Manager, Safety Management Systems (SMS)
SARASOTA MANATEE AIRPORT AUTHORITY
JOB DESCRIPTION
Grade: 41
JOB TITLE: Manager, Safety Management Systems (SMS)
REPORTS TO: Operations Director
DEPARTMENT: Operations
Starting Salary Range: $88,917 - $102,254
Salary Grade Range: $88,917 - $133,376
Full-time, Exempt
Posting Date: 3/27/26 ~ Closing Date: 4/10/26 @ 4pm
JOB SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Operations Director, this position requires independent judgment, discretion, initiative, and collaborative ability developing, implementing, and administering the Authority’s Safety Management System (SMS) Program in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and guidance. Responsible for setting the strategic direction and championing the SMS Program, working to guarantee effective goal setting, planning, and ensuring performance management methods are in place to facilitate proactive, systematic, and comprehensive processes for managing and tracking safety while effectively collaboratively with the Authority Departments, with tenants, and community partners to ensure safety management, preparedness, and continuity of operations principles are instilled into the culture of the organization.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Job Responsibilities:
Provide daily oversight and development of SMS.
Liaison with and provide safety advice to the Senior Leadership Team.
Facilitate integration of existing CFR Part FAR 139 safety programs into the SMS.
Develop, monitor, and assess SMS objectives and goals.
Develop, implement, and analyze new safety inspections for activities and operations currently excluded from FAR 139 regulations.
Establish, maintain, and administer a hazard reporting system(s) to include an anonymous reporting option.
Conduct risk assessments and analysis regarding workplace/employee safety and passenger/airport related issues, programs, and processes, make recommendations for improvement.
Establish and define Safety Risk Management (SRM) and Safety Assurance (SA) processes.
Conduct accident investigations and trend analysis.
Serve as the chair of the Authority’s Safety Committee, collaborating with Human Resources on Workplace Safety initiatives.
Develop and/or coordinate the creation and dissemination of safety awareness and SMS orientation materials.
Develop and facilitate training initiatives for the strategic partners within the SMS.
Develop processes and procedures for recording training and safety information.
Collaborate with the Communications & Marketing Team regarding relative safety information.
Formulate and assess hazard mitigation, analyzing and recommending strategies for improvement.
Develop, implement, and maintain the Airport Safety Management System Manual.
Monitor existing and emerging safety programs and activities on airport property (construction, tenant activities, etc.) incorporating modifications as necessary.
Formulate mitigations to address the root cause of accidents and/or incidents. Develop preventative measures and analyze efficacy.
Develop safety improvement recommendations based on data collection, available industry data, FAA requirements, and guidance.
Provide real-time mitigation tracking, collaborating with the Communications & Marketing team regarding communication.
Research and perform analysis of hazards; develop policies and procedures in support of the Safety Management System.
Develop data collection and retention process and procedures.
Monitor corrective and preventive mitigations over time to establish strategic, best management practices.
Promote an inclusive, just safety culture.
Perform other duties as assigned.
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Personal Computer and other electronic devices.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, aviation science, safety management, aviation safety, or related a closely related field.
Five (5) years of experience with safety management systems, with two (2) years of SMS experience in the aviation industry, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
SMS Certification or professional designation as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or the ability to obtain within twelve (12) months from date of hire.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Demonstrated knowledge of day-to-day airport operations with a thorough understanding of airport standards and regulatory authorities/governing bodies.
Knowledge of SMS principles and practices.
Must be able and willing to work both standard and non-standard work schedules, including weekends to accommodate airport operations.
Ability to conduct research, organize, analyze data, formulate recommendations, and create and promote programs.
Ability to maintain professionalism at all times while interacting with the public and Airport Authority management and employees.
Ability to navigate complex and dynamic environments with flexibility and adaptability.
Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills at all levels internally and externally of the organization.
Ability to prepare and present clear and concise oral and written reports and presentations.
Ability to communicate across the organization so that everyone has the appropriate level of awareness.
Understanding of airport-specific challenges, including regulatory compliance, safety standards, and stakeholder relationship.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, FAA rules and regulations and airport policies regarding airport operations, safety, and security,
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
Strong ability to plan, organize, assign, establish, and maintain effective working relationships with fellow team members, executives, officials, employees, consultants, tenants, the public, and other key partners.
Physical Requirements:
The Manager, Safety Management Systems (SMS) must be diligent in adhering to all work-related safety rules, procedures and regulations and take the precautions necessary to comply with the Airport Authority safety policy.
Mental Requirements:
As a Manager, Safety Management Systems (SMS), the employee must have the mental capacity to provide support to all departments; must be capable of successfully interacting with employees, outside agencies and the general public, develop and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, fellow employees, outside agencies and the general public and have the mental capacity to provide support to the President, CEO.
Environmental Requirements:
The Manager, Safety Management Systems (SMS), works in an office environment, inside the airport terminal and on the airfield.
