SMS Specialist - Abu Dhabi

Job Overview

The role is responsible for implementing, overseeing, and maintaining the Air Arabia Safety Management System (SMS) within their operational domain. This specialist manages mandatory and voluntary safety reporting, ensuring thorough investigations and closures are completed in accordance with Civil Aviation regulations and company policies. Additionally, the role may temporarily cover Flight Data Specialist duties. A critical aspect is ensuring compliance with safety and operational risk management standards to minimize risks that may affect regulatory adherence, operational continuity, and customer satisfaction—all vital to upholding the company’s reputation.

Key Responsibilities

• Annually review the ABY and FSTD SMS manuals, reflecting regulatory and internal policy updates, and track GCAA website changes to incorporate SMS requirement modifications.
• Lead necessary manual revisions in coordination with management, oversee approval, and distribute updated documents.
• Update and distribute the safety policy biennially among internal and external stakeholders and document the circulation records.
• Monitor daily safety reports, include relevant data in the Risk Register, and ensure prompt remedial actions are completed.
• Manage IQSMS reports by coordinating with all operational units to ensure closure and upkeep the IQSMS database.
• Maintain and update the risk register with inputs from IQSMS, FDM events, hazard reports from MOC/SRM, internal audits, and external GCAA safety alerts.
• Submit timely incident reports on the GCAA Reporting of Safety Incidents system.
• Organize and lead quarterly Safety Action Group (SAG) meetings including preparing presentations, minutes, and closure reports.
• Conduct biannual ABY and FSTD Safety Review Board meetings with comprehensive documentation and follow-up.
• Facilitate Fatigue SAG meetings managing minutes and action closure reports.
• Initiate and coordinate Management of Change (MOC) and Safety Risk Assessment (SRA) processes collecting relevant evidence.
• Prepare and lead the triannual Safety Performance Monitoring (SPM) meetings with GCAA, including detailed reporting and minutes, ensuring report submission per CAR SMS standards.
• Regularly revise safety plans incorporating SPI/SPT metrics and produce monthly Safety Performance Indicator analyses.
• Oversee timely evaluation of subcontractors and maintain assessment records.
• Support audit and inspection preparations by providing checklist facilitation and documentation maintenance.
• Assist in producing and circulating safety newsletters, bulletins, and alerts within the operational teams.
• Coordinate and support internal, GCAA, and external SMS audits until all findings are resolved.
• Plan, organize, and participate in safety surveys, walk-and-talk sessions, and workplace inspections.
• Review SMS training annually, update content, address training failures with coaching and corrective steps.
• Conduct and support internal audits such as IOSA and external SMS evaluations.
• Review and update HUB IPD documents and ABY Safety Plan as needed.
• Maintain comprehensive records related to the SMS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in organizational or risk management or equivalent from a recognized institution.
• Supplementary diplomas or certificates in related specialties.
• Completed training in Safety Management Systems and Safety Investigation.
• Compliance, audit, and quality assurance certifications are advantageous, with some potentially mandatory.
• Professional affiliations with aviation or airline associations are desirable.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, especially advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Strong report writing capability to draft clear and precise complex reports.
• Fluent English communication skills.
• Competent in designing, developing, and delivering SMS training programs and methodologies.
• High precision and detail orientation in delivering results.

Work Experience

• At least 5 years in the airline or aviation industry, including a minimum of 3 years within a Safety Department in a similar role.
• Proven experience in implementing and maintaining aviation documentation and reports.
• Experienced at monitoring compliance with safety policies, operational procedures, and manuals aligned with regulatory and operational standards.