Aviation Safety Manager

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Aviation Safety Manager to lead and advance the organization’s Safety Management System (SMS). This hybrid role requires strategic thinking to develop, implement, and continuously improve safety programs across operations, with a focus on risk identification, investigation, and regulatory compliance.

You will promote a proactive safety culture, conduct audits, manage incident investigations, provide training, and report safety performance to senior

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level or higher in Aviation Management, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive aviation safety management experience.
• Deep knowledge of SMS and aviation safety regulations.
• Proven ability to conduct risk assessments, hazard analyses and investigations.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience in developing and delivering safety training programs.
• Familiarity with safety software and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain the Safety Management System (SMS).
• Oversee risk management, hazard identification, and safety assurance processes.
• Conduct safety audits across operations and lead incident investigations.
• Promote a proactive safety culture through training and awareness campaigns.
• Liaise with regulators on safety matters and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Prepare safety reports for senior management and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Stakeholder engagement

Training delivery

Risk assessment

Incident investigation

Education

Aviation Management degree

Aerospace Engineering degree

Tools

SMS software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant operator within the South African aviation landscape, is seeking an experienced and proactive Aviation Safety Manager to lead their safety initiatives. This hybrid role, based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape , requires a strategic thinker who can develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive safety management system (SMS). You will be responsible for promoting a robust safety culture, conducting risk assessments, managing incident investigations, and ensuring compliance with all aviation safety regulations. This position demands strong leadership qualities and a deep understanding of aviation safety principles and best practices. The successful candidate will champion safety across all facets of the operation, contributing to the organization's unwavering commitment to operational integrity and risk mitigation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the organization's Safety Management System (SMS) in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Oversee and manage all aspects of aviation safety, including risk management, hazard identification, and safety assurance processes.
• Conduct regular safety audits and inspections across all operational departments.
• Lead and manage incident and accident investigations, determining root causes and implementing effective corrective and preventative actions.
• Promote a proactive safety culture through training, awareness campaigns, and open communication channels.
• Develop and deliver safety training programs to all levels of staff.
• Monitor industry safety trends and best practices, recommending improvements to the SMS.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies (e.g., SACAA) on safety matters and ensure compliance with all applicable aviation safety regulations.
• Manage the safety reporting system and analyze safety data to identify trends and areas of concern.
• Prepare regular safety reports for senior management and relevant stakeholders.

Requirements

• A degree in Aviation Management, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent extensive experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in aviation safety management, preferably with an operator or regulator.
• In-depth knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS) and aviation safety regulations.
• Proven experience in risk assessment, hazard analysis, and incident investigation techniques.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience in developing and delivering training programs.
• Proficiency in safety management software and tools is an advantage.
• A valid driver's license and the ability to travel as needed for audits and meetings.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with the strategic importance of this role, along with performance-related bonuses.
• A comprehensive benefits package includes excellent medical aid coverage, a substantial retirement fund contribution, and generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development, including advanced safety certifications and relevant industry courses, are provided.
• This hybrid role is based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape , offering a chance to make a significant impact on aviation safety within a key region. Join an organization that prioritizes safety and employee well-being.