Contract Manager

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Contract Manager | eMalahleni, Mpumalanga | Permanent Are you an experienced drone surveillance professional with the leadership skills to manage multi-site operations, security teams and demanding service level agreements? This is an opportunity to take ownership of operational performance, equipment readiness and client service across multiple sites in Mpumalanga. The Contract Manager will oversee drone operations and security teams across multiple client sites, ensuring that personnel, equipment and operational processes consistently meet contractual obligations. The role requires a hands-on manager who can coordinate staffing, monitor performance, manage maintenance and repairs, enforce compliance standards and maintain effective client relationships. A key part of the position will be ensuring the availability of operational drones and replacement equipment, coordinating maintenance and supplier support, managing team schedules and training, and monitoring operational data. The successful candidate will also be responsible for monthly reporting, service level agreement meetings, site inspections and resolving client complaints within the required timeframes. Our client operates in the security and drone surveillance sector, delivering services across multiple sites in Mpumalanga. The organisation requires a capable operational leader who can balance technical drone knowledge, personnel management, cost control and strict health, safety, environmental and compliance requirements. What You'll Do Oversee drone surveillance operations and security teams across multiple client sites. Analyse operational data, monitor performance metrics and compile monthly reports. Lead, mentor and manage personnel, including staffing, leave, training, payroll coordination and scheduling. Ensure drones and replacement equipment are available to meet operational and contractual requirements. Oversee maintenance plans and coordinate timely repairs to minimise operational disruption. Liaise with suppliers and verify the appropriate use and allocation of equipment. Conduct site inspections and ensure compliance with operational standards and contractual requirements. Attend monthly service level agreement meetings at each site and monitor performance against agreed commitments. Address client concerns and provide written feedback within five business days. Enforce health, safety, environmental and compliance standards across all operations. Support effective budgeting, forecasting, resource allocation and cost control. What You Bring More than seven years of experience in drone surveillance. At least five years of management experience and five or more years managing teams. Official drone training and practical experience with drone operations. Demonstrated organisational effectiveness and operational management capability. Experience with budgeting, forecasting and resource allocation tools. Strong leadership and decision-making skills. Technical knowledge of drones, equipment maintenance and operational readiness. Strong analytical, reporting, communication and problem-solving abilities. Experience in incident management, client engagement, compliance and safety. The ability to coordinate personnel, equipment and operational priorities across multiple sites. An NQF Level 6 qualification or equivalent in Management would be advantageous. What Success Looks Like Drone surveillance operations run effectively across all assigned client sites. Drones, replacement equipment and personnel are available to meet contractual obligations. Maintenance and repairs are managed promptly to support operational continuity. Teams are well scheduled, trained, supported and managed. Monthly reports provide clear insight into operational performance and key metrics. Service level agreements are monitored and client meetings are attended consistently. Client complaints are addressed with written feedback within five business days. Site inspections identify and address compliance gaps. Health, safety, environmental and compliance standards are consistently enforced. Budgets, resources and equipment allocations are managed responsibly. The Opportunity This role offers the opportunity to lead operational delivery in a technically specialised and service-driven environment. It will suit a manager who understands the demands of drone surveillance, can lead teams across multiple sites and takes a disciplined approach to equipment availability, client relationships, reporting and compliance. The position is based in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga, with responsibility for operations across multiple client sites. Candidates should bring substantial drone surveillance experience, established management capability and the practical judgement required to maintain reliable service delivery.