Manager, Safety Management System

Safety Management System Manager

The Safety Management System Manager is an integral component of the Metropolitan Airports Commission's (MAC) focus on safety for our system of airports and, specifically, for the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to ensure compliance and promote a safe environment. This position develops and maintains the Airport Safety Management System (SMS) program consistent with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rule for MAC, airport tenants and stakeholders and guides and directs the planning, implementation and operation of the SMS.

This is a safety-sensitive position which will require a pre-employment drug screen.

To apply: Log-in and follow the instructions provided. Questions regarding this position can be directed to Allison Gilbert at allison.gilbert@mspmac.org or at 612-725-5987. Applications will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026. MAC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If an accommodation is required for you to participate in the application process because of a disability, please contact Tekia Jefferson at 612-726-8196 or Tekia.Jefferson@mspmac.org. MAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, nationality, or disability.

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See the many and generous benefits the Metropolitan Airports Commission offers to employees.

Reporting Relationship – Director, Integrated Operations

Organizational – Contact and interaction with MAC staff members; has frequent contact with personnel, Operations, Planning, IT, Finance, Human Resources and Labor Relations

External Partners – Contact with airlines, external consultants, stakeholders and regulatory partners

SMS Plan Design

• Is responsible for the Safety Management System program design and administration including gap analysis, annual program reviews, implementation of new and/or plan changes and on-going monitoring of compliance to ensure established policies and procedures are met.
• Works with other departments for the completion of risk analysis of maintenance and construction projects and provides input for department safety program manuals.
• Builds an effective, integrated and complimentary effort with MAC Risk Management to ensure safety compliance and demonstrates sound business practices.
• Focuses on strategic business practices, is outcome oriented, focuses on continuous improvement and demonstrates safety and training management experience at the enterprise level.
• Directs and organizes all phases of work necessary for completion of the SMS program.

SMS Administration

• Implements and administers the organization's SMS programs, processes and policies.
• Responds to and prepares timely and comprehensive investigations in coordination with Risk Management of accidents and safety incidents. Prepares factual reports to appropriate divisions summarizing the circumstances and root causes of the accident or incident, and then follows up with recommended corrective and preventative action taken.
• Plans, develops, promotes and administers safety education programs with respect to the SMS Manual and Safety Management Plan. Communicates information, trends and safety statistics via reports to the CEO, Airport Executive Team and Commission as needed.
• Acts as a liaison and resource between MAC departments as well as external customers, vendors, contractors and other regulatory agencies such as the FAA, National Transportation Safety Board and other aviation industry safety organizations.
• Tracks safety recommendations, hazards, risks, finding, corrective actions, contributing factors and causes to ensure accurate reporting and follow up.
• Analyzes trends and statistics based on SMS data and makes recommendations to executive staff and organizes safety risk management panels.
• Conducts safety inspections and assessments.
• Develops employee safety training and department goals and procedures.
• Conducts other duties as assigned.

Safety Advocate

• Demonstrates excellent safety behavior and attitude, follows regulatory practices and rules, recognizes and promotes hazard reporting and ensures effective safety reporting.
• Receives and resolves complaints in conjunction with the Risk Management and SMS operational issues.
• Promotes a safety culture amongst staff, tenants and stakeholders through regularly scheduled safety meetings and inspections.
• Develops and maintains communication systems for distributing safety information to employees and tenants as part of safety promotion.
• Responsible for auditing each department's safety training and reporting procedures and deficiencies.
• Builds and maintains excellent working relationships with airport safety committee(s) and all stakeholders.
• Represents the organization on local and national government and industry committees.

Senior Level Individual Contributor (SRIC) Competencies

• Customer Focus – Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions
• Manages Complexity – Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems
• Decision Quality – Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward
• Resourcefulness – Securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently
• Ensures Accountability – Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances
• Collaborates – Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives
• Values Differences – Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
• Communicates Effectively – Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of unique needs of different audiences
• Persuades – Using compelling arguments to gain the support and commitment of others
• Courage – Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said
• Instills Trust – Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity and authenticity
• Being Resilient – Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in airport operations, business management or a related field
• Five years of experience in aviation safety, airport operations, or safety/risk management in a regulated environment, with demonstrated experience with Safety Management System (SMS) concepts, processes, or applications.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding safety and employee information
• Demonstrated ability to analyze workflow processes and recommend solutions
• Excellent interpersonal and diplomacy skills
• Intermediate skill level using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
• Ability to respond to accidents and/or safety incidents any time of the day
• Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle to commute between job sites

Desirable Requirements

• Master's degree
• Previous experience with Part 139 airport operations standards
• Strong knowledge of aviation safety as it relates to FAA, DOT, OSHA, etc.
• Previous experience developing employee safety training programs
• Previous supervisory experience
• Accreditation(s) from American Association of Airport Executives and/or International Airport Management Accreditation Program
• Experience with SMS planning, design, implementation and management