Director: Aerotropolis Development

In brief

**Overview** This role is for a Director of Aerotropolis Development within the Strategic Industrial Interventions Business Unit of the Kwazulu-Natal Department Of Economic Development, Tourism And Environmental Affairs. The position is based at the Head Office in Pietermaritzburg and involves providing strategic leadership for aerotropolis initiatives. This is a re-advertisement, and previous applicants may re-apply. **What you will do** The successful candidate will be required to: * Oversee and provide strategic leadership for the Implementation of the Durban Aerotropolis Master Plan and the Integrated Aerotropolis Strategy. * Oversee and provide strategic leadership for the Implementation of the KZN Regional Airport Strategy. * Oversee and provide strategic leadership for advancing knowledge and skills in the field of Aerotropolis and Aviation Industry. * Provide technical and economic support and act as a source of information in the development of Aerotropolis. * Supervise the Aerotropolis Development Administration, Risk Management, and Budgeting processes and manage human resources. **Requirements (from the original advert)** * An appropriate Bachelor’s Degree in Urban or Regional Planning / Transport Economics / Economic Development / Economics / Policy Development / Engineering (Civil, infrastructure), or Transport Logistics at NQF Level 7 as recognised by SAQA. * Postgraduate qualifications (highly advantageous): Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Economic Development, Economics, Business Administration/ Business Management. * A minimum of five years of experience at a Middle/Senior Managerial level in the Transport and/or Aviation Sector. * Completion of Nyukela Certificate for entry into the SMS (Senior Management Service) upon appointment. * A valid driver’s licence. * **Skills, Training, and Competencies:** * In-depth knowledge and understanding of Aerotropolis theory, including how airports become economic growth engines that link logistics, commerce, planning, and community development. * Advanced knowledge of Aerotropolis and airport city development strategy, global value chains, Aerotropolis connectivity, business development, and investment attraction around airports. * Knowledge of Urban planning and spatial development, including land-use planning, master planning frameworks, and sustainability principles. * Economic development principles, including job creation strategies, investment attraction, economic modelling, and regional competitiveness. * Public-private partnerships (PPP) and infrastructure financing, including how government and private investors align funding and risk. * Transport logistics and connectivity planning with intermodal transport (air, road, rail) and logistics infrastructure. * Policy, regulatory, and governance frameworks. * Strong Knowledge of the KZN Integrated Aerotropolis Strategy, Durban Aerotropolis Master Plan, KZN Regional Airport Strategy. * Basic understanding of the South African Civil Aviation Authority Regulations (SACAA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). * Knowledge and understanding of the regulatory framework for the Public Service, e.g., the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the Public Service Act, the PFMA, Treasury Regulations, the Public Service Regulations, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Labour Relations Act, Skills Development Act, Service Delivery Frameworks, policies, and strategies relevant to Aerotropolis development (e.g. National Airports Development Plan, Bilateral Agreements). * **Skills:** Strategic leadership and management; Strategic capability and leadership, problem-solving, and analysis; financial & budgetary management, administration, people management, risk management, corporate planning, decision-making; Creative, analytical & innovative thinking, Computer literacy, good report-writing, negotiation, verbal and written communication, research, basic driving, presentation, project management, and ability to communicate at all levels, including Provincial Departments, Senior Management, and Private Sector Organizations. **Who should apply** Females and People with Disabilities who meet the stated requirements are preferred. **Deadline** Not specified **Reference** Original posting: https://www.govpage.co.za/vacancies/kwazulu-natal-department-of-economic-development-tourism-and-environmental-affairs-vacancies-circular-36-of-2026#spani-ref-dir-aero-dev-01-sept-2026 Source: govpage

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At a glance

• Project management
• Health and safety (OHS)
• Driver's licence

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