Senior Aviation Safety Officer - Compliance and Audits

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Provident fund

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a Senior Aviation Safety Officer to lead SMS implementation, audits, risk assessments and incident investigations in a demanding aviation environment.

You will oversee regulatory compliance with SACAA and ICAO standards, develop training programs, and promote a proactive safety culture across all departments.

Qualifications

• Recognized aviation safety qualification or degree in aviation management, engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years in aviation safety management, regulatory compliance, or QA.
• Solid knowledge of SMS, risk management and human factors in aviation.
• Familiarity with SACAA, ICAO, EASA, FAA standards.
• Proven audits, investigations, and risk assessment experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and manage the organization's SMS in SACAA/ICAO compliance.
• Conduct internal safety audits and inspections across operations.
• Perform risk assessments and mitigation planning for hazards.
• Investigate incidents, identify root causes, recommend corrective actions.
• Deliver safety training programs at all levels.
• Maintain accurate safety records and training docs.
• Coordinate with SACAA and external auditors.
• Promote a proactive safety culture through campaigns and committees.
• Monitor safety trends and update the SMS accordingly.
• Prepare safety performance reports for senior management in Durban.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Regulatory knowledge

Risk assessment

Audit skills

Communication

Incident investigations

Safety software

Education

Aviation safety qualification or related degree

Tools

SMS software

Office tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent aviation operator based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking an experienced Senior Aviation Safety Officer to lead its safety management and regulatory compliance initiatives. This critical position is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring the organization's comprehensive safety management system (SMS), ensuring adherence to all national and international aviation safety regulations. The Senior Safety Officer will conduct internal audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations, playing a vital role in fostering a strong safety culture across all departments. This role demands a meticulous attention to detail, expert knowledge of aviation safety standards, and strong analytical and communication skills. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader dedicated to maintaining the highest safety benchmarks in the demanding aviation industry. Working from our client's strategic location in the port city of Durban , you will contribute to the safety and integrity of aviation operations in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage the organization's Safety Management System (SMS) in compliance with SACAA and ICAO standards.


• Conduct regular internal safety audits and inspections across all operational areas and facilities.


• Perform thorough risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for identified hazards.


• Investigate aviation safety incidents, accidents, and occurrences, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions.


• Develop and deliver safety training programs to employees at all levels of the organization.


• Maintain accurate safety records, including audit reports, incident logs, and training documentation.


• Liaise with regulatory authorities, such as the SACAA, to ensure ongoing compliance and facilitate external audits.


• Promote a proactive safety culture through communication campaigns, safety committees, and hazard reporting initiatives.


• Monitor industry safety trends and best practices, recommending updates to the SMS as necessary.


• Prepare regular safety performance reports for senior management and relevant stakeholders in Durban .

Requirements

• Recognized aviation safety qualification or relevant degree in aviation management, engineering, or a related field.


• Minimum of 7 years of experience in aviation safety management, regulatory compliance, or quality assurance.


• In-depth knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS), risk management principles, and human factors in aviation.


• Familiarity with South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regulations and international standards (ICAO, EASA, FAA).


• Proven experience in conducting audits, investigations, and risk assessments.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.


• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.


• Proficiency in using safety management software and standard office applications.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.


• Flexibility to travel occasionally within South Africa and potentially internationally for training or audits related to operations in Durban .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package tailored to the candidate's experience and qualifications.


• Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, a provident fund, and generous annual leave allowances.


• Professional development opportunities, including advanced safety training and certifications, are provided.


• Employees also have the chance to contribute significantly to aviation safety in Durban and enjoy a supportive and collaborative work environment.