Senior Special Systems Manager

Job Summary

The Senior Special Systems Manager will hold end-to-end accountability for the technical management, design approval, procurement, installation, integration, and commissioning of all special systems packages. This includes managing complex interfaces between specialized tech contractors, MEP teams, civil works, and airport operator IT divisions, while securing essential technology certifications from aviation regulatory bodies.

Qualification

• Mandatory Educational Background: A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or a closely related technical discipline is required.
• Professional Registration: Chartered Engineer status is highly preferred.
• Regulatory & Framework Literacy: Deep familiarity with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex standards, IATA AHM guidelines, and formal aviation technology certification processes.
• Linguistic Mastery: Flawless professional fluency in written and verbal English is essential.

Experience

Candidates must showcase a distinguished, progressive background in complex airport technology infrastructure delivery:

Specialist Aviation Systems Expertise & Longevity

• Aviation Project Tenure: A minimum of fifteen (15) years of direct, hands-on experience in special systems management.
• Major Airport Footprint: Must have experience working on at least one major international airport project at a senior level.
• Deep Architectural Toolset: Advanced, functional technical knowledge of core aviation and building technologies, including:
  • Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL).
  • Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and Building Management Systems (BMS).
  • Flight Information Display Systems (FIDS) and Building Control Management Systems (BCMS).
  • Baggage Handling System (BHS) technology interfaces.
  • Advanced airport security systems.
• Geographic Advantage: Prior professional experience working within Sub-Saharan Africa or comparable developing international markets is highly advantageous.

Programme Management & Interface Coordination

• Multi-Workstream Orchestration: Strong programme management and interface management skills, with a proven ability to hold and coordinate multiple complex technical workstreams simultaneously.
• Commercial Procurement Input: Experience providing technical input into contractor tender documents, evaluating complex supplier bids, and authoring contract award recommendations.
• Commissioning Framework Mastery: Documented history developing and overseeing extensive testing strategies, spanning Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and Integrated Systems Testing (IST) programmes.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Governance, Procurement & Interface Coordination

• Lead Technical Management: Drive the end-to-end technical management of all special systems packages from the design phase through procurement, installation, integration, and final commissioning.
• Evaluate Design Submissions: Review and formally approve comprehensive special systems design packages, shop drawings, and technical submittals against ICAO standards, client requirements, and project specifications.
• Manage Complex Project Interfaces: Supervise and streamline critical interfaces between specialized technology contractors, MEP engineering networks, civil works teams, and the airport operator's IT/technology divisions.
• Mitigate Technical Risks: Proactively maintain the official special systems risk register, tracking and managing technical safety, interface, and performance risks through to full close-out.

Commissioning, Regulatory Liaison & Handover

• Oversee Commissioning Strategies: Develop and execute the overarching special systems commissioning strategy, directing all FAT, SAT, and Integrated Systems Testing (IST) programmes.
• Coordinate Regulatory Approvals: Interface directly with the Rwandan Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA) and international aviation bodies to secure necessary technology certifications and regulatory approvals.
• Report Technical Progress: Produce regular, detailed technical progress reports and flag any operational deviations or schedule variations to the Project Director.
• Govern Handover Documentation: Manage the comprehensive handover of all special systems to the airport operator, coordinating operator training, verifying as-built documentation, and securing long-term warranties.

Skills Required:

• Computer / Software / It / Data
• Electrician / Electronics / Electrical / Engineering