Chief Safety & SMS Strategy Officer

Cape Air; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Cape Air seeks an accomplished safety executive to provide strategic leadership for our safety strategy, SMS program, and regulatory compliance. You will partner with the CEO and senior leaders to drive risk-aware decision making and continuous improvement in safety performance.

As the primary safety advisor, you will coordinate with the FAA and other agencies, oversee investigations, and champion a proactive safety culture across all operations in a dynamic aviation environment.

Qualifications

• Experience providing executive leadership and strategic oversight of safety programs and SMS.
• Liaison with FAA and regulatory agencies as needed.
• Proven track record in leading safety investigations and corrective actions.
• Strong communication with the CEO, Board, and senior leadership on safety risks.
• Knowledge of 14 CFR Part 91 and Part 135 operations is a plus.
• Proven ability to champion a proactive safety culture across an organization.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for safety strategy and SMS governance.
• Advise CEO and Board on strategic safety risks and regulatory exposure.
• Oversee safety investigations and ensure timely corrective actions.
• Drive enterprise-wide accountability for safety improvements.
• Represent Cape Air in industry safety forums and standard-setting initiatives.
• Develop crisis preparedness and response capabilities for operations.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Executive leadership

Risk assessment

Crisis management

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aviation or related field of study

FAA Commercial Pilot certificate

FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate

FAA Aircraft Dispatcher certificate

FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate

Job description

Cape Air seeks an accomplished safety executive to provide strategic leadership for our safety strategy, SMS program, and regulatory compliance. You will partner with the CEO and senior leaders to drive risk-aware decision making and continuous improvement in safety performance.

As the primary safety advisor, you will coordinate with the FAA and other agencies, oversee investigations, and champion a proactive safety culture across all operations in a dynamic aviation environment.