Head of Safety

Middle East

Full time hire on site.

Job Purpose:

The Head of Safety is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving the Safety Management System (SMS) of the MRO organization. This role ensures full compliance with local and international aviation safety regulations and promotes a proactive safety culture across all operational areas. The incumbent will lead safety strategy, manage safety risk assessments, and oversee incident investigations and reporting in line with ICAO, EASA, FAA, and local civil aviation authority standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, lead, and manage the organization's Safety Management System (SMS) in accordance with ICAO Annex 19, EASA Part-145, and applicable national regulations.
• Establish and maintain policies and procedures to ensure effective risk management, occurrence reporting, and hazard identification throughout the organization.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the national civil aviation authority, and other regulatory bodies on safety matters.
• Ensure safety performance monitoring and measurement through regular audits, safety surveys, and data analysis.
• Lead incident/accident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective/preventive action implementation.
• Develop and deliver safety training programs to promote a strong safety culture at all organizational levels.
• Conduct regular safety reviews with senior leadership and provide strategic recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Support operational departments (line maintenance, base maintenance, engineering, quality) in meeting their safety objectives.
• Prepare and present safety performance reports, safety trend analyses, and risk mitigation plans to executive management and regulators.
• Represent the company at industry forums, safety meetings, and regulatory audits.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Safety, Aeronautical Engineering, or related field. A Master’s degree is an advantage.
• Certified Safety Management System (SMS) training from a recognized aviation authority or body.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in aviation safety, with at least 5 years in a senior safety leadership role within an MRO or airline environment.
• In-depth knowledge of ICAO SARPs, EASA, FAA, and GCAA (or relevant regional authority) regulations.
• Proven experience managing audits (internal, customer, and regulatory) and implementing safety improvements.
• Strong analytical, investigative, and report-writing skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and adapt to regional business practices.

Preferred Skills:

Familiarity with quality and compliance management systems.

Experience with safety data and reporting systems (e.g., ECCAIRS, SMS Pro, Q-Pulse).

Arabic language skills are an advantage but not mandatory.

Why Join Us:

• Be part of a growing, internationally recognized MRO serving leading aviation operators across the Middle East and beyond.
• Influence and shape the safety culture of a dynamic, high-performing organization.
• Competitive salary and expatriate package offered.