Manager, Safety & SMS

Vantage Group; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Vantage Group is seeking a strategic Manager, Safety & SMS to lead safety excellence across Hamilton International Airport. This pivotal role includes overseeing safety management systems and ensuring compliance with Transport Canada regulations.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years in aviation operations and experience in developing safety programs. They will contribute to a proactive safety culture, ensuring operational excellence in a fast-growing environment. A competitive salary ranging from $85,000 to $100,000 is offered.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of aviation or airport operations experience, including regulatory compliance.
• Experience leading safety or security programs in complex environments.
• Ability to obtain Aeronautical Radio License and Airport Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Airport SMS Manual and ensure compliance with policies.
• Review daily incident reports and lead the development of safety goals.
• Conduct investigations of aviation safety occurrences.

Skills

Aviation Safety knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Root cause analysis

Risk assessment

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Certificate or Diploma in Aviation Safety

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Vantage Group is a global leader in airport and transportation investment, development, management, and advisor services. Since 1994, Vantage's corporate and network-wide team has managed an award-winning portfolio, building strong partnerships that integrate global expertise and local know-how to solve complex transportation challenges at every network location. Over three decades, Vantage has built a track record of creating customized solutions to transform airports and transportation centers that benefit the passengers, stakeholders, and communities they serve. Vantage is a wholly owned strategic platform of Investcorp Corsair Infrastructure Partners for capital deployment in the airport and transportation sectors. Visit vantagegroup.com to learn more.

Vantage Group has operated Hamilton Airport since 1996. Economic and industrial development in the city and region have contributed to the airport’s growth, with over 324,336 passengers welcomed in 2025. Hamilton is located on the western tip of Lake Ontario, an area known as the city of waterfalls. More information: www.flyhamilton.ca.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Manager, Safety & SMS to lead safety excellence across our airport operations. This role is essential to maintaining our Airport Operating Certificate, strengthening our Safety Management System (SMS), and fostering a proactive, collaborative safety culture across the organization. It is a high‑impact position within one of Canada’s fastest‑growing cargo and passenger airports.

The Manager, Safety & SMS oversees the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of YHM’s Safety Management System and workplace health and safety programs. Working closely with the Accountable Executive, Transport Canada, airlines, tenants, contractors, and the Vantage Airport Group network, this role ensures that airport operations remain safe, efficient, and fully compliant with regulatory requirements. You will play a key role in shaping safety strategy, driving performance, and supporting operational excellence.

This position is ideal for a safety‑driven aviation professional with strong regulatory knowledge, analytical capability, and a commitment to building and sustaining a strong safety culture. If you thrive in an environment focused on continuous improvement, operational leadership, and regulatory compliance, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the future of Hamilton International Airport.

What You’ll be responsible for:

Safety Management System (SMS) Leadership

• Manage the Airport SMS Manual and ensure policies and procedures remain current and compliant
• Support the Accountable Executive in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of SMS processes
• Review daily incident reports and determine SMS reporting requirements
• Lead the development and monitoring of annual airport safety goals
• Attend SMS training and remain current with industry best practices

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with CARs, CASRs, Transport Canada audits, and contractual obligations
• Manage the quality assurance audit program and conduct internal audits
• Provide timely reporting to Executives on safety performance, risks, and recommended actions
• Interpret Transport Canada Advisory Circulars and other regulatory documents

Safety Investigations & Risk Management

• Lead investigations of aviation safety occurrences, including hazard identification, risk assessments, and root cause analysis
• Develop corrective action plans and ensure timely completion
• Support the Executive Managing Director with YHM’s Enterprise Risk Management program

Training, Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Deliver SMS‑related training and support operational teams
• Chair safety committees, working groups, and stakeholder meetings
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Transport Canada, airlines, tenants, and contractors
• Prepare technical and non‑technical documents, reports, and presentations

Vantage Airport Group Network Support

• Provide SMS and safety support across the Vantage network, including documentation reviews, audits, and emergency exercise support
• Participate in network initiatives and contribute to shared safety standards

What You Bring:

• Certificate or Diploma in Aviation Safety (asset)
• Minimum 7+ years of aviation or airport operations experience, including regulatory compliance
• Proven experience leading safety or security programs in a complex operational environment
• Ability to obtain and maintain:
• Aeronautical Radio License
• Required Airport Security Clearance
• Strong understanding of CARs, CASRs, and Transport Canada regulatory frameworks
• Skilled in root cause analysis, hazard identification, and risk assessment
• Ability to evaluate technical data, identify trends, and recommend improvements
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, databases, and data analysis tools
• Ability to interpret legislative and technical information
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively
• High attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation
• Exceptional organizational and time‑management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to change

Primary Work Location:

On‑Site at Hamilton International Airport

What we offer

In addition to a competitive compensation, career progression, and access to a global team of talented professionals, we are growing and offer boundless opportunities to make your mark within our organization. If you share our sense of adventure, come, and join us for the journey. The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $100,000 annually.

To apply

Please visit our Careers page at https://www.vantagegroup.com/careers/ and follow prompts to apply with your cover letter and résumé.

All qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada will be considered.

At Vantage Group, we seek and welcome unique backgrounds, perspectives, experiences and skills. As a global organization, we are always looking for differentiated points of view. We know that a diverse, inclusive and empowered workforce is essential to our shared success, and we invite you to join us for the journey.

For more information about Vantage Group, please visit: www.vantagegroup.com