Aviation Safety Manager: SMS Leader & Risk Champion

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

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