Safety Manager (Aviation)

Job Summary:

The Safety Manager is responsible for leading and continuously improving the organization's Safety Management System (SMS) to ensure full compliance with aviation safety regulations and international standards. This role oversees safety risk management, occurrence investigations, regulatory compliance, safety performance monitoring, emergency response planning, and the promotion of a proactive safety culture across Flight Operations, Maintenance, Ground Operations, and Aircraft Management.

The position ensures compliance with CAAT, TCAR OPS, TCAR 8 Part 145, ICAO Annex 19, and other applicable international aviation safety regulations.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the organization's Safety Management System (SMS) across Flight Operations, Maintenance, Ground Operations, and Aircraft Management.
• Manage occurrence reporting, safety investigations, hazard identification, safety risk assessments, root cause analysis, and the implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure compliance with CAAT, TCAR OPS, TCAR 8 Part 145, ICAO Annex 19, and other applicable aviation regulations and industry best practices.
• Serve as the primary liaison with aviation authorities, including CAAT and relevant state authorities, during regulatory audits, inspections, and safety compliance activities.
• Oversee the safety aspects of Aircraft Management, ensuring compliance with the aircraft's State of Registry requirements and applicable aviation regulations.
• Facilitate Safety Action Group (SAG) meetings and support Safety Review Board (SRB) and Management Review meetings through safety analysis and recommendations.
• Develop, monitor, and report Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs) and Safety Performance Targets (SPTs), recommending improvement initiatives to achieve organizational safety objectives.
• Manage and continuously improve the Emergency Response Plan (ERP), including emergency drills, crisis preparedness, and post-event evaluations.
• Supervise safety reporting systems, safety databases, and the Flight Data Analysis Program (FDAP) to proactively identify operational risks and safety trends.
• Coordinate internal and external safety audits, inspections, regulatory reviews, and ensure timely closure of audit findings and corrective actions.
• Design and deliver safety training programs, regulatory awareness initiatives, and safety promotion campaigns to strengthen organizational safety culture.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Maintenance, Quality Assurance, Flight Operations, Ground Operations, Training, and Aircraft Management to resolve safety-related issues effectively.
• Monitor changes in aviation regulations, ICAO standards, FAA, EASA, CAAT requirements, and industry best practices to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance.
• Prepare safety reports, management dashboards, and presentations for senior management regarding safety performance, risk trends, and compliance status.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Deputy Head of Quality and Safety.

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Aeronautical Engineering, Aviation Safety, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5-8 years of experience in Aviation Safety Management, Quality Assurance, Flight Operations, Aircraft Maintenance, or a related aviation environment.
• Minimum 3 years of managerial or supervisory experience in aviation safety or quality management is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Safety Management System (SMS) principles and implementation in accordance with ICAO Annex 19.
• Solid understanding of CAAT regulations, TCAR OPS, TCAR 8 Part 145, and other applicable aviation regulatory requirements.
• Experience working with Aircraft Management, Flight Operations, Maintenance Organizations (MRO), or Air Operator Certificate (AOC) organizations is highly preferred.
• Hands-on experience conducting safety investigations, risk assessments, root cause analysis, and developing corrective action plans.
• Experience managing aviation safety audits, regulatory inspections, and compliance programs.
• Knowledge of Flight Data Analysis Programs (FDAP/FDM), safety reporting systems, and aviation safety databases.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to assess operational risks and recommend practical solutions.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and safety management software.
• Good command of English, both written and spoken, with the ability to communicate effectively with regulators, international stakeholders, and management.
• Possession of aviation safety certifications (e.g., ICAO SMS, IOSA, Lead Auditor, Safety Investigation, or equivalent) will be an advantage.

Key Competencies:

• Safety Leadership
• Safety Risk Management
• Regulatory Compliance
• Aviation Safety Management System (SMS)
• Root Cause Analysis & Investigation
• Emergency Response Management
• Audit & Compliance Management
• Analytical Thinking
• Stakeholder Management
• Communication & Presentation Skills
• Team Leadership
• Continuous Improvement
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making