Aviation Operations & Safety Management System Specialist

Location:	Brisbane
Category:	Business Development
Position Type:	Permanent
Job Reference:	BOE/1879243B
Attachments:	No File Attached
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The Opportunity 

We are seeking an experienced Aviation Operations Specialist and Safety Management System (SMS) Specialist to join our Brisbane team, supporting the ongoing development of aviation operations safety management. The role leads implementation of aviation SMS artefacts and associated competency frameworks, training, and risk-management initiatives across BDA's aviation operations.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working within a regulated environment and a high-tempo operational setting, partnering with key stakeholders to embed practical, auditable safety practices. The role is based in Brisbane, with alternative locations and remote work options considered for the right candidate; occasional local and interstate travel may be required. 

Required Experience 

• Practical, demonstrable experience managing an SMS in an aviation or Defence environment. 

• Advanced knowledge of aviation risk management strategies and frameworks. 

• Experience working in high-tempo Defence aviation operations. 

Desirable Experience 

• Knowledge of Defence Aviation Safety Regulations and regulatory compliance. 

• Military Aircrew experience 

Key Organisational Accountabilities 

• SMS artefacts, processes and training 

• Oversee development, implementation and continuous improvement of aviation operations (AVNOPS) specific SMS artefacts (policies, procedures, work instructions, checklists and form.s). 

• Translate operational practice and regulatory requirements into practical, auditable artefacts and job aids for frontline crews and support staff. 

• Design, coordinate and maintain role-based AVNOPS training , competency assessments and version control/change management of SMS materials. 

• Advice, reporting and stakeholder engagement 

• Advise Accountable Leaders on AVNOPS safety management outcomes, residual risk and regulatory compliance, providing clear, evidence-based recommendations and decision papers. 

• Communicate and report AVNOPS risks, issues and opportunities to leadership, producing succinct executive summaries, risk registers and status updates. 

• Support development and review of safety policy, objectives and acceptance/tolerance decisions aligned to Defence/regulatory expectations. 

• Coordinate with customers to communicate risks, mitigations and investigation outcomes; act as a primary point of contact for AVNOPS safety intelligence. 

• Liaise with Customer Aviation Safety groups to share critical safety inform.ation, BDA risks, tolerances, mitigations and investigation outcomes. 

• Represent BDA externally (e.g., customer and/or industry forums), sharing lessons learned and building safety partnerships. 

• Risk management and assurance 

• Conduct periodic and event-based Aviation Risk Management (AVRM) reviews to ensure BDA Operations SMS intent is embedded across the business. 

• Develop and maintain AVNOPS safety objectives, Safety Key Perform.ance Indicators and Safety Risk Management (SRM) processes in collaboration with stakeholders. 

• Identify, analyse and report safety perform.ance trends and systemic issues to inform. risk mitigation and continuous improvement. 

• Verify control effectiveness through audits, inspections or targeted assurance activities and track completion of corrective actions. 

• Investigations, review boards and Just Culture 

• Support and participate in safety review boards to ensure effectiveness of the P&S SMS specifically for AVNOPS. 

• Facilitate or support Just Culture reviews at Program/BU/Org level, ensuring fair, consistent application of principles and alignment to SMS outcomes. 

• Implementation support and capability uplift 

• Support establishment and continuation of P&S SMS AVNOPSspecific training across the organisation and link training to competency frameworks. 

• Support the relevant Safety Governance forums to proactively manage aviation and operations risks and issues by highlighting reported events, near misses and trends and facilitating discussion of mitigation methods. 

• Provide input to procurement, Statements of Work and assurance artefacts where required to ensure SMS considerations are incorporated. 

Australian Citizenship is required to meet Defence security requirements

Culture

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Female applicants, people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island descent and ex-defence personnel are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

• Flexible working options
• Study assistance
• Salary packaging
• Employee Incentive Program                
• Global opportunities

How to apply

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