Senior Aviation Safety Manager

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Generous annual leave

Relocation assistance possible

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Aviation Safety Manager for a leading aviation organization based in Stellenbosch. You will develop, implement, and oversee the Safety Management System (SMS) across operations, lead risk assessments, incidents investigations, and regulatory liaison with SACAA and ICAO standards.

The role requires 8+ years in aviation safety, a relevant degree (Masters advantageous), strong leadership, and the ability to drive proactive safety improvements through hands-on

Qualifications

• 8+ years of aviation safety management experience in the industry.
• Strong knowledge of SMS, hazard analysis, and risk management.
• Familiarity with ICAO Annex 19 and SACAA regulations.
• Proven incident investigation and root cause analysis experience.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage the organization's SMS per international standards.
• Identify hazards, assess risks, and implement mitigations.
• Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor safety performance metrics and report to management and regulators.
• Lead safety audits and liaise with regulatory bodies.
• Develop and deliver safety training programs.
• Promote a positive safety culture and proactive reporting.
• Manage a team of safety professionals.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Team management

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management / Safety

Master's degree (advantageous)

Tools

SMS knowledge

Hazard analysis techniques

Incident investigation methodologies

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading aviation organization committed to upholding the highest standards of safety, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Aviation Safety Manager . This crucial role is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive safety management systems across the organization's operations. You will lead initiatives to identify, assess, and mitigate aviation risks, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and fostering a proactive safety culture. This position requires a strong understanding of aviation operations, safety regulations, and risk management principles. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills and a proven ability to drive safety improvements within a complex operational environment. This role involves significant hands‑on engagement with operational teams and regulatory bodies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage the organization's Safety Management System (SMS) in accordance with international aviation standards.
• Conduct comprehensive aviation hazard identification, risk assessment, and mitigation strategy development.
• Oversee incident investigation processes, ensuring thorough root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions.
• Monitor safety performance metrics and trends, providing regular reports to senior management and regulatory authorities.
• Lead safety audits and inspections, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal safety policies.
• Develop and deliver safety training programs to employees at all levels of the organization.
• Champion a positive safety culture, promoting open communication and proactive safety reporting.
• Liaise with aviation regulatory bodies (e.g., SACAA) on safety-related matters.
• Stay updated on evolving aviation safety regulations, best practices, and emerging risks.
• Manage a team of safety professionals and ensure effective resource allocation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Aerospace Engineering, Safety Management, or a related field. A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in aviation safety management, operations, or a related technical field within the aviation industry.
• In-depth knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS), hazard analysis techniques, and risk management principles.
• Strong understanding of aviation regulations, standards, and best practices (e.g., ICAO Annex 19, SACAA regulations).
• Proven experience in incident investigation and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams and drive safety initiatives effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience with safety data analysis and reporting tools is preferred.
• Relevant professional safety certifications (e.g., CSMP, CSP) are highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance benefits.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Retirement savings plan options.
• Opportunities for professional development, continuous training, and career advancement.
• A dynamic work environment focused on ensuring the highest standards of aviation safety.
• The chance to make a significant contribution to the safety and security of air travel.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.