Lead Aviation Safety Officer

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development

Annual bonus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Aviation Safety Officer in Cape Town to develop and manage a comprehensive aviation SMS. You will lead audits, investigations, and risk management while championing a strong safety culture across all operations.

The role requires 8+ years in aviation safety with at least 4 years in leadership, plus ICAO Annex 19 and SACAA CARs knowledge. This is a high-impact position offering strategic influence and professional development.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive aviation safety experience, with at least 4 years in a lead role.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing an SMS.
• In-depth knowledge of ICAO Annex 19 and SACAA CARs.
• Proven incident investigation, root-cause analysis, and risk management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the SMS in line with regulations and best practices.
• Conduct safety audits, inspections, and hazard identifications across operations.
• Investigate incidents and recommend corrective and preventative actions.
• Develop and deliver safety training for all staff levels.
• Monitor safety data, identify trends, and drive improvements.
• Advise management on safety matters and regulatory compliance.
• Promote a positive safety culture across the organization.
• Prepare safety performance reports for senior management and regulators.
• Act as the primary contact for safety matters with internal and external bodies.
• Review and update safety policies and procedures as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Decision making

Education

Aviation Safety Management qualification

Tools

Safety reporting software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier aviation group operating out of Cape Town, Western Cape , is seeking an experienced and proactive Lead Aviation Safety Officer . This pivotal role is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the organization's comprehensive aviation safety management system (SMS). You will champion a strong safety culture, conduct rigorous risk assessments, and ensure compliance with all relevant national and international aviation safety regulations. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned safety professional with a deep understanding of aviation operations and a passion for fostering a safe and secure environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact on the safety performance of a growing aviation entity and to lead safety initiatives in a beautiful and vibrant city.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Aviation Safety Management System (SMS) in accordance with regulatory requirements and best practices.
• Conduct regular safety audits, inspections, and hazard identification assessments across all operational areas.
• Investigate safety incidents, accidents, and near misses, identifying root causes and recommending corrective and preventative actions.
• Develop and deliver safety training programs for all levels of staff.
• Monitor and analyze safety data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Advise management on safety-related matters and ensure compliance with all applicable aviation safety regulations.
• Promote and foster a positive safety culture throughout the organization.
• Prepare and present safety performance reports to senior management and regulatory authorities.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all aviation safety matters within the organization and with external bodies.
• Review and update safety policies and procedures as necessary.

Requirements

• Recognized qualification in Aviation Safety Management, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in aviation safety, with at least 4 years in a lead or management role.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing Safety Management Systems (SMS).
• In-depth knowledge of aviation regulations (e.g., ICAO Annex 19, SACAA CARs) and safety standards.
• Proven experience in incident investigation, root cause analysis, and risk management.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in safety reporting software and data analysis tools.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting your expertise and leadership.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and attendance at industry conferences.
• A challenging and rewarding role with significant responsibility.
• Be part of a forward-thinking aviation organization committed to excellence.
• Enjoy the vibrant lifestyle that Cape Town offers.
• Annual performance-based bonus.