Manager, Safety Management Systems (SMS) Program Development

RTD • Rock Hill, SC

3d • $109,309 - $154,398 • Onsite

About The Position

This position manages and oversees the organization's agency’s Safety Management Systems (SMS). The position is responsible for developing and managing systems and processes that are focused on implementation, execution, reporting, analysis, and continuous improvement of the safety management systems, including the System Safety Program Plan (SSPP) for commuter rail under the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) for light rail and bus modes under the Federal Transit Administration and the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, System Safety Engineering, Occupational and Industrial Safety Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in system safety assurance, certification, and reporting with a strong understanding of safety data, data analysis, and trends.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience leading or supervising people.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable MVR.
• Proficiency in safety management systems components/framework, particularly safety risk management and safety assurance.
• Proficiency in OSHA, FTA, FRA regulations, and industry and consensus standards and codes (ISO, NFPA, ASSP, ASME, UBC, etc.)
• Proficiency in the safety certification processes and management of change/configuration management.
• Proficiency in the Federal Transit Administration safety certification and worker protection guidelines.
• Proficiency in FTA Safety & Security Management Plan and Project Management Plan program requirements.
• Proficiency in hazard analysis, safety design criteria, and resolution processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey specialized and regulatory information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to conceptualize complex problems and develop appropriate solutions using good judgement and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage time and workload effectively, including planning, organizing, and prioritizing with attention to detail.
• Ability to lead and develop staff, including setting clear expectations, providing effective coaching and feedback, and fostering a high-performance, inclusive team culture.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365

Nice To Haves

• Professional Safety or Auditor certification.
• Transportation Safety and Security Program (TSSP) Certification required or the ability to achieve certification within three years of hire.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).
• Previous experience working in a highly regulated environment.
• An equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Responsibilities

• Leads the design, deployment, and oversight of enterprise-wide safety management systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety requirements.
• Drives initiatives to reduce accidents and injuries, guiding safety projects and risk management strategies.
• Manages critical safety plans, including the System Safety Program Plan (SSPP) and Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP), focusing on continuous improvement in safety culture.
• Develops and disseminates comprehensive safety education programs and conducts outreach activities for employee engagement.
• Ensures safety compliance in bus and rail project designs, adhering to all applicable safety standards.
• Chairs safety committees, analyzes safety data for trend identification, and develops effective safety performance metrics.
• Oversees comprehensive hazard management program encompassing risk assessments, incident investigations, and implementation of corrective measures.
• Utilizes data effectively to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of SMS programs, advocating for necessary safety resources.
• Supervises and develops a skilled team, fostering a safety culture aligned with the agency's goals.
• Provides leadership support to the Chief Safety Officer, including assuming departmental responsibilities in their absence.
• Maintains appropriate staffing levels and reviews progress to ensure the quality and quantity of work meet standards and deadlines for deliverables to meet program goals and objectives.
• Recruits staff to include interviewing, hiring, assigning work, training, coaching, and counseling to ensure consistent application of Employee Guidelines, processes, and procedures.
• Conducts performance reviews and holds employees accountable for optimal performance of their responsibilities.
• Fosters a safety-first culture, prioritizing prevention, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Takes action to advance the goals of Equal Employment Opportunity, Small/ Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Title VI and ADA Plans, thereby ensuring RTD's hiring programs, work environment, contracting and procurement practices, and transit services/programs are fair, equal, and non-discriminatory.
• All job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• RTD Employee Benefits: https://www.rtd-denver.com/careers/benefits
• (RTD Represented Employee Benefits: Please refer to the Labor Agreement included in the above link for details.)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager