Associate Manager - Safety

Job Description

Position Title: Safety Manager – FTO

A. Job Purpose
The Safety Manager will serve as the DGCA-approved postholder for the Flying Training Organization (FTO), responsible for ensuring compliance with all safety-related regulatory and operational standards. This includes oversight of safety practices across both FTO and CAO certifications. The role involves implementing and maintaining a robust Safety Management System (SMS), conducting audits, delivering safety training, and ensuring quality assurance in training and maintenance.

B. Key Accountabilities

Promote a proactive safety culture and prioritize safety across all operations.
Oversee daily safety operations and ensure compliance with DGCA and internal standards.
Conduct hazard identification, risk assessments, and implement mitigation strategies.
Monitor safety processes and procedures for effectiveness and compliance.
Maintain safety documentation and submit periodic reports to management and regulators.
Stay updated on industry-wide safety issues and assess their impact.
Advise and support employees on safety-related matters.
Assess health, facility, and property risks and recommend corrective actions.
Act as liaison with regulatory authorities on behalf of the Accountable Manager.
Lead the implementation and maintenance of the SMS.
Drive safety promotion initiatives across the organization.
Conduct regular safety meetings with cadets, instructors, and staff.
Develop and maintain an Emergency Response Plan.
Coordinate audits of all safety equipment, including firefighting systems.
Conduct audits, inspections, and flight data analysis to ensure compliance.
Deliver safety training programs to enhance awareness and preparedness.
Ensure staff familiarity with internal safety policies and reporting procedures.
Lead the Safety Action Group (SAG) to implement corrective actions.
Ensure alignment with evolving regulatory requirements and implement necessary changes.
Manage the day-to-day operations of the safety program.

Additional responsibilities may be assigned as standalone projects or ongoing tasks, as mutually agreed upon by the incumbent, reporting officer, and HR.

C. Skills Required

Strong Leadership & Strategic Thinking
Excellent Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Decision-Making Agility
High Safety Commitment & Risk Awareness
Adaptability & Problem-Solving
Ability to Motivate and Influence Cross-Functional Teams

D. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Number of Safety Incidents
Compliance with DGCA Safety Regulations
Safety Awareness among Staff and Cadets

E. Key Interfaces
Internal: Cadet Pilot School, Aviation Academy, Safety, Security & Quality, Engineering, Regulatory (GRC)
External: FTO Partners, Cadets, Regulatory Authorities, Vendors

F. Educational & Experience Requirements
Education:

Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in a related field / Licensed AME / ATPL / ATCO
Preferred: Degree in Aeronautical Engineering / AME / ATPL Holder

Experience:

Minimum 10 years in aviation operations, with at least 5 years in safety management, auditing, flight data analysis, and regulatory compliance.
Prior experience in DGCA-approved roles within FTOs, ATOs, Airlines, or NSOPs in India.
Proven experience in developing and implementing SMS in aviation organizations.
Experience with training aircraft and accident investigations.
Must be trained in SMS as per Para 1, Appendix B of CAR Section 1 Series C Part I.
Strong understanding of Human Factors in aviation safety.