SMS Manager

Job DescriptionThe Safety Management System (SMS) Manager is the nominated DGCA Post Holder responsible for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving the Company's Safety Management System in accordance with the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), DGCA regulations, ICAO Annex 19, and ICAO Doc 9859. The SMS Manager shall independently oversee the organization's safety management functions and advise the Accountable Manager on all matters relating to aviation safety. Key Responsibilities Regulatory & Post Holder Responsibilities Serve as the DGCA-approved Post Holder for Safety Management.

Act as the primary point of contact with the DGCA on all SMS-related matters. Ensure continuous compliance with DGCA CAR Section 3, Series C, Part II (or the applicable CAR for the operator), ICAO Annex 19, and other applicable aviation regulations. Ensure the organization maintains an effective Safety Management System acceptable to the DGCA.

Support DGCA surveillance, audits, inspections, and certification activities. Safety Management Develop, implement, and continuously improve the Safety Management System. Maintain the Safety Management Manual and associated procedures.

Establish and monitor Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs) and Safety Performance Targets (SPTs). Maintain the Safety Risk Register. Hazard Identification & Risk Management Implement confidential and non-punitive safety reporting systems.

Conduct hazard identification and safety risk assessments. Ensure timely implementation of corrective and preventive actions. Monitor the effectiveness of risk mitigation measures.

Safety Assurance Conduct safety audits, inspections, and operational reviews. Monitor compliance across Flight Operations, Continuing Airworthiness, Ground Operations, and Maintenance. Analyze safety data, identify trends, and recommend improvements.

Safety Promotion Develop and conduct SMS and Human Factors training. Publish safety bulletins, newsletters, and safety alerts. Promote a proactive safety culture throughout the organization.

Investigation & Reporting Lead investigations into incidents, accidents, and safety occurrences. Conduct root cause analysis and recommend preventive measures. Prepare mandatory reports for DGCA and senior management.

Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent. Formal DGCA/ICAO-recognized Safety Management System training. Human Factors and Aviation Safety Investigation training preferred.

Lead Auditor qualification (ISO/IS-BAO/DGCA) is desirable. Experience Minimum 7 years of aviation experience , with at least 3 years in Safety Management . Experience in an NSOP, airline, helicopter operator, CAMO, or business aviation organization.

Previous experience interacting with DGCA during audits and regulatory inspections. Experience as a DGCA-approved Post Holder is highly desirable. Competencies Strong knowledge of DGCA CARs and ICAO Annex 19.

Safety Risk Management. Aviation occurrence investigations. Safety data analysis.

Regulatory compliance. Leadership and stakeholder management. Excellent communication and report writing skills.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) DGCA compliance status. Zero major safety-related regulatory findings. Timely closure of safety actions.

Achievement of Safety Performance Targets. Safety reporting participation rate. Audit readiness and compliance.