SMS Program Lead - Safety Management & PTASP Expert

Orange-County-Transportation-Authority; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 161,000; Full time

Job summary

Orange County Transportation Authority seeks an experienced Safety Management Systems (SMS) Program Manager to lead the planning, implementation, oversight, and continuous improvement of the agency's SMS and PTASP. This exempt management role directs regulatory compliance efforts and partners across the organization to strengthen safety practices and risk mitigation.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree, seven years of program management experience (ten preferred), and a proven track

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum seven years of related program management experience; ten years preferred.
• Three years of direct experience with a Safety Management System, Quality Management System, or Environmental Management System; five years preferred.
• Experience with regulatory compliance oversight and interpreting safety-related requirements.
• Experience conducting compliance audits, assessments, or inspections.
• Ability to develop and implement preventive and corrective action strategies.
• Experience developing and delivering employee training.

Responsibilities

• Serve as OCTA’s subject matter expert and lead agency-wide Safety Management System and PTASP efforts
• Direct the planning, implementation, oversight, and continuous improvement of SMS programs
• Provide guidance to departments on implementing and maintaining compliance with FTA SMS requirements
• Lead SMS committees, meetings, and initiatives focused on PTASP compliance and continuous improvement
• Develop and oversee hazard identification, safety risk assessment, mitigation, and monitoring activities
• Analyze safety data and trends to identify risks, evaluate mitigation efforts, and support informed decision-making
• Perform and document audits, assessments, and inspections to evaluate SMS/PTASP implementation and regulatory compliance
• Identify preventive and corrective actions to address accident hazards, health risks, and other safety concerns
• Develop and deliver required SMS training and promote consistent understanding of safety responsibilities throughout the organization
• Ensure compliance with SMS configuration management and document control requirements
• Communicate SMS performance, risk trends, mitigation activities, compliance status, and emerging issues to employees, management, and executive leadership
• Apply applicable regulations and industry best practices, including requirements from FTA, CPUC, Cal/OSHA, and Federal OSHA
• Represent OCTA as the SMS/PTASP subject matter expert in internal and external meetings and program activities
• Build collaborative relationships across the agency and provide leadership, guidance, and support that promotes a strong and positive safety culture

Skills

Analytical skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Presentation skills

Stakeholder influence

Training development

Safety culture promotion

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Master’s degree desirable

Job description

Orange County Transportation Authority seeks an experienced Safety Management Systems (SMS) Program Manager to lead the planning, implementation, oversight, and continuous improvement of the agency's SMS and PTASP. This exempt management role directs regulatory compliance efforts and partners across the organization to strengthen safety practices and risk mitigation.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree, seven years of program management experience (ten preferred), and a proven track