VP of Safety

Cape Air; Hyannis (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Cape Air is seeking an Executive Safety Leader to provide strategic direction for safety programs, SMS, and regulatory compliance. You will advise the CEO and senior leadership on safety risks and operational impacts, while guiding the Safety Department and liaising with the FAA and other agencies.

You will lead investigations, drive cross-functional risk reduction, and champion a proactive safety culture, reporting to the CEO/Accountable Executive.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of safety governance and strategic oversight.
• Strong leadership and executive advisory capabilities.
• Familiarity with major aviation safety standards and practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic safety leadership and SMS oversight for Cape Air.
• Advise CEO and senior leadership on safety risks and regulatory exposure.
• Oversee safety investigations and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Lead enterprise-wide safety accountability with cross-functional leadership.
• Develop and govern operational safety standards and safety initiatives.
• Guide crisis preparedness and response planning for safety events.
• Represent Cape Air in industry safety forums and regulatory matters.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal comms

Executive safety leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aviation or related field

FAA safety certificates (CPL, ATP, A&P, Dispatcher)

Job description

SUMMARY:

In this position, you will provide executive leadership and strategic oversight of Cape Air’s safety strategy, safety programs, and Safety Management System (SMS). You will set the strategic direction for safety initiatives, support development of new safety programs, and ensure the Safety Department has the leadership and resources needed to continuously improve safety performance. You will serve as a key advisor to the CEO/Accountable Executive and senior leadership team on safety matters affecting operations, organizational risk, and strategic initiatives. In addition, this position is responsible for serving as a company liaison with the Federal Aviation Administration and other government regulatory agencies, as necessary.

SUMMARY:

In this position, you will provide executive leadership and strategic oversight of Cape Air’s safety strategy, safety programs, and Safety Management System (SMS). You will set the strategic direction for safety initiatives, support development of new safety programs, and ensure the Safety Department has the leadership and resources needed to continuously improve safety performance. You will serve as a key advisor to the CEO/Accountable Executive and senior leadership team on safety matters affecting operations, organizational risk, and strategic initiatives. In addition, this position is responsible for serving as a company liaison with the Federal Aviation Administration and other government regulatory agencies, as necessary.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Serve as the organization’s senior safety executive, providing strategic direction, executive oversight, and leadership support for Cape Air’s safety programs and Safety [NK1] Management System, including strategic prioritization of safety initiatives and programs.
• Advise executive leadership and the Board, as appropriate, on strategic safety risks, emerging trends, safety performance, regulatory exposure, and the safety implications of major operational initiatives.
• Serve as a principal safety advisor to the CEO/Accountable Executive, providing timely assessment of significant safety risks, urgent emerging issues, and organizational safety performance matters that require executive awareness or direction.
• Provide executive oversight of the organization’s safety investigation function , ensuring significant accidents, incidents, and mishaps are appropriately investigated, and that systemic risks and corrective actions are identified and addressed.
• Drive enterprise-wide accountability for safety by partnering with senior leaders to identify, prioritize, and mitigate material safety risks, confirm ownership of corrective actions, and monitor progress on issues requiring cross-functional leadership.
• Establish the strategic framework, standards, and governance for operational safety, including the development of new safety initiatives and programs that address emerging risks, regulatory expectations, and organizational priorities.
• Provide executive oversight of workplace safety and employee safety strategy, ensuring injury prevention, environmental health, emergency preparedness, and employee safety programs are aligned with organizational risk priorities and supported by accountable department leaders.
• Provide strategic leadership for crisis preparedness and response , ensuring enterprise crisis management capabilities, plans, and governance are aligned with organizational risk and operational requirements.
• Maintain executive accountability for ensuring Cape Air has effective systems, leadership, and resources to comply with applicable regulatory requirements, company policies, and safety standards.
• Represent Cape Air as a senior safety leader in industry organizations and external safety forums, strengthening the company’s safety reputation and contributing to industry best practices.
• Champion and continuously strengthen Cape Air’s safety culture , fostering an environment of proactive risk identification, informed decision-making, accountability, continuous improvement and Just Culture
• Provide strategic direction and executive oversight for Cape Air’s Safety Management System, while delegating day-to-day execution, administration, and continuous improvement of SMS processes to the Director of Safety.
• Perform other executive leadership responsibilities as assigned by the CEO/Accountable Executive.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• One or more of the following: FAA Commercial Pilot certificate, FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate, FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate, FAA Aircraft Dispatcher certificate
• Bachelor’s degree in aviation or related field of study, preferred
• At least 7 years in safety related position, preferred
• At least 4 years in management role, preferred
• Knowledge and operational experience of 14 CFR Part 91 and Part 135 operations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills