Manager, Safety Management System

Metropolitan Airports Commission

$107K — $148K *
Transportation
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in airport operations, business management or related field.
  • 5 years of experience in aviation safety or airport operations.
  • Demonstrated experience with Safety Management System (SMS).
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding safety information.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and diplomacy.
  • Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
  • Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle for commuting.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain the Airport Safety Management System (SMS) program.
  • Conduct risk analysis for maintenance and construction projects.
  • Implement and administer SMS programs and policies.
  • Prepare investigations of accidents and prepare factual reports.
  • Promote safety education programs related to SMS.
  • Track safety recommendations and corrective actions.
  • Conduct safety inspections and assessments.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health benefits.
  • Generous retirement plan options.
  • Professional development opportunities.
  • Flexible work schedules.
  • Employee wellness programs.
Full Job Description
Salary: $107,442.00 - $148,306.00 Annually
Location : 6040 28th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN
Job Type: Regular Status
Job Number:
Division: Management & Operations
Department: Integrated Operations
Opening Date: 06/18/2026
Closing Date: 7/9/2026 3:00 PM Central
MN Data Practices: The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) collects information from applicants for the purposes of determining employment suitability. By providing information, MAC will use the information to determine employment suitability. Applicants are not legally required to provide the requested information. However, information not provided, other than race, gender, or disability, may prevent MAC from being able to consider the application or determine the applicant's suitability for the position. The information collected may be classified as public or private data under the MGDPA. "Public" means that data is available upon request. "Private" means the data is only available to the person the information is about, and to those who must see it in the course of conducting MAC business and as otherwise provided for by law. If the applicant becomes a MAC employee, then some of the collected information is required to be shared with a representative union.

Position Summary
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: Click the "Apply" link located above the position description, log-in and follow the instructions provided.

Questions regarding this position can be directed to Allison Gilbert at [email protected] or at 612-725-5987.

Applications will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Position Description
RELATIONSHIPS

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
ACCOUNTABILITIES AND FUNCTIONS

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.

Position Requirements
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

Your health. Your time. Your future. Good pay is only the beginning.

See the many and generous the Metropolitan Airports Commission offers to employees.
01

Please choose the option below that best relates to your education and experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in airport operations, business management or a related field plus 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.
  • In lieu of a degree, nine 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.

02

Please describe your 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. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
03

Do you have intermediate skill level using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint?
  • Yes
  • No

04

Do you have the ability to respond to accidents and/or safety incidents any time of the day?
  • Yes
  • No

05

Do you have the ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding safety and employee information?
  • Yes
  • No

06

Do you have a valid state-issued driver's license and reliable vehicle to commute between job sites?
  • Yes
  • No

07

Do you have a Master's degree?
  • Yes
  • No

08

Do you have previous experience with Part 139 airport operations standards?
  • Yes
  • No

09

Please describe your experience with Part 139 airport operations standards. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
10

Do you have a strong knowledge of aviation safety as it relates to FAA, DOT, OSHA, etc?
  • Yes
  • No

11

Do you have previous experience developing employee safety training programs?
  • Yes
  • No

12

Please describe your previous experience developing employee safety training programs. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
13

Do you have previous supervisory experience?
  • Yes
  • No

14

Please describe your supervisory experience. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
15

Do you have any accreditation(s) from American Association of Airport Executives and/or International Airport Management Accreditation Program?
  • Yes
  • No

16

Do you have experience with SMS planning, design, implementation and management?
  • Yes
  • No

17

Please describe your experience with SMS planning, design, implementation and management. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
18

I became aware of this opportunity through:
  • Job Interest Card Notification
  • MAC Employee
  • MAC Web Site
  • LinkedIn
  • GovernmentJobs.com
  • Indeed.com
  • Other

19

If you selected "other" to the question above, please list below where you heard of this opportunity. If you selected any other option above, please put N/A here.
Required Question

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