Director, Operational Safety

This role is responsible for directing the implementation and execution of surveillance functions of the operational areas as well as providing strategic direction and leadership to the Safety Management System (SMS), the Aviation Safety Action Programs (ASAPs), the Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) Program, the Fatigue Risk Management Program, the Safety Reporting System, and the Safety Investigation Team. These programs are at the core of our safety system and, in many cases, are regulatory requirements.

The Director of Operational Safety performs the duties as the 14 CFR Part 119 Director of Safety and NTSB Party Coordinator on behalf of Spirit Airlines and acts as the primary liaison with the FAA and the NTSB on safety-related issues. The Director of Operational Safety reports directly to the Vice President Safety Regulatory Compliance (VPSRC) for administrative items and, in accordance with the SMS program, directly to the Accountable Executive (Chief Executive Officer), serving as an independent evaluator of safety performance. 

This position is responsible for identifying operational hazards primarily using scheduled, unscheduled, and ad hoc audits/evaluations to ensure Spirit maintains compliance with regulatory and internal policy/procedural requirements. The divisional audit results are shared with divisional executives and all findings are tracked. Additionally, those same results are used to identify systemic hazards that are entered into the SMS processes.

• Fulfill the roles and responsibilities of the Spirit Airlines 119 Director of Safety in accordance with 14 CFR 119.65.
• Function as NTSB Party Coordinator during NTSB accident investigations.
• Responsible for the conduct and quality of the Spirit Airlines Safety Program.
• Provide functional expertise to airline management regarding 14 CFR Part 5 applicability, required processes, as well as Spirit Airlines Safety Risk Management policy, process, and procedures.
• Monitor and report to senior management on air carrier activities that may have an impact on safety.
• Establish, maintain, and/or monitor safety reporting systems which provide timely and free flow of safety-related information.
• Monitor and evaluate the various safety and malfunction reporting systems to ensure appropriate integration and evaluation of data.
• Investigation and reporting of company incidents/accidents and providing of recommendations to prevent future recurrence.
• The conduct of safety audits, inspections, and evaluations.
• The solicitation and processing of safety improvement suggestions.
• Development and/or maintenance of safety awareness programs.
• Continuous review and evaluation of the adequacy of the Spirit Airlines emergency response plan.
• Monitoring of industry safety events, concerns, and trends, which may impact Spirit Airlines operations.
• Maintain close liaison with the FAA, NTSB, OSHA, and other applicable industry safety organizations and associations.
• Discharge duties to meet applicable legal requirements and to maintain safe operations in accordance with 14 CFR Chapter 1.
• Attend safety programs, training, conferences, and workshops to maintain currency in safety leadership and processes.
• Develop, direct, and execute daily management of the following programs:
  • Safety Management System (SMS),
  • Aviation Safety Action Programs (ASAPs),
  • Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) Program,
  • Fatigue Risk Management Program,
  • Safety Reporting System,
  • Safety Investigation Team.
• Ensure compliance with all federal laws and regulations within the Flight Safety Programs, and SMS.
• Working knowledge of regulations and standards governing commercial aviation (ICAO, FAA, NTSB, IOSA) and that govern aviation safety, environmental, and employee health and safety.
• Maintain familiarity and thorough understanding of the following:
  • Aviation safety standards and safe operating practices,
  • 14 CFR Chapter 1 of the Federal Aviation Regulations,
  • Spirit Airlines Operations Specifications,
  • Aircraft maintenance and airworthiness requirements in accordance with 14 CFR parts 119 and 121,
  • Airline operating manuals in accordance with 14 CFR 121.133.
• Must discharge their duties to meet applicable legal requirements and to maintain safe operations.
• Must have deep knowledge relating to corporate safety culture, safety philosophy, safety data collection and analysis programs, risk management, incident/accident prevention and investigation, and human factors.
• Develop, direct, and execute a structured, risk-based approach to providing oversight of all key functions within the operational divisions.
• Ensure the divisional corrective action programs adequately address the intent of audit findings.
• Develop and maintain profession working relationships on behalf of Spirit with key government agency personnel.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, including Legal, Operational Divisions, Security, and other business stakeholders as necessary.
• Build engaging and relevant training and communication material that the Operational Divisions can deploy to their employee groups.
• Ensure all operational divisions comply with the corporate SMS Standard and that all associated action plans are properly documented, tracked, and archived.
• Monitor and guide departments in the risk analysis and mitigation of hazards under the Safety Management System (SMS).
• Manage the team Spirit Operational Safety Team, including performance management, coaching and development, and quality control of work product. Proactively build team members’ skill sets to increase bench strength and allow for succession planning.
• Ensure the confidentiality of all ASAP discussions and associated reports are maintained.
• Oversee the frontline employee safety reporting program (mandatory and voluntary) to ensure all reports are reviewed and associated information is shared with the applicable division.
• Operational Safety Department Budget Oversight.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 7-10 years’ experience.
• FAA certification in the form of Pilot, Dispatcher or Mechanics certificate.
• IOSA auditor.
• FAR 119.65 designation in the past 3 years preferred but not required MBA or master’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Ability to evaluate the risk associated with key operational processes as part of the annual audit/evaluation schedule development.
• Ability to evaluate audit findings to ensure accuracy and applicability.
• Ability to evaluate divisional corrective action plans to ensure all issued findings are appropriately actioned.
• Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in quality and/or safety management systems.
• High level of expertise in subject matter related to safety and compliance programs.
• Knowledge of airline industry-specific regulatory issues.
• Ability to evaluate divisional compliance with IOSA Standards and Recommended Practices.
• Excellent communication skills (spoken and written), including the ability to convey complex technical concepts and recommendations to non-technical staff at senior levels, both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise style.

Functional and Behavioral Competencies

• Build Relationships, Develop People, Lead Change, Inspire Others, Think Critically, Create Accountability, Communicate ClearlyMore.

Additional Competencies

• The successful candidate must possess excellent problem-solving skills as well as being able to earn trust from the Operational Leaders based on competence and integrity.
• Ability to communicate and influence at all levels.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships.
• Exerts up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.
• Domestic & International travel approximately 25 of time.
• Telework Capacity: Hybrid

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits to our team members including medical, dental, STD, LTD, life insurance, 401(k), paid time off, travel benefits, and much more. We strive to maintain a professional, yet friendly environment and promote professional and career development for our Team Members.

At Spirit, our mission is to deliver the best value in the sky and be the most successful airline on Earth! We are leaders in providing customizable travel options and make it possible for our Guests to venture further and discover more than ever before by serving destinations throughout the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean! Imagine making your mark on an organization introducing 100’s of new aircraft that will double our fleet!  

• Fly With A Winner: We are proud to be recognized by LinkedIn as a Top Company in the Travel & Hospitality industry. Our constant growth and improvement mean boundless career opportunities. Team Members develop their careers rapidly while building key skills that drive long-term success.
• The Giving Spirit: We are committed to inspiring positive change in the cities where we work and live.  That starts with giving back through Corporate Social Responsibility and The Spirit Airlines Charitable Foundation.
• Be Yourself: We want Team Members to feel empowered to bring their whole self to work and contribute to our success – that’s why we’re committed to building progress in the areas of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. Our Spirit Family is strong, not despite our differences, but because of them.
• Travel The World: We offer competitive base salaries with robust health & welfare benefits, including travel & flight benefits for you and your family.

Spirit Airlines is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  All aspects of employment are governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.