SMS (Safety Management System) Specialist - CoreOps (India) - Pune

Air Arabia; Pune District; On-site; INR 5,720,000 - 8,580,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Arabia is seeking an SMS Specialist to implement, monitor, and maintain the Safety Management System in line with GCAA CAR-SMS. You will coordinate with operational departments to manage investigations, corrective actions, and safety performance indicators, ensuring timely reporting and governance.

The role requires a strong background in aviation safety, experience with IQSMS, and the ability to revise safety policies. Fluency in English and advanced Excel skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical/Aerospace engineering.
• SMS training; certifications considered an added value.
• Fluent English; strong writing and communication skills.
• Ability to implement, monitor, and maintain SMS processes and performance.

Responsibilities

• Review ABY and FSTD SMS manuals yearly for regulatory/policy changes.
• Revise the ABY and FSTD SMS manuals in consultation with the line manager.
• Ensure safety policy is revised biannually and distribute to stakeholders.
• Check safety reports daily and update the Risk Register for actions.
• Maintain IQSMS database and liaise with operations until closure of reports.
• Update risk register based on IQSMS, events, audits, and alerts.
• Submit ROSI/RODGO reports to GCAA per requirements.
• Prepare for SAG, ABY/SRB, Fatigue SAG and SPM meetings with minutes and closure actions.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Decision making

Attention to detail

Report writing

Communication skills

Fluent English

Education

BSc in Aeronautical/Aerospace engineering

BSc in Science + experience acceptable

SMS training certificates

Load & Trim Certificate

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Purpose

The SMS Specialist is responsible for implementing, maintaining, and monitoring the Air Arabia Safety Management System (SMS) in compliance with GCAA CAR-SMS, and company safety policies and procedures. The role ensures effective management of mandatory and voluntary safety reports, safety risk assessments, safety performance monitoring, and safety governance activities, supporting timely identification, mitigation, and closure of safety reports. The SMS Specialist coordinates with operational departments to ensure investigations, corrective actions, and safety performance indicators are effectively managed and reported. The position supports safety leadership in maintaining regulatory compliance, promoting a positive safety culture, and minimizing operational risk. Ineffective performance of this role may lead to regulatory non-compliance, adverse audit findings, operational disruption, and reputational impact.

Key Result Responsibilities

• Reviews the ABY, FSTD SMS manual yearly, with respect to the changes in regulations or company policies related to SMS. Keeps a routine track of the GCAA website to capture and reflect any changes in the SMS requirements.
• Conducts timely revision of the ABY and FSTD SMS manual (as and when required) in consultation with the line manager, facilitates the manual approval and distribution process.
• Ensures the safety policy is revised once in two years , Distributes the revised safety policy with the internal as well as external stakeholders and maintains the record.
• Ensure all safety reports are checked daily and relevant reports are included in the Risk Register for analysis and timely actions are taken for closure.
• Conducts timely action on the IQSMS reports, and liaisons with all operational departments till closure of the reports on IQSMS. Maintains the IQSMS database.
• Updates the risk register based on IQSMS reports, FDM events, hazards identified in MOC/ SRM reports, internal occurrences/ events, internal audit/ inspection findings external sources, GCAA safety alerts/investigation reports etc.
• Ensures timely reporting of occurrences on GCAA Reporting of Safety Incidents (ROSI & RODGO) system.
• Prepares for and facilitates the quarterly SAG meetings with operational departments (With presentations, minuting the meetings and closure reports for the recommended actions to be taken).
• Prepares for and facilitates biannual ABY and FSTD SRB meetings (With presentation, minuting the meeting and closure reports for the recommended actions to be taken).
• Organizes for and facilitates the Fatigue SAG meetings (Minuting the meeting and closure reports for the recommended actions to be taken).
• Initiates and facilitates the MOC (Management of Change) and SRA process and collects the evidence for the actions taken
• Prepares and facilitates the triannual SPM meeting with GCAA, with presentation, SPM report, minuting the meeting, closure reports for the recommended actions to be taken.
• Timely submission of SPM reports to GCAA as per the CAR SMS requirements
• Guarantees timely revision of the safety plan in terms of SPI’s and SPT’s. Prepares monthly analysis report for the Safety Performance Indicators (SPI).
• Ensures timely assessment of the subcontractors. Maintains the records.
• Facilitates and provides the checklist for the audits/ inspections done by quality and maintain the records.
• Assists in preparing the periodic safety newsletters/ bulletins/ alerts and ensure dissemination of the same to the operational personnel.
• Facilitates GCAA, internal and external SMS audits till closure of the findings/ observations.
• Plans, organizes, facilitates and participates in safety surveys(online), walk & talk sessions and inspections.
• Yearly Review of the SMS Training and revise the SMS training. Timely action on the SMS training failure cases; debriefs non-management employees, reviews the answers, diagnoses the problem, providing action points for them.
• Prepares and facilitates internal audits, IOSA and external SMS audits.
• Review and revision of the HUB IPD’s, ABY Safety Plan
• Maintains all records pertaining to SMS.

Qualifications (Academic, Training, Languages)

• Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical/Aerospace engineering from a recognized university or institute.
• A bachelor’s degree in science combined with the necessary experience and exposure, is also acceptable.
• Additionally, candidates must have completed Safety Management Systems (SMS) training.SMS, Audit certificates and trainings are an added value for this role.
• Ability to implement, monitor, and maintain Safety Management System (SMS) processes and performance.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with high attention to detail.
• Effective report writing and communication skills; fluent in English.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Composed and professional, able to perform effectively under pressure and in emergency situations.
• Strong knowledge of civil aviation safety regulations, with particular familiarity with GCAA requirements, policies, and manuals.
• A valid Load & Trim Certificate is mandatory. Candidates should have completed Load & Trim training and possess a sound understanding of aircraft weight and balance principles, load control procedures, and related aviation safety requirements.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the airline/aviation industry, including at least 3 years in a Safety Department in a similar capacity.
• Experience in safety investigations, audits, quality assurance, and maintenance of aviation safety documentation.
• Experience in Load Control and Weight & Balance operations is preferred. Candidates must hold a valid Load & Trim Certificate and demonstrate practical knowledge of aircraft loading, load sheets, and trim calculations.