Head of Aviation Safety

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

Head of Aviation Safety

Responsibilities

• Supports and reports to the Safety & Compliance Manager in the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Airport’s aviation safety management system (SMS) in accordance with EASA Part-ADR.OR, and national regulations, focusing on airside operations.
• Monitors and analyses current and emerging aviation safety regulations, standards and best practices including those set by International (ICAO / EASA) and National (HCAA) aviation authorities.
• Facilitates the development, review, update, and implementation of aviation safety policies, procedures and associated documentation to reflect operational changes, identified hazards, infrastructure development, and company requirements.
• Provides day-to-day leadership and coordination of operational safety activities within the airside areas and assists line managers with safety management matters.
• Establishes, implements, and maintains processes for hazard identification, safety risk assessment, risk mitigation including the maintenance of relevant hazard registers and action plans, and safety performance monitoring.
• Maintains oversight of the Airport’s occurrence reporting system and ensures timely reporting, assessment, investigation, follow-up, root cause analysis, and closure of corrective/preventive actions and related safety actions.
• Participates and supports in the safety assessment of Operational changes, infrastructure developments, and organizational modifications through the formal management of change process.
• Aids the development and delivery of aviation safety training and awareness programs and initiatives for airport personnel, contractors, and stakeholders to promote safety awareness, safety culture as well as best practices.
• Prepares comprehensive safety reports, performance metrics, analyses, summaries, presentations, and performance information for management review, and participates in internal safety meetings, and other relevant safety fora.
• Plans and conducts aviation safety assurance activities, including safety audits, inspections, operational safety reviews, and safety observations, to verify the effective implementation of safety measures and procedures.
• Liaises with internal  and external  stakeholders on aviation safety matters within the scope of the role.

Requirements

• University degree in aviation, safety management, or another relevant discipline
• Completion of an SMS course or equivalent qualification would be considered an advantage
• Minimum of 7 years of working experience in an aviation environment, airside operations, or related roles, with demonstrated leadership and project management skills
• Proven ability to conduct thorough investigations into health and safety incidents, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions
• Strong knowledge of EASA, ICAO, and applicable national aviation safety regulations, as well as industry’s best practices
• Experience with Safety Management Systems, including risk management, occurrence reporting, safety investigations, safety training, and safety assurance activities
• Excellent knowledge of English language, both oral and written

Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, prioritize competing demands, and adapt to changing circumstances
• High level of integrity, objectivity, and commitment to safety principles
• Analytical mindset, with the ability to assess complex information, identify trends, and develop practical, data-driven solutions
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels, both inside and outside the organization