Safety & Operations Specialist

Matchtech; Whiteley; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace organization based in the United Kingdom is seeking a Safety & Operations Specialist to ensure regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. The role balances responsibilities as both an Aviation Safety Manager and an operations specialist, requiring strong knowledge of aviation safety protocols and regulations. Ideal candidates will hold a degree or equivalent experience in aviation or a related field, alongside significant expertise in UAS regulations and safety management.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of national and international SMS standards.
• Understanding of airspace change processes and regulations.
• Familiarity with Uncrewed Aircraft technology and operations.

Responsibilities

• Act as the nominated Safety Manager ensuring compliance with SMS.
• Develop internal safety audit plans and conduct audits.
• Stay updated with regulations related to uncrewed aircraft operations.

Skills

Knowledge of local and international UAS regulatory frameworks

Experience working with EASA regulations

Strong interest in aviation technologies

Confidence in risk assessment and safety management

Education

Degree level (or equivalent experience) within aviation or safety disciplines

Job description

Our client, a leader in humanitarian assistance and defence innovation within the aerospace sector, is seeking a Safety & Operations Specialist to join their team. This is a permanent, full-time position, and is pivotal in ensuring that the organisation adheres to safety regulations and excels in operational efficiency.

Within this dual-role, we are looking for an individual to act in the first instance as the Aviation Safety Manager, a nominated Post Holder who understands the UK CAA's Regulations relating to Safety Management Systems (SMS), and has experience in developing and delivering a mature SMS, driving safety culture, conducting investigations and ensuring safety reports are produced in a correct and timely manner. This could be expected to take 50% of their time.

For the other half of the role, the individual would act as a general operations specialist. They must have a broad understanding and depth of experience in the broader aviation environment. A comprehensive understanding of airspace, uncrewed aircraft operations, regulations and licensing requirements is desirable.

Responsibilities

Safety

• Act as the nominated Safety Manager.
• Ensure SMS complies with all appropriate regulatory requirements and incorporates industry best practices.
• Implement SMS improvements.
• Administer all occurrences, including AAIB and MOR reporting via ECCAIRS, and liaise with CAA on reporting processes.
• Prepare and facilitate quarterly Safety Review Board.
• Provide expertise on and develop a safety culture.
• Develop an internal safety audit plan and conduct audits, safety risk assessments, and hazard identification.
• Investigate accidents, incidents and safety reports; recommend corrective/preventive measures.
• Serve as the focal point for safety communication across all departments, promote a safety culture through publicity materials and recommend training, awareness programmes and continuous engagement.
• Report routinely to the Accountable Manager on all aspects of SMS activities.

Operations

• Stay current with local, regional & international regulations & standards related to uncrewed aircraft operations.
• Develop spectrum licensing protocols.
• Develop and implement strategies to ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.
• Advise on standard requirements from the aviation authorities and collaborate to integrate innovative technology.
• Coordinate with the flight operations team to enable future operations.

Skills, Experience & Knowledge

• Knowledge of local and international UAS regulatory frameworks such as CAP722, CAP1616, and SORA framework.
• Knowledge of national and international SMS standards.
• Experience working with EASA regulations.
• Understanding of airspace change processes and airspace regulations.
• Understanding of Air Traffic Management.
• Knowledge of communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems.
• Strong interest in aviation technologies.
• Experience in obtaining aviation permits, licences and certifications, preferably in the Uncrewed Aircraft sector.
• Familiarity with Uncrewed Aircraft technology, operations, and the current regulatory landscape.
• Confident in risk assessment and safety management, and able to apply them to Uncrewed Aircraft operations.
• Strong understanding of ATM procedures & practices and airspace constructs.
• Degree level (or equivalent experience) within aviation, regulatory or safety orientated disciplines.