Director: Aerotropolis Development

About the role

The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (KwaZulu-Natal) is hiring a Director: Aerotropolis Development in Strategic Industrial Interventions This post is being re-advertised, based in Head Office Pietermaritzburg. This is a permanent post, paying R1,317,384 – R1,551,807 a year. Business Unit: Strategic Industrial Interventions This post is being re-advertised. candidates who previously applied may reapply. How to apply: Applicants are encouraged to apply for posts through the KZN online e- Recruitment system at www.kznonline.gov.za/kznjobs or submit their Z83 and CV directly to the following email address: kznjobs@kznedtea.gov.za Applicants may also visit any one of our Designated Online Application Centres (DOACS), where our friendly staff will assist you with applying online or receiving your hardcopy application. You can find the Designated Online Application Centres (DOACS) List At www.kznonline.gov.za/kznjobs.” Please note that applicants should only use one of the following methods when applying for a post: Either through the online e-recruitment system, emailing the Z83 and CV directly to the relevant department, or submitting a hardcopy application as directed. Applications may alternatively be forwarded to the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Private Bag X9152, Pietermaritzburg, 3200, or hand-delivered to the Ground Floor, 270 Jabu Ndlovu Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, in the vacancy box provided for the attention of Ms Nondumiso Buthelezi / Mr Sipho Zangwa. Reference number to quote: DIR-AERO DEV Closing date: 23 October 2026 (at 16h00). Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered. Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV. Note: Preferred: Females and People with Disabilities who meet the requirements.

Responsibilities

• 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 Technical and economic support and source of information in the development of Aerotropolis Supervise the Aerotropolis Development Administration, Risk Management and Budgeting processes and manage human resources.

Requirements

• 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.
• At least 5 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: The successful candidate must demonstrate indepth 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 Skills.
• 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.