Group Head of Safety Regulation and Compliance

Job Description

The role acts as the principal adviser to the Executive and Board on safety governance, regulatory compliance, organisational safety risk and safety performance, providing independent assurance regarding the effectiveness of safety management systems, risk management and regulatory compliance across the organisation.
As the nominated Compliance Manager for Dublin and Cork Airports under EU Regulation 139/2014, the role is responsible for maintaining strategic relationships with aviation, occupational health and safety and other regulatory authorities, while ensuring daa operates in accordance with applicable regulatory, legislative and industry requirements at all locations.
The GHSRC leads the consistent application of safety governance standards across daa's airports, international businesses and future ventures, supporting safe growth, organisational resilience and the continual strengthening of safety culture throughout the Group.

Responsibilities

1. Lead daa Group's independent Safety Regulation & Compliance function, providing strategic leadership for safety governance, regulatory oversight, compliance assurance, safety advisory and safety performance across all daa operations and international business activities.
2. Develop, implement and continuously improve the daa Safety Management Framework, Group Safety Strategy, Aerodrome Safety Management Systems and associated governance arrangements, ensuring clear safety accountabilities and consistent standards across the organisation.
3. Act as principal adviser to the Executive and Board on safety performance, safety governance, regulatory compliance, organisational safety risk, safety culture and emerging safety issues.
4. Lead all formal engagement with aviation, occupational health and safety and other relevant regulatory authorities, ensuring effective regulatory relationships, compliance with applicable requirements and coordinated organisational responses to regulatory change.
5. Fulfil the Nominated Person role of Compliance Manager for Dublin and Cork Airports under EU Regulation 139/2014 and oversee the delivery of risk-based aviation safety and occupational health & safety compliance monitoring programmes across daa Group.
6. Provide independent assurance to Executive and Board regarding the effectiveness of safety management systems, regulatory compliance, risk controls and corrective action programmes, escalating significant concerns where required.
7. Lead the development, maintenance and assurance of Group safety frameworks, policies, management systems and certification programmes, ensuring alignment with National Standards/Legislation, EASA, ICAO, ISO and other applicable regulatory and industry standards.
8. Drive the development and implementation of a proactive safety and Just Culture across daa Group, promoting organisational learning, safety behaviours, effective risk management, management of change and continuous safety improvement.
9. Provide strategic safety governance and due diligence support for international operations, major business initiatives, acquisitions, new ventures and emerging operating models, ensuring safety risks are appropriately identified and managed.
10. Lead and develop the Safety Regulation & Compliance team, ensuring appropriate organisational capability, resilience, resource planning and specialist expertise to meet current and future business requirements

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum 10 years' experience within aviation, transport, infrastructure or another highly regulated safety-critical industry.
• Demonstrable experience leading safety governance, compliance, regulatory affairs or assurance functions.
• Strong understanding of aviation safety management systems and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience engaging with Executive, Board and regulatory authorities.
• Experience leading change management activities and assessments.
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary professional teams.
• International operational and / or regulatory experience.

Skills

• Strategic leadership and organisational influence.
• Strong understanding of aviation safety, occupational health & safety and risk management principles.
• Executive-level stakeholder management.
• Strong regulatory and compliance management capability.
• Highly developed communication and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Ability to operate effectively at Executive and Board level.
• Excellent judgement and decision-making capability.
• Ability to manage complexity across multiple jurisdictions and business models.
• Proven ability to challenge constructively while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.

Education & Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification in Aviation, Safety, Engineering, Compliance, Risk Management, Law, Occupational Health & Safety or related discipline.

Mandatory Practicing/Training/Compliance Certification

• Lead Auditor Qualification.
• Formal qualification in Safety Management, Compliance, Risk Management or equivalent discipline.
• Continuous professional development in relevant regulatory, safety and governance disciplines.

Professional Memberships

• N/A