Air Safety Manager - Defence Operations

The Air Safety Manager (ASM) - Defence Operations is a senior safety professional responsible for the development, implementation, and assurance of aviation safety management across military air operations.

Air Safety Governance & Compliance

• Lead the implementation and oversight of Air Safety Management Systems (ASMS) in accordance with UK MOD policy.
• Ensure compliance with the Military Aviation Authority (MAA) Regulatory Publications (MRP) across all defence operations.
• Maintain and develop Organisation Safety Management Plans and Air Safety Cases.
• Provide expert guidance to the Accountable Manager on regulatory compliance, risk ownership, and safety responsibilities.
• Act as the primary liaison with MAA regulators, Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), and Front Line Commands on safety matters.

Safety Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and manage hazards associated with air operations, maintenance, and support activities.
• Develop and maintain risk registers, hazard logs, and bowtie/safety case models.
• Ensure all risks are demonstrated as ALARP and Tolerable in accordance with MOD policy.
• Conduct and facilitate Safety Risk Assessments, Hazard Analyses, and Safety Reviews.

Occurrence Reporting & Investigation

• Oversee the reporting and management of air safety occurrences in accordance with MAA requirements.
• Lead or support investigations into incidents, accidents, and near misses.
• Ensure effective root cause analysis and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Monitor trends and produce safety performance metrics and reports for senior stakeholders.

Safety Assurance & Auditing

• Plan and conduct internal safety audits and assurance activities.
• Support external audits by the MAA and other regulatory bodies.
• Verify that safety controls are effective and continuously improved.
• Promote a strong Just Culture and Safety Reporting Culture within operational teams.

Operational & Programme Support

• Provide embedded safety support to deployed operations, exercises, and trials activities.
• Support introduction into service of new platforms or capabilities by ensuring robust safety cases.
• Work with engineering, aircrew, and support staff to integrate safety into all operational processes.

Training & Leadership

• Act as the organization's Defence Air Safety Advisor / SME.
• Deliver safety training, briefings, and awareness programmes across all levels.
• Mentor personnel in safety management principles and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications & Experience Essential

• Successful completion of the MAA Air Safety Officers Course (ASOC).
• Demonstrable experience operating within UK MOD aviation safety frameworks.
• Strong working knowledge of MAA Regulatory Publications (MRPs).
• Comprehensive understanding of UK MOD Air Safety Policy and Defence Aviation Safety Programme.
• Proven experience in Safety Management Systems (SMS) / ASMS within aviation or defence environments.
• Experience in conducting hazard identification, risk assessment, and safety case development.
• Knowledge of occurrence reporting systems and air safety investigation processes.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and report writing skills.

Desirable

• Military aviation background (aircrew, engineering, or operations).
• Experience working with Front Line Commands, DE&S, or Defence regulators.
• Experience working with Joint / multi-domain operational environments.
• Formal qualifications in Safety, Risk Management, Engineering, or Aviation-related disciplines.
• Experience supporting capability development, trials, or introduction to service.

Working Conditions

• Based in Bristol or Swindon, with frequent travel to UK defence establishments, operational bases, or headquarters locations.
• Regular engagement with operational units and deployed environments.
• Travel required (approx. 20-30%) to support operations, audits, and stakeholder meetings.
• Occasional requirement to support out-of-hours operations, exercises, or incident response.

Key Interfaces

• Duty Holders (AM, DDH, ADH, ODH)
• Military Aviation Authority (MAA)
• Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S)
• Front Line Commands
• Engineering, Maintenance, and Flight Operations teams

Benefits

• An excellent work environment and an opportunity to make a difference.
• Salary commensurate with level of experience.
• Company pension contribution matched up to 10%.
• 25 days annual holiday + 8 Bank holidays.
• Medical Insurance.
• Dental Insurance.
• Salary sacrifice initiatives (EV Scheme, Cycle 2 Work, Tech Scheme).
• Discretionary annual company bonus.