Job Description

Job Summary

The Flight Safety Manager (Part 121) is responsible for ensuring the effective performance of the Safety Management System (SMS), the Safety Assurance Program, and all risk-management functions related to fixed-wing and/or rotary operations conducted under a Part 121 Air Operator Certificate.

The role supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the SMS to meet internal policies, regulatory standards, and operational safety objectives.

Main Responsibilities

Safety

• Assess the effectiveness of SMS provisions and alignment with the organisation’s strategic safety objectives.

• Conduct periodic safety and quality audits in coordination with the Quality team.

• Facilitate hazard identification and risk assessments across all operational activities.

• Oversee the management and closure of safety reports under Part 121 operations.

• Lead and document investigations of accidents and incidents.

• Coordinate occurrence and hazard investigations.

• Lead development of Safety Cases for operational activities and recommend risk-control priorities.

• Support maintenance of the organisation’s Hazard/Risk Register.

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of safety risk controls.

• Track and assess corrective and preventive actions across the operation.

• Support the development and execution of safety programmes across operational bases.

• Promote safety culture throughout the organisation.

• Provide analysis and reporting on SMS performance.

• Participate in management and safety meetings, including producing minutes and action tracking.

• Support other Safety Managers across the business where required.

• Regularly report SMS performance and improvement needs to the Director of Safety.

Leadership

• Demonstrate behaviour aligned with the organisation’s Safety and Quality policies and core values.

• Support a “just and learning” culture through appropriate communication and leadership.

• Develop and sustain a strong safety culture within all departments.

• Monitor staff performance, conduct appraisals, and support direct reports with coaching and training.

• Demonstrate disciplined management of safety priorities, tasks, and deadlines.

• Mentor and support development of safety team personnel.

• Ensure all deliverables meet required quality standards.

• Maintain confidentiality of operational and safety information.

• Provide feedback to management regarding SMS commitment and performance.

Qualifications

• Certificate in Safety Management Systems.

• Certificate in Aviation Auditing.

• OR equivalent experience as a Safety Manager in a comparable aviation organisation.

• Certificate in Aircraft Accident Investigation (advantage).

• Certificate in Aviation Human Factors (advantage).

Experience & Skills

• 7 years’ aviation experience, including 3 years in a management role.

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in aviation safety in similar operations.

• Previous experience in helicopter SAR/EMS operations preferred.

• Proven team-management experience.

• Strong understanding of aviation risk-management principles.

• Operational experience relevant to Part 121 AOC activity.

• In-depth understanding of SMS within complex aviation environments.

• Familiarity with GACAR, FAA, and/or EASA regulations.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.

• Experience with project-management methodologies.

• Strong leadership and performance-management skills.

• Excellent report writing and document presentation skills.

• Proficiency in MS Office.

• High adaptability to IT systems and safety databases.

• Strong work ethic, punctuality, and commitment to continuous improvement.

• Highly organised, process-driven, with excellent communication skills.