Safety & Environmental Director - UK & Ireland
Lead Regional Safety Strategy. Shape Culture. Influence Operational Excellence.
Location: UK & Ireland (Regional)
Department: Business Operations
Reports To: VP, Business Operations
Travel: Up to 50%
About the Role
Unifi is a leader in aviation services, trusted by major airline partners to deliver safe, reliable, and high‑performance operations. As we expand across the UK & Ireland, we are seeking a Safety & Environmental Director to provide strategic leadership and elevate our regional safety culture.
In this executive‑level role, you will oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of our Safety Management System (SMS) and training governance. You will work directly with senior operational leaders, influence decision‑making across multiple stations, and ensure our teams operate with the highest standards of safety, compliance, and professionalism.
This is a high‑visibility position for a leader who brings strong judgement, operational insight, and the ability to inspire teams across a complex, fast‑moving environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Drive regional safety strategy by partnering with customers, airport authorities, and internal leadership to strengthen safety, occupational health, and training programmes.
* Serve as a trusted advisor to station leaders, ensuring consistent execution and continuous improvement of the Unifi Safety Management System.
* Lead proactive risk‑mitigation efforts, including Risk Assessments, Behaviour‑Based Safety Observations, and other EHSS initiatives that reinforce operational resilience.
* Influence and coach station management to embed best‑practice safety behaviours and ensure compliance across employee and aircraft/ground‑handling operations.
* Conduct independent, high‑rigour station audits to evaluate performance, identify gaps, and drive meaningful improvements.
* Oversee all accident and aircraft‑damage investigations, ensuring accurate root‑cause analysis, accountability, and corrective actions that deliver lasting change.
Required Qualifications
* 3-6 years of relevant experience with a proven record of leadership, execution, and cross‑functional influence.
* Strong analytical judgement and the ability to manage multiple priorities with autonomy.
* Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems and guide teams through change.
* Excellent technical and business writing skills.
* Proficiency in Office 365 applications, including advanced Excel capability.
Preferred Qualifications
* Experience in airline or aviation operations, particularly in developing or managing safety or training programmes.
* Familiarity with UK, Ireland, and local EHS regulatory frameworks.
* Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS).
Work Environment
This role blends strategic oversight with hands‑on operational engagement. While office‑based work is performed in a semi‑private environment, station visits may involve exposure to outdoor weather conditions, active airfield environments, and operational equipment. Flexibility is essential, as travel up to 50% may be required, including occasional nights, weekends, and holidays.