong knowledge and experience of government funding systems and/or CSIR systems and processes
• Self-disciplined
• Good interpersonal relationship and stakeholder liaison skills
• Good financial management, budget, and costing skills
• Leadership and people management skills
• Ability to liaise with a diverse portfolio of people locally and internationally
• Capacity building skills
• Programme management skills
• Sound communication skills

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and defence
• Align AISI activities with dtic’s industrial policy, industry development strategies, and business plan
• Manage the contracting of service providers to implement core AISI activities
• Lead the development and execution of the AISI Business Plan and strategic objectives
• Manage daily strategic operations, including business planning, performance monitoring, evaluation, and reporting
• Prepare and implement the initiative’s business plan, communication strategy, and strategic documents
• Draft, table for approval, and maintain the Steercom Terms of Reference
• Prepare and manage budgets to support the unit’s work
• Provide quarterly, annual, and ad hoc reports in alignment with the dtic Memorandum of Agreement
• Organise, prepare, and support meetings and related work of the unit and Steercom
• Liaise with entities, programmes, and stakeholders for effective collaboration and alignment
• Coordinate with government departments, industry associations, and organisations to align dtic’s aerospace initiatives
• Organise symposia and workshops to advance initiative objectives
• Undertake additional responsibilities as required by the Steercom
• Support related dtic activities
• Ensure delivery on short, medium, and long-term strategic objectives and targets
• Manage initiatives in accordance with CSIR policies, standards, procedures, and corporate governance
• Align AISI and Centurion Aerospace Village (CAV) activities to support IDAP
• Draft the IDAP Business Plan and KPIs
• Convene and chair the IDAP Operational Committee (OPCO)
• Implement and manage national flagship projects
• Host and manage the Industry Body Secretariat
• Build and manage strategic relationships with international and local partners
• Act as Key Account Manager for CSIR Aerospace
• Keep CSIR units informed of strategic industry developments
• Convene and chair the quarterly CSIR Aerospace Forum
• Manage multi-unit aerospace projects within CSIR
• Strategically position CSIR and its aerospace offerings with industry, academia, and government