Manager, Safety Management Systems (SMS) Program Development

RTD; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

RTD in Denver seeks a Senior Safety Manager to lead the organization’s Safety Management Systems (SMS) development and continuous improvement across rail and bus operations.

You will supervise staff, oversee SSPP/PTASP programs, and drive data-driven safety performance. Strong knowledge of OSHA, FTA/FRA regulations, and a passion for safety culture are essential for success in this role. This role requires collaboration with leadership and reporting to the Chief Safety Officer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, System Safety Engineering, Occupational and Industrial Safety Management, or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of experience in system safety assurance, certification, and reporting with a strong understanding of safety data, data analysis, and trends.
• At least three (3) years of experience leading or supervising people.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable MVR.

Responsibilities

• Leads the design, deployment, and oversight of enterprise-wide safety management systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety requirements.
• Drives initiatives to reduce accidents and injuries, guiding safety projects and risk management strategies.
• Manages critical safety plans, including the System Safety Program Plan (SSPP) and PTASP, focusing on continuous improvement in safety culture.
• Develops and disseminates comprehensive safety education programs and conducts outreach activities for employee engagement.
• Ensures safety compliance in bus and rail project designs, adhering to all applicable safety standards.
• Chairs safety committees, analyzes safety data for trend identification, and develops effective safety performance metrics.
• Oversees comprehensive hazard management program encompassing risk assessments, incident investigations, and implementation of corrective measures.
• Utilizes data effectively to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of SMS programs, advocating for necessary safety resources.
• Supervises and develops a skilled team, fostering a safety culture aligned with the agency's goals.
• Provides leadership support to the Chief Safety Officer, including assuming departmental responsibilities in their absence.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Safety management

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

At Regional Transportation District (RTD), We make lives better through connections!

When you join RTD, you will be among dedicated employees exhibiting RTD's values of passion, respect, diversity, trustworthiness, collaboration, and ownership. RTD is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. As part of our diversity value statement, we encourage our employees to honor diversity in thought, people, and experience. Come join RTD on this great journey to be the trusted leader in mobility, delivering excellence and value to our customers and community.

RTD Employee Benefits: https://www.rtd-denver.com/careers/benefits

(RTD Represented Employee Benefits: Please refer to the Labor Agreement included in the above link for details.)

This position manages and oversees the organization's agency’s Safety Management Systems (SMS). The position is responsible for developing and managing systems and processes that are focused on implementation, execution, reporting, analysis, and continuous improvement of the safety management systems, including the System Safety Program Plan (SSPP) for commuter rail under the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) for light rail and bus modes under the Federal Transit Administration and the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).

Essential

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

SMS Program Development

• Leads the design, deployment, and oversight of enterprise-wide safety management systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety requirements.
• Drives initiatives to reduce accidents and injuries, guiding safety projects and risk management strategies.
• Manages critical safety plans, including the System Safety Program Plan (SSPP) and Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP), focusing on continuous improvement in safety culture.
• Develops and disseminates comprehensive safety education programs and conducts outreach activities for employee engagement.
• Ensures safety compliance in bus and rail project designs, adhering to all applicable safety standards.
• Chairs safety committees, analyzes safety data for trend identification, and develops effective safety performance metrics.
• Oversees comprehensive hazard management program encompassing risk assessments, incident investigations, and implementation of corrective measures.
• Utilizes data effectively to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of SMS programs, advocating for necessary safety resources.
• Supervises and develops a skilled team, fostering a safety culture aligned with the agency's goals.
• Provides leadership support to the Chief Safety Officer, including assuming departmental responsibilities in their absence

People Power Management

• Maintains appropriate staffing levels and reviews progress to ensure the quality and quantity of work meet standards and deadlines for deliverables to meet program goals and objectives.
• Recruits staff to include interviewing, hiring, assigning work, training, coaching, and counseling to ensure consistent application of Employee Guidelines, processes, and procedures.
• Conducts performance reviews and holds employees accountable for optimal performance of their responsibilities.
• Fosters a safety-first culture, prioritizing prevention, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Takes action to advance the goals of Equal Employment Opportunity, Small/ Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Title VI and ADA Plans, thereby ensuring RTD's hiring programs, work environment, contracting and procurement practices, and transit services/programs are fair, equal, and non-discriminatory.

Other

All job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualification:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, System Safety Engineering, Occupational and Industrial Safety Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in system safety assurance, certification, and reporting with a strong understanding of safety data, data analysis, and trends.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience leading or supervising people.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable MVR.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Safety or Auditor certification.
• Transportation Safety and Security Program (TSSP) Certification required or the ability to achieve certification within three years of hire.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).
• Previous experience working in a highly regulated environment.

OR

An equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Key Competencies & Characteristics

• Proficiency in safety management systems components/framework, particularly safety risk management and safety assurance.
• Proficiency in OSHA, FTA, FRA regulations, and industry and consensus standards and codes (ISO, NFPA, ASSP, ASME, UBC, etc.)
• Proficiency in the safety certification processes and management of change/configuration management.
• Proficiency in the Federal Transit Administration safety certification and worker protection guidelines.
• Proficiency in FTA Safety & Security Management Plan and Project Management Plan program requirements.
• Proficiency in hazard analysis, safety design criteria, and resolution processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication