Safety Systems & Operations Specialist (Aviation)

Our client, a leader in humanitarian assistance and defence innovation within the aerospace sector, is seeking a Safety & Operations Specialist to join their team. This is a permanent, full-time position, and is pivotal in ensuring that the organisation adheres to safety regulations and excels in operational efficiency.

Within this dual-role, we are looking for an individual to act in the first instance as the Aviation Safety Manager, a nominated Post Holder who understands the UK CAA’s Regulations relating to Safety Management Systems (SMS), and has experience in developing and delivering a mature SMS, driving safety culture, conducting investigations and ensuring safety reports are produced in a correct and timely manner. This could be expected to take 50% of their time.

For the other half of the role, the individual would act as a general operations specialist. They must have a broad understanding and depth of experience in the broader aviation environment. A comprehensive understanding of airspace, uncrewed aircraft operations, regulations and licensing requirements is desirable.

Responsibilities

Safety

• Act as the nominated Safety Manager
• Ensure SMS complies with all appropriate regulatory requirements and incorporates industry best practices.
• Implement SMS improvements.
• Administering all Occurrences including AAIB and MOR Reporting via ECCAIRS. Liaise with CAA on reporting processes.
• Prepare and facilitate quarterly Safety Review Board.
• Provide Expertise on and develop a Safety Culture.
• Develop an Internal Safety Audit Plan and conduct audits, safety risk assessments, and hazard identification.
• Investigate accidents, incidents, and safety reports; recommend corrective/preventive measures.
• Serve as the focal point for safety communication across all departments. Promote a safety culture through developing publicity materials and recommending training, awareness programs, and continuous engagement.
• Report routinely to the Accountable Manager on all aspects of the SMS activities.

Operations

• Stay current with local, regional & international regulations & standards related to uncrewed aircraft operations.
• Develop spectrum licensing protocols.
• Develop & implement strategies to ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.
• Advise on standard requirements from the aviation authorities & collaborate to integrate innovative technology.
• Coordinate with the flight operations team to enable future operations.

Skills, Experience & Knowledge

• Knowledge of local and international UAS regulatory frameworks such as CAP722, CAP1616, and SORA framework.
• Knowledge of national and international SMS standards
• Experience working with EASA regulations.
• Understanding of airspace change processes and airspace regulations.
• Understanding of Air Traffic Management.
• Knowledge of communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems.
• Strong interest in aviation technologies.
• Experience in obtaining aviation permits, licenses, and certifications, preferably in the Uncrewed Aircraft sector.
• Familiarity with Uncrewed Aircraft technology, operations, and the current regulatory landscape.
• Confident in risks assessment and safety management, and the ability to apply them to Uncrewed Aircraft operations.
• Strong understanding of ATM procedures & practices and airspace constructs.
• Degree-level (or experience to match) within aviation, regulatory or safety orientated.