Safety Management Systems Leader

Aerospace; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Cheltenham is seeking a Safety Management System Leader to lead the SMS team and ensure regulatory compliance. The role involves developing safety cultures and driving proactive risk management. The ideal candidate should have a solid understanding of regulatory principles, experience in the aviation sector, and effective communication skills. The position includes flexible working options and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Non-contributory Pension

Performance related bonus

Private medical cover

Holiday hourly equivalent of 26 days

Flexible option to buy or sell holiday days

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of EASA Part 145 SMS.
• Experience using problem-solving and root cause analysis tools.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the SMS team.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Produce safety performance reports.
• Facilitate hazard analysis and risk management.

Skills

Regulatory principles

Problem-solving

Effective communication

Computer literacy

Job description

Job Description Summary

Join us to lead and mature our Safety Management System within an Aerospace organisation. This role owns the development, maintenance, and administration of the organization’s SMS to ensure product safety and regulatory compliance. You will build a strong safety culture, drive proactive hazard analysis and risk management to reduce risk to “As Low As Reasonably Practicable” (ALARP), and demonstrate to regulators that our SMS is Present, Suitable, Operating, and Effective for our scope of business. This is a unique opportunity to shape how evolving regulation and oversight are implemented, with growth potential as the new regulatory framework matures.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the SMS team; own the development, maintenance, and administration of the organization’s SMS, including review and interpretation of regulatory requirements.
• Implement Flight Deck principles (e.g., Daily Management, Standard Work) within the team to monitor performance and support the business operating system.
• Mentor and coach the team on SMS principles and best practices.
• Produce safety performance reports for the Accountable Manager and Safety Review Board.
• Submit, coordinate, and track actions on airworthiness occurrences, including initiating investigations and follow-up activities.
• Maintain SMS documentation and records to required standards.
• Facilitate hazard analysis and risk management to reduce risk to ALARP.
• Plan, review, and organize SMS training and promotion; develop content to support recurrent training.
• Support customer, regulatory, and external safety audits.
• Facilitate the dissemination of safety information across the business.
• Facilitate independent review of investigations and promote a just culture.
• Manage the Airworthiness Directives (AD) process.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Working knowledge of regulatory principles with emphasis on EASA Part 145 SMS.
• Experience using problem-solving and root cause analysis tools.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to engage with senior leaders, regulators, and customer/operator representatives.
• Strong computer literacy.

Desired Characteristics

• Experience in Product Safety and Safety Management Systems.
• Aviation sector experience in Quality systems.
• Trainingexperience in people leadership.
• Strong communication abilities across all levels, including senior leadership and regulators.
• Flexible, proactive, and collaborative work style; able to operate independently while supporting team goals.
• Pragmatic, fact-based decision-making with awareness of broader business context.
• Ability to assimilate information quickly and make sound judgments.

Flexible Working

GE supports and encourages flexible working arrangements, where possible, and recognises the benefits to employees of having a positive work-life balance.

Total Reward

At GE Aerospace we understand the importance of Total Reward. Our flexible benefits plan, called FlexChoice, gives you freedom, choice and flexibility in the way you receive your benefits, as well as giving you the opportunity to make savings where possible.

As a new joiner to GE we are pleased to be able to offer you the following as default in your benefit fund, which you then can tailor to meet your individual needs;

• Non-contributory Pension
• Performance related bonus
• Life Assurance
• Group income protection
• Private medical cover
• Holiday Hourly equivalent of 26 days + public holidays, with flexible option to buy or sell.

Equal Opportunities

GEAerospace Wales is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Aerospace Wales is a Disability Confident Committed employer, and welcomes applications from disabled candidates. We are dedicated to ensuring our recruitment processes are accessible to all. Should you require any adjustments to our recruitment processes or would like to ask us a question please contact [e-mail].

Security Clearance

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Please note that in the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security. Please see the link below for further details regarding the requirements for BPSS clearance: BPSS.

Right to Work

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, under the applicable UK immigration rules as may be in place from time to time, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available to take up the post. For further information please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No