Manager, Aviation Safety Management System

Greater Toronto Airports Authority; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Hybrid work environment

Learning opportunities

Recognition program

Job summary

Greater Toronto Airports Authority seeks a Manager, Aviation Safety Management System to lead the SMS program, maintain the Airport Operating Certificate, and ensure CAR compliance across operations.

You will build a high-performing team, chair the Aviation SMS Working Group, engage with regulators and industry partners, and promote a Just Culture while driving continuous safety improvement.

Qualifications

• SMS certification and experience with Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).
• Minimum 3 years in an SMS program with aviation operations exposure.
• Leadership experience and ability to manage a matrix team.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, implementation, maintenance and improvement of Toronto Pearson's SMS.
• Maintain the Airport Operating Certificate and oversee SMS elements.
• Collect and analyze safety data, hazards, incidents, and trends.
• Investigate hazards, incidents, and accidents and report findings.
• Assess risks and monitor safety performance indicators (SPIs).
• Chair the Aviation SMS Working Group and co-chair LRST with partners.
• Promote Just Culture and safety awareness across the organization.
• Monitor regulatory developments and improve safety policies and training.
• Build and coach a high-performing Aviation SMS team.

Skills

Safety Management Certification

SMS program experience

Aviation experience at an airport

Regulatory knowledge

Leadership / people management

Customer focus

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Post-secondary degree

Job description

Toronto Pearson is transforming. Now’s the time for your career to fly.
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is a unique and dynamic place to work, with a bold plan to make Toronto Pearson, Canada’s leading global hub airport, a global leader in airport performance, customer care and sustainability. Together with our partners, approximately 2,100 GTAA employees are working to create a next-generation airport by innovating in all we do and striving for the most uplifting, safe and efficient experience for our passengers – all while championing the prosperity of our people, the community we call home, and our aviation partners. Join us on our journey together, as we put the joy back into travel and make Toronto Pearson the chosen place to fly and work.

What's in it for you?

• An opportunity to grow, develop, and thrive within a dynamic, and fast-growing company alongside thoughtful and passionate individuals dedicated to their work and community.
• Comprehensive benefits, including a flexible retirement program with employer matching, along with voluntary savings options (RRSP, TFSA, and Non-Registered Savings Plans).
• A flexible hybrid work environment, continuous internal and external learning opportunities, and a meaningful reward and recognition program.

What can you expect from this position?

Under the general direction of the Associate Director, Aviation Safety Management System (SMS) and Quality Assurance (QA), and dotted-line reporting to the SMS Accountable Executive (AE), the Manager, Aviation Safety Management System, is responsible for maintaining the Airport Operating Certificate by ensuring compliance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), and championing the development, implementation, maintenance and monitoring of the Aviation Safety Management System program.

As Manager, Aviation Safety Management System, you will:

• Lead the development, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of Toronto Pearson's Aviation Safety Management System (SMS), ensuring compliance with Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), Transport Canada requirements, and industry best practices.
• Maintain the Airport Operating Certificate through effective oversight of all SMS program elements, including the Aviation SMS Manual, Hazard Register, Safety Risk Profile, safety performance monitoring, awareness initiatives, and SMS governance processes.
• Establish and maintain systems for the collection, analysis, and monitoring of safety data, hazards, incidents, accidents, and emerging safety trends to support proactive risk management and informed decision-making.
• Lead the investigation and analysis of hazards, incidents, and accidents, identifying root causes, monitoring corrective actions, and communicating findings and systemic safety concerns to the Accountable Executive and key stakeholders.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate aviation safety risks through hazard identification, risk assessments, safety assurance activities, and ongoing evaluation of safety performance indicators (SPIs).
• Chair the Aviation SMS Working Group and co-chair the Local Runway Safety Team (LRST), collaborating with airport partners, airlines, NAV CANADA, regulators, and industry stakeholders to strengthen aviation safety performance.
• Promote and strengthen a Just Culture by fostering open reporting, employee engagement, and safety awareness through initiatives such as Airside Safety Week, Canadian Airports Safety Week, and Toronto Pearson Safety programs.
• Monitor industry safety concerns, regulatory developments, and emerging risks, providing recommendations to enhance safety policies, procedures, training, and operational performance.
• Build and develop a high-performing team by providing leadership, coaching, professional development, and technical guidance to Aviation SMS staff.

This is the role for you, if you have:

• Safety Management Certification.
• Three (3) years in an SMS program.
• 2-3 years of aviation experience working at an airport, civil aviation authority, airline or Air Traffic Service provider.
• 5 years of experience working with the Canadian Aviation Regulations and operational manuals.
• 2 years of leadership with people management experience preferable in a matrix organization and multiple operations experience.
• Demonstrated experience working in a customer centric environment.
• Post-secondary degree or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Ability to obtain and retain Transportation Security Clearance.

The GTAA is committed to Employment Equity and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

This position is exempt from Ontario's 2026 pay transparency requirements under Regulation 476/24.