Senior Aviation Safety Manager

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Life assurance

Hybrid role

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of a major international airline, is seeking a Senior Aviation Safety Manager based in Vereeniging, Gauteng. You will lead the safety management system (SMS), drive regulatory compliance, and champion a proactive safety culture across the organization.

You will oversee risk assessments, audits, training, and incident investigations, mentoring the safety team while balancing on-site meetings with remote analysis to support high safety performance in a hybrid environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in aviation safety management with a senior role.
• In-depth knowledge of ICAO standards, SACAA, EASA, FAA, and SMS principles.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing safety management systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the SMS in line with ICAO Annex 19 and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee safety risk assessments, hazard identification, and mitigation strategies.
• Lead and mentor the safety department, fostering a strong safety culture.
• Conduct safety audits and inspections for policy compliance.
• Investigate incidents and recommend corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver safety training programs for all personnel.
• Monitor SPIs and KPIs and report safety metrics.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities on safety matters.
• Promote proactive safety reporting culture.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Risk management

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Engineering, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent airline operating internationally, is seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Senior Aviation Safety Manager to lead their safety management initiatives. This senior role, based in Vereeniging, Gauteng, ZA , is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the airline's comprehensive safety management system (SMS) to ensure the highest levels of safety performance. The position requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of aviation safety regulations, risk management principles, and safety promotion strategies. This is a hybrid role, requiring both on-site presence for critical meetings and operational oversight, and remote flexibility for analysis and documentation. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional leadership qualities, strong analytical abilities, and a proven track record in aviation safety management. You will champion a proactive safety culture throughout the organization and play a vital role in maintaining regulatory compliance and operational integrity. This role is pivotal to ensuring the well-being of passengers and crew.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the airline's Safety Management System (SMS) in accordance with ICAO Annex 19 and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Oversee safety risk assessments, hazard identification, and the implementation of mitigation strategies.
• Lead and mentor the safety department team, fostering a strong safety culture across all departments.
• Conduct safety audits and inspections, ensuring compliance with safety policies and procedures.
• Investigate incidents and accidents, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver safety training programs for all levels of personnel.
• Monitor safety performance indicators (SPIs) and key performance indicators (KPIs) and report on safety metrics.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities on all safety-related matters.
• Promote a proactive safety reporting culture throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in aviation safety management, with a significant portion in a senior role.
• In-depth knowledge of ICAO standards, aviation regulations (e.g., SACAA, EASA, FAA), and SMS principles.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing safety management systems.
• Strong analytical, risk management, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing remote work with on-site responsibilities.
• Professional safety certifications (e.g., CSMP) are highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement savings plans, and life assurance.
• This hybrid role provides flexibility and a balance between work and personal life.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning in the field of aviation safety are provided.
• You will have the chance to lead and shape the safety strategy of a major airline.
• Contribution to a vital function that ensures the highest standards of safety in aviation.
• Working in Vereeniging, Gauteng, ZA offers access to a strategic location within a major economic hub.
• This role is essential for maintaining operational excellence and passenger trust.