Manager, SMS

STENA

About The Position

Are you passionate about aviation safety and ready to lead a culture of proactive risk management? As a Safety Management System (SMS) Manager, you will drive the organization’s safety program by developing policies, leading risk assessments, and ensuring FAA compliance. You’ll collaborate with leadership and technicians alike to investigate incidents, monitor safety performance, and strengthen the systems that keep operations running safely and efficiently. If you’re a strategic thinker with strong aviation safety experience and a commitment to continuous improvement, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact on organizational safety.Who WE are and where WE are going: ST Engineering Aerospace is located in Pensacola, FL, at the Pensacola International Airport. We are a renowned provider of aircraft maintenance and modification (AMM) services for commercial airlines and air freight operators. We meet our customers' requirements by providing a full spectrum of high-quality, reliable, and timely AMM and engineering solutions. We have the know-how and experience to comprehensively manage complex projects, ensuring our customers' aircraft operate safely and efficiently. The Safety Management System Manager (SMS) is responsible for leading the organization’s safety management program by developing policies, conducting risk assessments, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering a proactive safety culture. This role oversees incident investigations, coordinates safety training, monitors performance metrics, and collaborates with leadership to continuously improve safety outcomes.

Requirements

5+ years of aviation safety, quality, or maintenance experience in an FAA Part 145 environment
Direct experience building or managing an FAA Part 5 SMS (preferably to Active Participant or Active Conformance stage in SMS VP)
Completion of recognized SMS training (FAA SMS for Aviation Maintenance course, A4A/IATA SMS, Southern California Safety Institute, or equivalent)
Strong working knowledge of 14 CFR Part 145 and Part 5 (Safety Management Systems)
Proven skills in hazard identification, risk assessment (5x5 matrix, bow-tie, etc.), root-cause analysis, and corrective action development

Nice To Haves

Current or previous FAA Part 145 leadership role (DOM, Chief Inspector, Quality Manager, etc.) (Preferred)
A&P license and/or IA (Preferred)
Lead Auditor training (AS9100 or ISO 9001) (Preferred)
Experience with electronic SMS platforms (e.g., VOCUS, SMS Pro, Baldwin, etc.) (Preferred)
FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) Lead Representative experience (Preferred)

Responsibilities

Build, document, and maintain the SMS Manual (SMSM) acceptable to the FAA
Implement and sustain the four SMS pillars: Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management (SRM), Safety Assurance (SA), and Safety Promotion
Establish and chair the Safety Committee (or Safety Review Board)
Design, launch, and administer a non-punitive (just culture) hazard reporting system
Lead Safety Risk Management (SRM) processes for organizational changes, new capabilities, new customers, facility expansions, major equipment purchases, and significant procedure revisions
Maintain the Hazard Register and drive risk mitigations to closure
Develop, track, and report on Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs) and targets
Conduct internal SMS audits, gap analyses, and oversight of the Safety Assurance program
Deliver initial and recurrent SMS training to all employees (management, supervisors, and technicians)
Promote a strong safety culture and just-culture principles throughout the organization
Serve as the primary point of contact for the FAA SMS Voluntary Program (SMS VP) and FAASTeam on SMS acceptance and ongoing conformance
Prepare and present quarterly and annual safety performance reviews to senior leadership and the Accountable Manager
Stay current on FAA SMS policy (AC 145-10, AC 120-92B, Orders 8000.369/8900.1, etc.) and industry best practices