Safety Manager in West Bromwich

Ascent Flight Training (Management) Ltd
Competitive Salary Full-time Permanent
Safety Manager
Location: The Hub, Bristol (with travel to UK aviation training sites as required)
Help shape the future of aviation safety
At Ascent Flight Training, safety is at the heart of everything we do. We deliver world-class military flying training through a complex network of customers, partners and suppliers and are seeking an experienced Safety Manager to lead and continuously improve our Aviation Safety Management System.
This is a unique opportunity to take a strategic leadership role, providing independent aviation safety advice and assurance to our Board, Leadership Team, customers, regulators and supplier network while helping maintain the highest safety standards across one of the UK's most important military aviation training programmes.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Support & Services, you will act as the focal point for aviation safety across the organisation and hold the nominated Safety Manager position for our Civil Aviation Authority Approved Training Organisation (ATO).
You will:
Lead and continuously improve the Ascent Safety Management System (SMS)
Manage hazard identification, risk assessment and risk mitigation activities
Monitor Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs) and safety assurance activities
Lead safety investigations and drive organisational learning
Chair and support internal and external safety governance forums
Provide independent safety advice to senior leaders and key stakeholders
Build strong relationships with customers, regulators and aviation service providers
Promote a positive, just and fair safety culture across the enterprise
Support regulatory audits, inspections and authority engagement activities
Maintain safety dashboards and performance reporting to senior leadership and the Board.
About You
We're looking for an experienced aviation safety professional who combines technical expertise with strong leadership and influencing skills.
Essential Experience
Significant experience in aviation safety management
Strong understanding of Safety Management Systems and safety assurance
Knowledge of UK aviation regulatory frameworks, including CAA and military aviation requirements
Experience operating within complex, highly regulated environments
Ability to analyse safety data and provide objective risk-based advice
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
Experience presenting to senior leaders and governance boards
Strong report writing and investigation skills.
Desirable Experience
Previous experience as a Safety Manager or Nominated Postholder
Defence aviation or Military Air Environment experience
Knowledge of ATO, CAMO and Part-145 environments
Duty Holders Air Safety Course (DHASC) qualification
Experience working with MoD Aviation Duty Holders and associated safety organisations.
What Success Looks Like
You’ll be recognised as the independent aviation safety expert within Ascent, driving continuous improvement, supporting operational effectiveness, maintaining regulatory compliance, and helping ensure the safe delivery of flying training across the enterprise.
Why Join Ascent?
At Ascent, you’ll work with highly skilled professionals dedicated to delivering excellence in military flying training. You’ll have the opportunity to influence safety strategy at the highest levels, engage with key customers and regulators, and make a genuine difference to aviation safety performance across a nationally important programme.
We’re proud to foster a flexible and inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued. Whether working onsite or remotely, we support a culture that encourages collaboration, individuality and work-life balance. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are open to considering flexible working arrangements for all roles, including part-time hours, job share, and alternative working patterns, and we encourage conversations about individual needs during the recruitment process. We are actively working to remove barriers within our hiring practices and aim to provide a fair, accessible and supportive experience for every candidate. If you require any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.