Manager, Safety Management Systems (SMS) Program Development

rtddenver; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Regional Transportation District (RTD) seeks a skilled professional to manage the organization’s Safety Management Systems (SMS) and SSPP/PTASP compliance for rail and bus modes. The role leads enterprise-wide safety programs, analyzes data, and drives continuous safety improvements while building a strong safety culture.

The ideal candidate has a BS in Engineering or related field, 5+ years in system safety, and 3+ years of leadership experience, with a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, System Safety Engineering, Occupational and Industrial Safety Management, or related field.
• At least 5 years in system safety assurance, certification, and reporting with data analysis.
• At least 3 years leading or supervising people.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable MVR.

Responsibilities

• Develop, deploy and oversee enterprise safety management systems ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Lead safety initiatives to reduce accidents and injuries and guide risk management strategies.
• Manage SSPP and PTASP programs with focus on safety culture and continuous improvement.
• Develop safety education programs and conduct employee outreach.
• Chairs safety committees, analyzes data for trends, and defines safety performance metrics.
• Oversee hazard management including risk assessments and incident investigations.

Skills

System Safety

Data Analysis

Leadership

Regulatory Compliance

Risk Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/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).

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential:

• 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 combi