Bishops Stortford UK - Full-Time
£85,000

With a newly acquired UK AOC Ascend Airways are operating a small fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft (NG and MAX) in the ACMI market, opening its first operational base at London Gatwick in early 2024. The company is part of Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, operating a fleet of 221 aircraft on 6 continents.

The group also provides a range of aviation services: MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), pilot and crew training, ground handling, as well as a variety of associated aviation services. Supported by 14,000 highly skilled aviation professionals, the group is parent company to over 250+ subsidiaries

Reporting to the Head of Safety and Compliance, the Safety Manager will be the unique focal point for development, administration, and maintenance of the safety aspects of the Ascend Airways Safety Management System (SMS) across the AOC and CAMO. This role will be responsible for implementing and monitoring safety policies and procedures to meet regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Act as the focal point and be responsible for the development, administration and maintenance of an effective safety management system.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the SMS, making improvements as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and other relevant customer safety requirements.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities and represent the organization during audits and inspections.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate safety risks associated with aviation operations.
• Conduct regular safety risk assessments and develop risk mitigation strategies.
• Lead investigations into safety incidents, accidents, and near-misses.
• Ensure that Mandatory Occurrence Reports (MORs) are communicated to the relevant authorities and third parties.
• Prepare detailed reports and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Develop and deliver safety training programs for staff at all levels.
• Promote a culture of safety awareness and continuous improvement within the organization.
• Monitor safety performance indicators and analyze safety data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Prepare regular safety performance reports for senior management.
• Develop and maintain emergency response plans and procedures.
• Coordinate emergency response drills and exercises to ensure preparedness.
• Ensure effective communication of safety-related information throughout the organization.
• Report safety issues and performance to senior management and regulatory authorities.
• Facilitating the Safety Review Board and the departmental Safety Action Groups (SAGs).

The Ideal Candidate will have the following experience and attributes:

• Must be acceptable to the UK CAA for Form 4 nominated positions across the AOC and CAMO.
• A relevant engineering or technical degree, or an aircraft technician or maintenance engineer qualification with additional education that is acceptable to the CAA, or 5 years of relevant work experience, of which at least 2 years should be from the aviation industry in an appropriate position
• Training in CAA/EASA regulation in air operations and continued airworthiness
• Training in ICAO standards and UK requirements and provisions on safety management
• Basic safety investigation training and experience
• Incident / Accident investigation training and experience
• Human Factors Training
• Practical experience and expertise in the application of aviation safety standards and safe operating practices
• Detailed understanding management systems including compliance monitoring systems and safety management
• Detailed understanding of aviation management system requirements
• Excellent report writing skills
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing and leadership skills
• Knowledge and understanding of IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) program
• Ability and willingness to commute to our Gatwick office as and when required

Benefits:

• 4.5% Company Pension contribution
• Career Progression opportunities
• Corporate and Social Events
• Modern, attractive working environment
• Refreshments and healthy snacks