Aviation Safety Manager (SMS & AOC Certification)

About the role

WEAIR is developing an international air cargo airline in Sri Lanka with planned Boeing 737-800BCF freighter operations. As part of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) certification programme with the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), it is seeking an experienced Aviation Safety Manager to establish, implement and lead the airline's Safety Management System (SMS). The position is full-time, based in Colombo, with a salary negotiated on qualifications and experience.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare, develop and finalise the SMS Manual and associated safety documentation.
• Establish the airline's SMS in line with CAASL requirements and ICAO Annex 19 principles.
• Develop safety policies, hazard identification procedures, risk assessments and safety performance monitoring systems.
• Set up safety reporting, occurrence investigation and corrective action procedures.
• Develop the Safety Risk Register and Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs).
• Conduct safety risk assessments for cargo operations, ground handling, maintenance and dangerous goods.
• Coordinate emergency response planning and safety training programmes.
• Support the AOC certification process, take part in CAASL inspections and coordinate the closure of safety-related findings.
• Report directly to the Accountable Manager on safety performance and significant safety risks.
• Serve as the nominated Safety Manager, subject to CAASL assessment and acceptance.

Required profile

• Relevant qualification in aviation safety, aviation management, aeronautical engineering or an equivalent discipline.
• Substantial experience in commercial aviation safety management and SMS implementation.
• Proven experience preparing SMS manuals, conducting risk assessments and managing safety investigations.
• Previous airline AOC certification or aviation safety postholder experience is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership, analytical and regulatory communication skills.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of ICAO Annex 19, ICAO Doc 9859 and applicable CAASL requirements.
• Knowledge of Boeing 737NG operations, freighter operations and dangerous goods safety is an advantage.

Candidates apply by email, attaching an updated CV, qualifications and details of their aviation safety management and regulatory certification experience. Priority is given to those who have implemented an airline SMS, prepared an SMS Manual and supported AOC certification.