At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safety strategy and enhance operational excellence across the UK & Ireland.
- Company: Join Unifi, a trusted leader in aviation services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to shape safety culture.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel up to 50% and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and environmental standards in aviation.
- Qualifications: 3-6 years of leadership experience and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Unifi is a leader in aviation services, trusted by major airline partners to deliver safe, reliable, and high‑performance operations. As we expand across the UK & Ireland, we are seeking a Safety & Environmental Director to provide strategic leadership and elevate our regional safety culture. In this executive‑level role, you will oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of our Safety Management System (SMS) and training governance. You will work directly with senior operational leaders, influence decision‑making across multiple stations, and ensure our teams operate with the highest standards of safety, compliance, and professionalism. This is a high‑visibility position for a leader who brings strong judgement, operational insight, and the ability to inspire teams across a complex, fast‑moving environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive regional safety strategy by partnering with customers, airport authorities, and internal leadership to strengthen safety, occupational health, and training programmes.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to station leaders, ensuring consistent execution and continuous improvement of the Unifi Safety Management System.
- Lead proactive risk‑mitigation efforts, including Risk Assessments, Behaviour‑Based Safety Observations, and other EHSS initiatives that reinforce operational resilience.
- Influence and coach station management to embed best‑practice safety behaviours and ensure compliance across employee and aircraft/ground‑handling operations.
- Conduct independent, high‑rigour station audits to evaluate performance, identify gaps, and drive meaningful improvements.
- Oversee all accident and aircraft‑damage investigations, ensuring accurate root‑cause analysis, accountability, and corrective actions that deliver lasting change.
Required Qualifications
- 3-6 years of relevant experience with a proven record of leadership, execution, and cross‑functional influence.
- Strong analytical judgement and the ability to manage multiple priorities with autonomy.
- Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems and guide teams through change.
- Excellent technical and business writing skills.
- Proficiency in Office 365 applications, including advanced Excel capability.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in airline or aviation operations, particularly in developing or managing safety or training programmes.
- Familiarity with UK, Ireland, and local EHS regulatory frameworks.
- Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS).
This role blends strategic oversight with hands‑on operational engagement. While office‑based work is performed in a semi‑private environment, station visits may involve exposure to outdoor weather conditions, active airfield environments, and operational equipment. Flexibility is essential, as travel up to 50% may be required, including occasional nights, weekends, and holidays.
Safety & Environmental Director employer: Unifi
Unifi is an exceptional employer that prioritises safety and operational excellence within the aviation services sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we foster a collaborative work culture where leaders are empowered to influence change and drive safety initiatives across the UK & Ireland. Our focus on continuous improvement and professional development ensures that our team members thrive in a dynamic environment, making a meaningful impact on the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safety & Environmental Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its safety culture. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to highlight your leadership experience in safety management. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the right choice for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Safety & Environmental Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Safety:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for safety and environmental management shine through. We want to see how you can shape a culture of safety and influence operational excellence in your own unique way.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in safety management and leadership. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive safety strategies and improve compliance across operations.
Be Clear and Concise:Use clear and straightforward language in your application. We appreciate well-structured writing that gets straight to the point, showcasing your analytical judgement and problem-solving skills without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead safety initiatives across the UK & Ireland.
How to prepare for a job interview at Unifi
✨Know Your Safety Management Systems
Make sure you’re well-versed in Safety Management Systems (SMS) and can discuss how you've implemented or improved them in past roles. Be ready to share specific examples of how your leadership has influenced safety culture and operational excellence.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical judgement by discussing complex problems you've solved. Think of scenarios where you had to manage multiple priorities and how you navigated through them. This will show your potential employer that you can handle the demands of the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with EHS Regulations
Brush up on UK and Ireland's environmental health and safety regulations. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these frameworks will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're proactive and prepared for the responsibilities of the role.
✨Engage with Real-World Scenarios
Be ready to discuss real-world scenarios, such as how you would conduct a station audit or lead an accident investigation. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easier for interviewers to see your thought process and decision-making skills.