Head of Aviation Safety

About the role

The International Airport of Heraklion, Crete, through its employer GEK TERNA Group, is looking for a Head of Aviation Safety. The post reports to the Safety & Compliance Manager and focuses on airside operations, supporting the implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of the airport's aviation safety management system (SMS).

Key responsibilities

• Support the Safety & Compliance Manager in maintaining the SMS in line with EASA Part-ADR.OR and national regulations.
• Monitor and analyse current and emerging aviation safety regulations, standards and best practices from ICAO, EASA and national authorities.
• Help develop, review and implement safety policies, procedures and documentation.
• Lead and coordinate daily safety activities in airside areas and assist line managers.
• Set up hazard identification, risk assessment, risk mitigation and safety performance monitoring, including hazard registers and action plans.
• Oversight of the occurrence reporting system, ensuring timely reporting, investigation, root cause analysis and closure of corrective actions.
• Aid the development of safety training and awareness programmes for staff, contractors and stakeholders.
• Prepare safety reports, metrics and presentations for management and take part in safety meetings.
• Plan and run safety assurance activities such as audits, inspections, operational safety reviews and safety observations.

Required profile

• University degree in aviation, safety management or another relevant discipline.
• At least 7 years of experience in an aviation environment, airside operations or related roles, with leadership and project management skills.
• Proven ability to investigate health and safety incidents, find root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• An SMS course or equivalent qualification is an advantage.

Required skills

• Knowledge of EASA, ICAO and national aviation safety regulations and best practices.
• Experience with Safety Management Systems, including risk management, occurrence reporting, safety investigations, safety training and safety assurance.
• Communication, analytical thinking and the ability to work under pressure.