Air Safety Manager - Defence Operations

Mission

The Air Safety Manager (ASM) – Defence Operations is a senior safety professional responsible for the development, implementation, and assurance of aviation safety management across military air operations.

The role ensures that all flying and ground‑based aviation activities are conducted in accordance with UK MOD air safety policies, Military Aviation Authority (MAA) Regulatory Publications (MRPs), and applicable Defence Aviation Safety frameworks.

The ASM acts as the focal point for air safety within operational environments, interfacing with the TEKEVER Ltd Accountable Manager, MOD Aviation Duty Holders, regulatory authorities and engineering/operational teams to ensure that risks are identified, assessed and managed to ALARP and Tolerable levels.

• Lead the implementation and oversight of Air Safety Management Systems (ASMS) in accordance with UK MOD policy.
• Ensure compliance with the Military Aviation Authority (MAA) Regulatory Publications (MRP) across all defence operations.
• Maintain and develop Organisation Safety Management Plans and Air Safety Cases.
• Provide expert guidance to the Accountable Manager on regulatory compliance, risk ownership and safety responsibilities.
• Act as the primary liaison with MAA regulators, Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) and Front Line Commands on safety matters.

• Identify, assess and manage hazards associated with air operations, maintenance and support activities.
• Develop and maintain risk registers, hazard logs and bowtie/safety case models.
• Ensure all risks are demonstrated as ALARP and Tolerable in accordance with MOD policy.
• Conduct and facilitate Safety Risk Assessments, Hazard Analyses and Safety Reviews.

• Oversee the reporting and management of air safety occurrences in accordance with MAA requirements.
• Lead or support investigations into incidents, accidents and near misses.
• Ensure effective root cause analysis and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Monitor trends and produce safety performance metrics and reports for senior stakeholders.

• Plan and conduct internal safety audits and assurance activities.
• Support external audits by the MAA and other regulatory bodies.
• Verify that safety controls are effective and continuously improved.
• Promote a strong Just Culture and Safety Reporting Culture within operational teams.

• Provide embedded safety support to deployed operations, exercises and trials activities.
• Support introduction into service of new platforms or capabilities by ensuring robust safety cases.
• Work with engineering, aircrew and support staff to integrate safety into all operational processes.

• Act as the organisation’s Defence Air Safety Advisor / SME.
• Deliver safety training, briefings and awareness programmes across all levels.
• Mentor personnel in safety management principles and regulatory compliance.

• Successful completion of the MAA Air Safety Officers Course (ASOC).
• Demonstrable experience operating within UK MOD aviation safety frameworks.
• Strong working knowledge of MAA Regulatory Publications (MRPs).
• Comprehensive understanding of UK MOD Air Safety Policy and Defence Aviation Safety Programme.
• Proven experience in Safety Management Systems (SMS) / ASMS within aviation or defence environments.
• Experience in conducting hazard identification, risk assessment and safety case development.
• Knowledge of occurrence reporting systems and air safety investigation processes.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and report writing skills.

• Military aviation background (aircrew, engineering or operations).
• Experience working with Front Line Commands, DE&S or Defence regulators.
• Experience in joint / multi‑domain operational environments.
• Formal qualifications in Safety, Risk Management, Engineering or Aviation‑related disciplines.
• Experience supporting capability development, trials or introduction to service.

• Based in Bristol or Swindon, with frequent travel to UK defence establishments, operational bases or headquarters locations.
• Regular engagement with operational units and deployed environments.
• Travel required (approximately 20–30%) to support operations, audits and stakeholder meetings.
• Occasional requirement to support out‑of‑hours operations, exercises or incident response.

• Duty Holders (AM, DDH, ADH, ODH)
• Military Aviation Authority (MAA)
• Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S)
• Front Line Commands
• Engineering, Maintenance and Flight Operations teams

• An excellent work environment and an opportunity to make a difference.
• Salary commensurate with level of experience.
• Company pension contribution matched up to 10%.
• 25 days annual holiday + 8 bank holidays.
• Medical Insurance.
• Dental Insurance.
• Salary sacrifice initiatives (EV Scheme, Cycle 2 Work, Tech Scheme).
• Discretionary annual company bonus.