Purpose

The Air Unit Aviation Safety Manager reports directly to the Head of Air Unit and is responsible for providing guidance and direction for the planning, implementation, and operation of the Air Unit Safety Management System (SMS). The role ensures compliance with Overseas Territory Aviation Requirements (OTARs) and the BAS SMS, oversees audit processes, and strengthens the safety culture across the organisation.

Duties

• Lead the development, improvement and implementation of the Aviation SMS for ground, engineering, flight operations, contractors and stakeholders.
• Refine key processes and tools:
  • Hazard identification and assessment.
  • Risk assessment, management and assessment of effectiveness of controls.
  • Risk Assessments (RA); review non-Air Unit RAs that impact the aviation SMS.
  • Safety case analysis and structure.
  • Setting and improving safety targets.
  • Change management processes for new equipment and procedures.
• Monitor and analyse the effectiveness of the Aviation SMS through:
  • Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs).
  • Safety assurance program – collecting and analysing relevant safety data.
  • Oversight of the Air Unit’s compliance and audit processes.
• Advocate and improve the safety culture within BAS and the Air Unit by engaging directly with the Flight Safety Officer, pilots, and wider Air Unit staff, encouraging hazard and near‑miss reporting and improving safety performance.
• Manage and deliver aviation safety campaigns and edit the Air Unit Safety Bulletin, ensuring safety information and organisational objectives are clear and up‑to‑date.
• Operate the Aviation Incident Reporting System as part of an Accident Prevention Program: submit reports to authorities, initiate investigations, assign investigators, collate actions and recommendations of Occurrence Reports (ORs) and Maintenance/Occurrence Reports (MORs), and oversee the audit of closed cases.
• Own all Aviation Safety Documentation, including the Safety Management Manual – Aviation and procedures for documenting, storing and actioning ORs and MORs.
• Oversee safety training requirements for staff involved in BAS aircraft operations: set training requirements, provide or procure safety training courses, and manage the Air Unit’s safety training budget.
• Ensure adherence to all applicable aviation safety regulations and standards from the Civil Aviation Authority, Falkland Islands Civil Aviation Department, and Air Safety Support International; instigate regular Safety Review Panels and the Aviation Risk Review Panel; provide annual Aviation Safety Reports.
• Contribute to the BAS Incident Response Plan (IRP) by participating in exercises, reviewing aviation aspects of the IRP, and updating and developing the plan as necessary.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• CGSE Maths and GCSE English
• Leadership & management experience
• Experience in aviation operations or engineering environments
• Experience with hazard identification and risk analysis
• Experience in written procedure or manual production
• Proficient in written and spoken English
• Confidence in organising & chairing meetings
• Analysing technical data trends
• Producing and delivering presentations
• Communication with external organisations
• Proficient in MS Office suite programs

Desirable

• Degree (any discipline)
• Active engagement in accident or incident reporting
• Ability to interpret regulations
• Aircraft operations related qualifications
• Engineering (electrical or mechanical) qualifications
• Project / Programme management experience
• Effective use of risk, safety case or performance reporting software
• Advanced MS Excel skills (formulas, spreadsheet manipulation)
• Database experience
• Website page editing and production
• MS Project experience

Benefits

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days
• Civil Service pension (with 26% or more employer contribution, depending on your band)
• 24 hours / 365 days access to employee assistance programme (support with physical, mental, social, health and financial issues)
• Flexible and family‑friendly working opportunities, including hybrid working where applicable
• Cycle to work scheme – discounted shopping on a range of retail, leisure and lifestyle categories

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all applicants with a disability who opt into the scheme and meet the minimum criteria for the role. We will ensure reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply

Online applications only are preferred. Submit a CV and covering letter that clearly outline how you fulfil the criteria specified and your motivation for the role. Include the job reference number in the filename of each document uploaded. Applications without a covering letter may not be considered. Assessment will focus on your CV and covering letter content.