Safety Manager

International Airport of Heraklion, Crete S.A. is currently looking for a:

Safety Manager

Role responsibilities:

• Working closely with the COO, develops, implements and oversees a comprehensive aviation safety program that aligns with industry best practices and regulatory requirements
• Ensures that the airport license is obtained in time for the start of operations at the new Kastelli airport, in line with contractual arrangements
• Ensures continuous compliance of IAHC with applicable aerodrome safety regulations, particularly EU/216/2008 and EU/139/2014 and relevant documents as amended from time to time
• Develops and maintains the airport’s aerodrome manual and the aviation safety management system (SMS), ensuring it meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and industry standards
• Implements and oversees safety programs designed to mitigate risks associated with airport operations, on airside and the aerodrome’s environment
• Keeps abreast of current and emerging national and international safety regulations
• Updates and maintains safety policies and procedures to reflect changes in legislation, operating environment, or company directives
• Helps develop and delivers safety training programs for airport staff and stakeholders to ensure a high level of safety awareness and compliance with best practices
• Manages training records and ensures all employees receive regular safety training appropriate to their roles
• Leads investigations into safety incidents and near-misses, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence
• Prepares and submits detailed reports on incidents and safety breaches, providing recommendations for improvements to senior management and regulatory bodies as required
• Conducts regular safety audits and inspections of airport facilities and operations to ensure compliance with safety standards
• Coordinates with external auditors and inspectors during regulatory audits and assists in the implementation of their recommendations
• Promotes a proactive safety culture throughout the airport by encouraging open communication about safety concerns and recognizing staff contributions to safety improvements
• Implements safety awareness initiatives, campaigns, and communications that engage employees and foster a safe working environment
• Prepares and represents IAHC in the required safety fora, including the airport safety committee

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, or a related field
• Master’s degree or professional certification in aviation is preferred
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in safety management, preferably within the aviation or transportation sector
• Airport operations experience of minimum 2 years is required
• Strong knowledge of safety regulations and standards applicable to airports and aviation, mainly ICAO Annexes and Docs, EASA EU 139 including ITS, AMCs, GM etc.
• Experience with aviation safety management systems, risk assessments, and safety auditing in the EU environment, IATA docs., US FAA

Competencies:

• Proven ability to lead aviation safety efforts and conduct thorough investigations into safety incidents with a pragmatic approach
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
• Capable of working with teams across organizational boundaries and with various levels of management