Aviation Safety Manager - Welkom

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Performance incentives

Professional development

Job summary

Our client in Welkom, Free State is seeking an experienced Aviation Safety Manager to lead the organization’s Safety Management System (SMS) and ensure compliance with ICAO and SACAA standards. You will champion a proactive safety culture, guide incident investigations, and drive risk management across all operations.

The role requires strategic leadership, strong stakeholder engagement, and the ability to influence across levels of the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.
• 7+ years in aviation safety management or related operations.
• Solid knowledge of SMS, risk management techniques, and human factors.
• Experience in incident/accident investigations.
• Familiarity with SACAA regulations and ICAO standards.
• Proven leadership and project management abilities.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Proficiency with safety management software.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Safety Management System (SMS) per ICAO Annex 19 and regulations.
• Conduct safety audits, risk assessments, and hazard identification.
• Lead investigations and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Develop and deliver safety training across staff levels.
• Monitor safety trends and regulatory changes to stay compliant.
• Present safety performance reports to senior management and regulators.
• Be the primary safety contact for regulatory interactions.
• Promote a just culture for reporting safety concerns.
• Manage the aviation safety department budget and resources.

Skills

SMS knowledge

Risk management

Incident investigation

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SMS software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent aviation organization operating in Welkom , Free State, is seeking an experienced and diligent Aviation Safety Manager. This critical leadership position is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the organization's comprehensive safety management system (SMS). You will champion a proactive safety culture, ensuring compliance with all relevant aviation regulations and industry best practices. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of aviation safety principles, risk management, and incident investigation. This role requires a strategic thinker with excellent leadership and communication skills, capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels. We are committed to maintaining the highest safety standards across all our operations and seek a dedicated professional to lead these efforts. Your expertise will be vital in mitigating risks and ensuring the continued safe operation of our aviation services. This position offers a significant opportunity to make a tangible impact on aviation safety within the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the organization's Safety Management System (SMS) in accordance with ICAO Annex 19 and other relevant regulations.
• Conduct regular safety audits, risk assessments, and hazard identification programs to proactively manage safety risks.
• Lead and manage incident and accident investigations, determining root causes and recommending corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Develop and deliver safety training programs to all levels of staff, fostering a strong safety culture throughout the organization.
• Monitor aviation safety trends and regulatory changes, ensuring the organization remains compliant and ahead of industry standards.
• Prepare and present safety performance reports to senior management, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all safety-related matters, including regulatory interactions.
• Promote a just culture environment where safety concerns can be reported without fear of reprisal.
• Develop and manage the aviation safety department budget and resources effectively.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Engineering, or a related field; a Master's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in aviation safety management, regulatory compliance, or a related operational role within the aviation industry.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS), risk management techniques, and human factors in aviation.
• Experience in conducting thorough incident and accident investigations.
• Familiarity with South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regulations and international aviation standards (e.g., ICAO).
• Proven leadership and project management skills, with the ability to influence and motivate diverse teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare detailed reports and present findings effectively.
• Proficiency in safety management software and tools.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package commensurate with the seniority and responsibilities of this role, along with comprehensive benefits including excellent medical aid, a retirement annuity, and performance-related incentives. Opportunities for professional development, including advanced safety training and certifications, are readily available. The position is based in Welkom , providing a stable work environment within the Free State. You will be empowered to shape the safety strategy of a key aviation player, contributing significantly to the integrity and success of their operations.