Account Manager / Rector / CEO

Accountable Manager / Rector / CEO

The Accountable Manager serves as the Chief Executive Officer / Rector of our client's Aviation Academy and holds ultimate responsibility for ensuring the institution's compliance with all applicable aviation training regulations and standards. This pivotal role combines strategic leadership with comprehensive regulatory accountability and academic oversight, ensuring the academy delivers high-quality, industry-relevant aviation training programs while consistently meeting the operational, safety, and administrative standards set by national (NCAA) and international (ICAO, EASA) aviation authorities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead the implementation of the academy's multi-year strategic plan, setting clear, measurable, and achievable objectives for sustainable growth in student enrolment, program diversification (e.g., advanced RPAS applications, specialized drone operations), and solidifying market leadership in RPAS training.
• Cultivate and expand strategic partnerships with key industry stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, equipment manufacturers, and potential employers, to enhance program relevance and graduate employability.
• Lead and successfully navigate all accreditation and certification renewal processes with the NCAA.
• Fully meets and is demonstrably compliant with all NCAA requirements for an Accountable Manager in an Approved Training Organization (ATO) / Approved Aviation Organization.
• Ensure the academy maintains full NCAA certification and compliance with the related RPAS training requirements.
• Demonstrates transformational leadership ability, inspiring and motivating a diverse team towards achieving academic excellence and operational efficiency.
• Oversee the implementation of NCAA-approved Training Manuals, Safety Management System (SMS), and Quality Management System (QMS).
• Ensure the timely and accurate submission of reports, amendments, and documentation to NCAA as required by regulation.
• Implement policies, procedures, and systems that ensure academic excellence and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee the preparation and execution of budgets, financial reporting, and resource allocation.
• Promote a safety-first culture throughout the institution.
• Cultivate partnerships with local and international aviation organizations, regulatory bodies, and training partners.
• Drive business development strategies to enhance the school's visibility and sustainability.
• Lead academy recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance evaluation in accordance with NCAA instructor qualification standards.
• Drive innovation in RPAS training, including the integration of modern learning technologies, remote instruction tools, and simulation environments.
• Approve and monitor the development of syllabi, training aids, lesson plans, and instructional delivery.
• All other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors / Governing Council.

Requirements:

• A Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Engineering, Education, or a related field (Master's degree is an added advantage).
• Minimum of 10 years progressive experience in aviation training, operations, or management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Must meet NCAA requirements for the role of an Accountable Manager in an ATO/AAO.
• Demonstrated experience with manned or unmanned RPAS operations and familiarity with RPAS technologies.
• Proven knowledge of NCAA RPAS training requirements, licensing standards, and audit processes.
• Strong knowledge of aviation safety principles, training methodology, and SMS/QMS implementation.
• Holds the NCAA-recognized Training Instructor Certification (TIC) and has an in-depth understanding of Nigeria's Civil Aviation Regulations (Part 21), which will be an added advantage.

Key Competencies:

• In-depth knowledge of aviation training regulations, including NCAA, ICAO, and EASA frameworks and standards for RPAS training organizations.
• Excellent public relations and report-writing skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong interpersonal, mentoring, and decision-making abilities.
• Financial and operational planning skills, with a commitment to sustainability and growth.
• Competency in Microsoft Office, aviation software tools, and digital learning platforms.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• High integrity, accountability, and regulatory awareness.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.