General Manager South Africa

AVIAREPS has over 30 years experience providing professional passenger GSA services and tourism marketing to clients around the globe. As the world’s leading GSA and Tourism representation organization with more than 75 offices in over 70 countries, AVIAREPS represents airlines as well as destinations, hotels, attractions, airports, cars, trains, cruise lines, retailers and import/export organizations, and offers a full suite of B2B and B2C services which includes sales & reservations, marketing, digital, and PR programs.
General Manager South Africa (M/F/X)
Johannesburg, South Africa | Full-time | Hybrid
About the Role
AVIAREPS is looking for an experienced and commercially driven General Manager to support and lead our operations across South Africa.
Based in Johannesburg, you will play a key role in driving business growth, managing strategic client relationships, and overseeing operational performance across the country. In addition to commercial leadership, you will act as a key legal and corporate representative for the company, with responsibility for people management, corporate governance, and business operations.
You will have hands-on ability to work closely with the local teams, while supporting the continued growth and development of AVIAREPS throughout the market.
Key Responsibilities
Business Leadership & Growth
Support the strategic growth and development of AVIAREPS South Africa.
Identify and pursue new business opportunities, partnerships, and revenue streams.
Lead commercial initiatives and contribute to achieving regional business objectives.
Manage and strengthen relationships with clients, airline partners, tourism boards, suppliers, and industry stakeholders.
Represent AVIAREPS at industry events, trade fairs, and networking opportunities.
Lead and coordinate participation in public and private tenders for South Africa and support other multi-country opportunities.
People Leadership & HR Management
Lead, coach, develop, and motivate teams.
Oversee recruitment activities and support talent acquisition.
Act as the responsible signatory for employment contracts and related employment documentation.
Ensure compliance with local labor legislation and employment practices.
Corporate Governance & Legal Representation
Serve as the legal representative of AVIAREPS entity in South Africa.
Act under powers of attorney and represent the company before authorities, institutions, and regulatory bodies.
Sign legal, corporate, and administrative documentation on behalf of the company.
Manage public deeds, corporate registrations, and other corporate governance requirements.
Handle legal proceedings, employment-related claims, and external legal matters in collaboration with legal advisors where applicable.
Maintain strong compliance standards and ensure adherence to local regulations.
Financial & Operational Oversight
Support financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting activities.
Oversee banking relationships and act as an authorized signatory for company banking matters.
Monitor operational performance and ensure high service standards across the region.
Drive operational excellence and implement best practices across teams.
What We're Looking For
Required
10+ years of senior leadership experience within aviation, tourism, hospitality, travel services, or a related industry.
Proven experience managing business operations, people, and client relationships.
Experience with corporate governance, legal representation, or responsibility for regulated business operations.
Strong commercial and strategic mindset with demonstrated success in business development.
Experience overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and organizational development.
Financial acumen with experience supporting budgets, reporting, and operational decision-making.
Strong understanding of, and experience in the South African travel, aviation and tourism market.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
Fluent primarily in English, with secondary languages an advantage.
Willingness to travel within South Africa and internationally.
Must hold valid South African citizenship or have unrestricted permanent residency status.
What We Offer
A senior leadership role with country-wide responsibility.
The opportunity to influence both the commercial and operational success of the organization.
Hybrid working environment based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Competitive salary package subject to experience.
International exposure through a global network operating in over 70 countries.
Career development opportunities within a growing international organization.
The possibility to grow into a broader executive leadership role in the future.
Interested?
If you are an experienced leader with a strong commercial mindset, a passion for people management, and a proven track record in travel, aviation, tourism, or hospitality industry, we'd love to hear from you.
Click Apply below to submit your application. You will be redirected to our recruitment portal. Or email InfoZA@aviareps.com
We look forward to learning more about your experience, achievements, and vision for growing our business.