Air Safety Manager - Defence Operations

A senior safety professional responsible for the development, implementation, and assurance of aviation safety management across military air operations. The role ensures that all flying and ground‑based aviation activities are conducted in accordance with UK MOD air safety policies, MAA Regulatory Publications (MRPs), and applicable Defence Aviation Safety frameworks. The ASM acts as the focal point for air safety within operational environments, interfacing with the TEKEVER Ltd Accountable Manager, MOD Aviation Duty Holders, regulatory authorities, and engineering/operational teams to ensure that risks are identified, assessed, and managed to ALARP and Tolerable levels.

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 (MRPs) 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

• 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 in 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.