Director of Safety - Aviation

Position Summary Tenax Aerospace is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Director of Safety to lead, manage, and continuously improve the Company's Safety Management System (SMS) while fostering and strengthening our industry-leading safety culture. The ideal candidate is an aviation safety professional with extensive experience in regulatory compliance, risk management, safety assurance, safety investigations, and organizational safety promotion. This individual will serve as the Company's subject matter expert on aviation safety, ensuring compliance with applicable FAA regulations, including 14 CFR Part 5 – Safety Management Systems, while supporting operational excellence across all business units. The Director of Safety reports directly to the Director of Flight Operations and maintains direct access to executive leadership. This role works collaboratively with all departments to proactively identify hazards, mitigate risk, and reinforce Tenax Aerospace's commitment to safe, compliant, and efficient operations. Key Responsibilities Lead, administer, and continuously improve the Company's FAA-compliant Safety Management System (SMS). Develop, review, and maintain SMS policies, procedures, manuals, and supporting documentation. Monitor SMS effectiveness through safety performance indicators, trend analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives. Coordinate internal SMS audits, management reviews, and regulatory assessments. Ensure compliance with all applicable FAA regulations, Company policies, and industry best practices. Monitor regulatory developments and implement required updates to safety programs, policies, and procedures. Manage, administer, and continuously improve Company safety programs and oversee safety-related third-party vendors. Review, evaluate, and maintain the Company's Emergency Response Plan (ERP), including the planning, execution, and assessment of drills and exercises. Facilitate hazard identification, risk assessments, and risk mitigation activities throughout the organization. Lead investigations of safety events, incidents, hazards, and operational irregularities using recognized root-cause analysis methodologies. Develop corrective and preventive action plans and ensure timely implementation and closure. Conduct safety performance monitoring and trend analysis using safety data and operational metrics. Develop and maintain safety dashboards, reports, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for executive leadership. Promote and reinforce a positive safety culture founded on accountability, transparency, and continuous learning. Chair or facilitate Safety Review Committee meetings, Safety Action Groups, and other safety-related forums. Encourage employee participation in hazard reporting and safety improvement initiatives through a just and reporting-focused culture. Partner with business unit leaders to integrate safety principles into all operational and business processes. Mentor managers and supervisors in safety leadership, risk management, and SMS principles. Deliver or oversee safety training and awareness programs to support organizational safety objectives. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Aviation Safety, Safety Management, Engineering, or a related field. Minimum of 5 years of progressive aviation safety experience, including leadership responsibilities. Demonstrated experience managing Safety Management, or equivalent systems. Thorough knowledge of 14 CFR Part 5, FAA guidance, Advisory Circulars, and SMS principles. Strong understanding of aviation operational risk management and safety investigation techniques. Experience conducting safety audits, inspections, and regulatory compliance assessments. Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Proven ability to influence and strengthen organizational safety culture across all levels of the company. Proficiency with safety reporting databases and Microsoft Office applications. Preferred Qualifications Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Aviation Manager (CAM), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), or equivalent professional certification. Experience with FAA Part 135, Part 145, or Part 91 operations. Tenax is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.