Aviation Safety Manager

About the Company

We are a dedicated aviation organization focused on upholding the highest benchmarks of operational safety, regulatory adherence, risk oversight, and overall safety performance across all aviation-related functions worldwide. Our teams operate collaboratively across various domains including Flight Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Ground and Cabin Operations, Airport Operations, Security, Quality, Compliance, Training, HR, Technology, and Executive Leadership to continually enhance aviation safety and operational robustness.

Role Summary

We are currently seeking a proficient Aviation Safety Manager to oversee and advance our Safety Management System (SMS). This role involves managing safety-risk processes, hazard detection, incident handling, regulatory compliance, safety investigations, performance monitoring, emergency readiness, training programs, and fostering a culture oriented towards safety excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and execute the aviation safety strategy aligned with organizational objectives and relevant aviation regulations.
• Set and manage safety goals, both annual and long-range plans for continuous safety enhancement.
• Prioritize safety efforts based on operational risks and performance data, encouraging a proactive approach to safety management.
• Provide expert safety guidance to senior leadership to support informed decision-making.

Performance Metrics

• Monitoring and achieving safety performance indicators and targets.
• Tracking accident, incident, serious occurrence, and near-miss rates.
• Evaluating hazard reporting frequency, risk control effectiveness, and closure of high-risk hazards.
• Ensuring timely completion of corrective actions, audits, regulatory compliance, training, and investigations.
• Measuring emergency preparedness through exercises and monitoring safety culture and contractor safety performance.
• Assessing effectiveness of implemented safety improvements.

Candidate Profile

• Demonstrable background in Aviation Safety, SMS, operational risk management, compliance, assurance, investigation, and quality disciplines.
• Experience in managing comprehensive aviation safety programs and systems.
• In-depth knowledge of hazard identification, mitigation, safety investigations, and safety reporting incorporating Just Culture principles.
• Familiarity with international aviation standards including ICAO, GCAA (highly preferred for UAE), EASA, FAA, and IATA.
• Benefits from operational experience in areas such as Flight, Maintenance, Ground, Airport, Cabin, and Cargo Operations.
• Knowledge of Flight Data Monitoring (FOQA), human factors, fatigue-risk management, and emergency crisis management techniques.
• Strong data and risk analysis skills, with experience in developing safety dashboards and indicators.
• Experience managing contractors and executing safety culture and organizational safety assessments.
• Educational credentials in Aviation, Aeronautical Engineering, Safety Management, Risk Management, Engineering, or related disciplines are highly desirable.
• Professional safety certifications such as SMS, Safety Management, Accident Investigation, Lead Auditor, Human Factors, along with ICAO, GCAA, EASA, or related training are advantageous.
• Excellent English communication skills; Arabic proficiency is a plus for UAE/GCC operations.
• Capability to make sound risk-based decisions, challenge unsafe practices independently, and manage multiple safety tasks simultaneously in a remote, global environment.
• A mindset characterized by safety-first principles, risk-awareness, operational focus, regulatory cognizance, independence, collaboration, and continual improvement.