Senior Aviation Safety Auditor

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Senior Aviation Safety Auditor to ensure compliance with national and international safety standards across aviation operations. You will audit flight, maintenance, ground handling, and security activities, identify risks, and recommend corrective actions.

The role requires a degree in Aviation Management or related field, 7+ years in aviation safety/auditing, and strong SMS/ICAO Annex 19 knowledge.

Qualifications

• Degree in Aviation Management, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive aviation safety or auditing experience.
• Proven experience conducting safety audits in aviation (airline, MRO, airport).
• Strong knowledge of SMS and ICAO Annex 19; SACAA regulations.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and execute safety audits across operations.
• Assess compliance with SACAA/ICAO regulations and company policies.
• Develop audit reports with findings, risks, and recommendations.
• Follow up on corrective actions and ensure timely closure.
• Deliver safety training to foster a strong safety culture.
• Contribute to SMS development and enhancement.
• Investigate safety occurrences and advise preventative measures.
• Maintain records of audits and follow-ups.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies and stakeholders.
• Stay updated on aviation safety developments.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Report writing

Independent work

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading organization within the South African aviation industry, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Aviation Safety Auditor to be based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is pivotal in ensuring compliance with national and international aviation safety standards across various operational domains. You will be responsible for conducting comprehensive audits, identifying potential risks, and recommending corrective actions to enhance the overall safety performance of the organization and its partners. The ideal candidate will possess an impeccable understanding of aviation safety management systems (SMS), regulatory frameworks, and audit methodologies. This is a challenging yet rewarding position for a safety-conscious professional looking to make a significant impact in a dynamic industry. Your expertise will be crucial in maintaining the highest levels of safety and operational integrity for our client.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and execute safety audits for aviation operations, including flight operations, maintenance, ground handling, and security.
• Assess compliance with aviation regulations (e.g., SACAA, ICAO) and company safety policies and procedures.
• Develop detailed audit reports outlining findings, identified risks, and actionable recommendations for improvement.
• Follow up on audit findings to ensure that corrective actions are implemented effectively and in a timely manner.
• Develop and deliver safety training programs to foster a strong safety culture throughout the organization.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of the company's Safety Management System (SMS).
• Investigate safety occurrences and advise on preventative measures.
• Maintain accurate records of all audit activities, findings, and follow-up actions.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies and other stakeholders on safety-related matters.
• Stay updated with the latest developments in aviation safety regulations, best practices, and industry trends.

Requirements

• A degree in Aviation Management, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in aviation safety, auditing, or a related operational role.
• Proven experience in conducting safety audits within the aviation sector (e.g., airline, MRO, airport operations).
• In-depth knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS) principles and ICAO Annex 19.
• Familiarity with SACAA regulations and operational requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple audit projects simultaneously.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within South Africa and occasionally internationally.
• Must be based in or able to relocate to the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal area.

Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary package and opportunities for professional growth and development. Employees are eligible for comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits. Our client provides a stimulating work environment with a focus on safety innovation and continuous improvement. Potential for international travel to attend safety conferences and conduct overseas audits is available. You will have the opportunity to work with a highly respected team and contribute significantly to aviation safety in the region.