Senior Specialist - Cargo Safety

United Airlines•Chicago, IL

2d•$81,795 - $106,602•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Specialist – Cargo Safety manages the health and quality of Cargo's Safety Management System (SMS) and helps integrate it into day-to-day operations and culture. The role works cross-functionally with senior leadership to identify and mitigate safety hazards and risks in cargo operations, and is responsible for safety policy, risk management, assurance, and promotion. It also leads key United safety programs, including the station safety excellence program, and provides access to safety data reporting streams. The position leads SMS culture for Cargo Operations, promotes compliance and safety practices, influences and holds internal and external leaders accountable to United Cargo's SMS standards, negotiates risk acceptance with appropriate leaders, and promotes Safety Risk Assessments for operational changes. It supports Cargo Operations in implementing and upholding OSHA standards through United’s Safety Excellence Program, and ensures daily SMS processes are completed, including identifying, assigning, and processing hazards and SMS corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs). This is a hybrid role requiring in-office work 50% of the time at United’s Corporate Headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, and travel up to 30% of the time.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
At least 2 years of relevant experience.
Experience supporting cargo operations, safety, security, compliance, or related operational activities.
Experience conducting compliance checks, supporting corrective actions, and assisting with root-cause analysis of incidents.
Strong skills in workplace safety, cargo security, OSHA, workflow analysis, and operations support.
Ability to influence people who do not directly report to you.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.
Successful completion of an interview is required to meet job qualifications.
Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position.

Nice To Haves

OSHA 10- or 30-hour certification.
Experience leading an aviation-related Safety Management System.
Ability to identify, analyze, and communicate key metrics that indicate the health of an SMS culture.
Experience supporting safety training, procedures, or compliance.
Experience improving operational processes.
Experience analyzing cargo handling and recommending improvements.
Experience resolving complex operational challenges and recurring service issues.
Understanding of generative AI capabilities and limitations, with the ability to use AI for research, analysis, content creation, and problem-solving while validating outputs and adhering to responsible-use, data-privacy, and security policies.

Responsibilities

Lead the SMS culture for Cargo Operations and develop ways to ensure compliance and strengthen United Cargo's safety culture.
Influence, inform, and hold internal and external leaders accountable to United Cargo's SMS standards.
Negotiate risk acceptance with the appropriate leader.
Spearhead the use of Safety Risk Assessments for operational changes.
Develop initiatives to embed SMS into day-to-day cargo operations.
Support Cargo Operations in implementing and upholding OSHA standards through United’s Safety Excellence Program.
Ensure day-to-day SMS processes and requirements are met, including identifying, assigning, and processing hazards and SMS CAPAs.
Manage the health and quality of Cargo's Safety Management System and support its integration into daily operations.
Work cross-functionally with senior leadership to identify and mitigate safety hazards and risks in cargo operations.