Head of Safety, Aviation Operations & Risk

dnata; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel benefits

Leave and healthcare package

Life insurance

Job summary

dnata UAE Airport Operations is seeking a Manager of Safety to lead a continuous improvement strategy within the Safety Management System, reducing risks to ALARP and ensuring compliance across departments. The role emphasizes data-driven decisions, proactive risk controls, and collaboration with leaders to elevate safety performance.

You will monitor regulatory obligations, investigate significant incidents, develop corrective actions, and promote dnata's safety culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 10+ years’ experience in Medical/Safety/Ground Safety in Aviation or heavy industry
• 5+ years of experience in executing, monitoring, and supporting health and safety operational activities
• Professional safety qualification from IOSH, NEBOSH, CSP, CRSP, or IATA Advanced Safety Certificate
• Proven experience in accident and incident investigation with a focus on root cause analysis and exposure elimination
• Strong relationship-building, communication, problem-solving, and negotiation skills
• Advanced knowledge of Safety and Integrated Management Systems, including auditing and compliance processes
• Strong understanding of continuous improvement methodologies and risk management practices
• Advanced data analysis, reporting, and trend evaluation capabilities
• Effective leadership and managerial skills with the ability to coach and influence stakeholders
• Flexibility to travel as required to support operational and business needs

Responsibilities

• Develop Safety Improvement Plans (SIP) to support the continuous improvement and deployment of the dnata Safety Management System (dSMS) in the UAE
• Provide subject matter expertise and independent, objective safety guidance to leaders through Safety Action Groups (SAGs), governance meetings, operational reviews and other SMS governance framework related forums andworking groups
• Establish and monitor safety risk mitigation, hazard identification, and incident management programs to support operational risk reduction and continuous improvement
• Maintain and oversee risk registers and corrective action plans arising from incidents, audits, inspections, observations, and near misses
• Analyse and present safety data, trends, mitigation plans, and performance reports to support Safety Boards and governance requirements
• Ensure compliance with applicable aviation, occupational health and safety, regulatory, and customer requirements
• Communicate and promote dnata's HSE policies, standards, procedures, and best practices across the business
• Support the development and implementation of Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) monitoring programs
• Monitor regional and local security risks through intelligence and surveillance reports to support business continuity and operational resilience
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, acting as a key interface between dnata, it’s customers, suppliers and internal business units
• Coach, mentor, and support leadership teams to strengthen safety culture, engagement, accountability, and achievement of divisional objectives

Skills

Safety leadership

Risk management

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

dnata UAE Airport Operations is seeking a Manager of Safety to lead a continuous improvement strategy within the Safety Management System, reducing risks to ALARP and ensuring compliance across departments. The role emphasizes data-driven decisions, proactive risk controls, and collaboration with leaders to elevate safety performance.

You will monitor regulatory obligations, investigate significant incidents, develop corrective actions, and promote dnata's safety culture.