Safety & Operations Specialist

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