Safety Management System (SMS) Lead (fixed term contract)

GE Aviation; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Cheltenham is seeking an SMS Lead to drive the development and implementation of a Safety Management System. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or safety, with experience in safety roles. Responsibilities include promoting a positive safety culture and ensuring regulatory compliance. This is a fixed-term contract for 12-18 months, offering comprehensive benefits including a pension and bonus.

Benefits

Pension

Bonus

Life Assurance

Group income protection

Private medical cover

Qualifications

• Experience in safety roles, preferably in manufacturing or aerospace.
• Strong understanding of safety regulations and best practices.
• Qualified in leading safety investigations.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of Safety Management System.
• Coordinate safety initiatives and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Support safety management documentation and risk assessments.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excellent communication

Leadership abilities

Strong organisational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or safety discipline

Job description

Job Description Summary

The SMS Lead is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and maintenance of a Safety Management System (SMS) for the Cheltenham site. This role involves promoting a positive safety culture, coordinating safety initiatives, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The SMS Lead will work closely with cross‑functional teams to identify, assess, and mitigate safety risks while driving continuous improvement in safety performance. This role is critical in demonstrating our commitment to the evolving regulatory requirements and oversight of SMS. It presents an exciting opportunity to contribute from the onset of a transformative shift in adopting an Enterprise‑wide SMS. Please note: This is a fixed term contract for 12-18 months.

Job Description

• Support ongoing development of the SMS in accordance with the guidance contained in ICAO 9859.
• Support the management and monitoring of the Just Culture program and its effectiveness.
• Support in developing the site Safety Management policy, objectives and measures.
• Supporting the Process Owner for all site Safety Management System documentation.
• Supports risk working groups.
• Supports the Planning, administration, and chairing of Safety Review Boards.
• Supports and fosters relationships with representatives from all functional departments, regulatory authorities/governing bodies (CAA, EASA, ICAO, etc.) regarding the development and management of the SMS.
• Supports the research, analysis and development of hazard identification processes to enhance the SMS.
• Supports the management, development and coordination of change management, risk assessments and safety analysis within the SMS.
• Supports the Development, compilation and distribution of analysis, trends and statistics based upon SMS data and makes recommendations based upon a data driven approach to safety.
• Tracks safety recommendations, hazards, risks, findings, corrective actions, contributing factors, and root causes to ensure accuracy, reporting and follow‑up as necessary.
• Leads and participates in Human Error Management System investigations.
• Prepare reports for Quality and Site Leadership in line with business operating rhythm, summarising progress of implementation plan, health of the SMS, results of audit, status of audit findings, trends of root causes and corrective actions.
• Provides SMS and Human Factors training to employees.
• Leads communication of the SMS to all employees.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering or safety discipline.
• Experience in safety roles, preferably in manufacturing, aerospace, or industrial settings.
• Strong understanding of safety regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Excellent communication skills to engage and influence teams at all levels.
• Analytical skills to assess risks and implement effective solutions.
• Knowledge of Safety Risk Management and BowTie methodology.
• Qualified and experienced in leading safety investigations.
• Familiarity with Just Culture principles and their practical application.
• Experience managing large quantities of safety reports.
• Ability to build trust and foster a positive safety culture across teams and functions.
• Strong organisational and communication skills, with proficiency in IT and productivity management tools.

Key Attributes

• Passion for safety and commitment to fostering a positive safety culture.
• Ability to lead by example and inspire others to prioritise safety.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Proactive problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.

Flexible Working

GE supports and encourages flexible working arrangements, where possible, and recognises the benefits to employees of having a positive work‑life balance.

Total Reward

At GE Aerospace we understand the importance of Total Reward. Our flexible benefits plan, called FlexChoice, gives you freedom, choice and flexibility in the way you receive your benefits, as well as giving you the opportunity to make savings where possible.

As a new joiner to GE we are pleased to be able to offer you the following as default in your benefit fund, which you then can tailor to meet your individual needs:

• Pension
• Bonus
• Life Assurance
• Group income protection
• Private medical cover

Security Clearance

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Please note that in the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security. Please see the link below for further details regarding the requirements for BPSS clearance: BPSS.

Right to Work

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, under the applicable UK immigration rules as may be in place from time to time, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available to take up the post. For further information please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No