Senior Officer Aviation SMS

Basic Function and Scope

The Senior Safety Officer is responsible for leading the implementation, oversight, and continuous improvement of the Safety Management System (SMS) at base level. The role serves as the primary site-level safety focal point, ensuring compliance with applicable aviation safety requirements, including ICAO Annex 19, UAE MAR, EASA requirements
, and the approved SMS Manual
.

The position is responsible for hazard identification, risk assessment, safety investigations, safety performance monitoring, audit readiness, corrective action follow-up, and promoting a proactive safety culture across the site.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Safety, Aeronautical Engineering, Aircraft Maintenance, or a related discipline
  .
• Formal training in Safety Management Systems (SMS),
  Human Factors
  , and Safety Investigation
  .
• Training in investigation methodologies such as MEDA, 5 Whys, Root Cause Analysis
  , or equivalent.
• Lead Auditor qualification in ISO 9001 / AS9110 is desirable.

• Minimum 8 years of experience in aircraft maintenance, airside operations, aviation safety, or a related aviation environment.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in an SMS-related role.
• Experience in leading or supporting aviation safety investigations.
• Strong experience in hazard identification, risk assessment, and safety performance monitoring.
• Experience working in a military aviation, MRO, or regulated aviation environment is preferred.

• Lead the implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the Safety Management System at base level.
• Ensure compliance with the approved SMS Manual
  , applicable regulations, internal procedures, and customer requirements.
• Manage hazard identification, risk assessment, mitigation tracking, and periodic risk review activities.
• Lead and support safety investigations, including event classification, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and closure follow-up.
• Monitor Safety Performance Indicators and Safety Performance Targets.
• Maintain accurate safety records, investigation files, risk registers, and corrective action trackers.
• Support internal and external audits by ensuring safety-related documentation, evidence, and records are audit-ready.
• Deliver safety-related training, briefings, awareness sessions, and toolbox talks as required.
• Promote a proactive and just safety culture across the site.
• Coordinate with Quality, HSE, Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations teams to improve safety practices and ensure compliance.
• Review safety trends, identify recurring issues, and recommend corrective or preventive actions.
• Provide technical safety advice to site leadership and operational teams.
• Mentor and guide junior safety officers, where applicable.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to safety reporting, risk management, and operational safety performance.

• Strong knowledge of aviation Safety Management Systems and safety risk management principles.
• Good understanding of ICAO Annex 19, UAE MAR, EASA
  , and other applicable aviation safety requirements.
• Knowledge of military aviation operations and maintenance environments.
• Strong understanding of aircraft systems, structures, components, and maintenance processes.
• Knowledge of inspection processes, maintenance programme development, and engineering data interpretation.
• Strong analytical, investigation, and root cause analysis skills.
• Ability to assess technical and operational risks and recommend practical mitigation actions.
• Good understanding of quality assurance, audit readiness, and corrective action management.
• Strong communication, coordination, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams including Quality, HSE, Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and safety reporting systems.
• Strong attention to detail, follow‑through, and documentation control.
• Ability to understand, track, and drill down into operational issues and support sound technical and safety‑related decision‑making.