New Posting - Cougar Helicopters

Cougar Helicopters Inc., a division of the VIH Aviation Group, is currently looking for a Director of Quality & Safety based in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Director of Quality & Safety will maintain applicable regulatory awareness and promote understanding and open communication to provide a total quality management (TQM) as well as Safety Management System (SMS) environment for Cougar’s QASMS. This individual will ensure that QA/QC elements are implemented and correctly integrated to both Regulatory and Company requirements networking as necessary and that the SMS is implemented, maintained and supported throughout the organization in accordance with present and future regulation as well as industry best practice. Managing a divisional quality and safety team, the position shall lead a positive relationship for open and sound judgment on all quality and safety goals, verifying systems function as intended and mentoring awareness where necessary.

Where required under local regulations, the Director of Quality & Safety will serve as the nominated post-holder for safety.

Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Develop, promote, lead, and oversee strong corporate      Quality and HSE programs/systems for all locations.

• Ensure that necessary SMS elements have been developed, properly integrated, and coordinated regularly throughout the company to Executive levels as required. These elements include but are not limited to the following:

-        A safety incident/accident reporting system, investigating to root cause and verifying controls;

-        Accident/incident investigation maintaining data;

-        Evaluating, monitoring and advising on employee training matters;

-        Managing a full internal systems evaluation program applicable to a QASMS environment;

-        Regularly auditing the company for unsafe conditions and practices;

-        Review of external evaluation programs;

-        Safety Review Council Lead Member;

-        Immediate Client point of contact for all localized QASMS matters.

• Within the Company’s QASMS, proactively preserve industry insights and create team ethics in compliance with our commitment policies and procedures.
• Develop, implement, maintain and test records, systems, and processes for an efficient and appropriate TQM/SMS system.
• Provide information and guidance on meeting applicable laws, regulations, safety rules and policies to protect and demonstrate our Core Commitments internally and externally as necessary.
• Champion the Company’s SMS and Just Culture.

• Monitor progress, highlight deficiencies and implement      corrective action.
• Partner with management and employees to continuously      improve HSE culture, awareness and accountability.
• Ensure audit compliance standards are met on a regular      basis.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation within      operating jurisdictions.
• Identify quality and HSE training requirements and      oversee the development of training programs.
• Serve as a key liaison with the third party      representatives concerning departmental issues.
• Manage departmental budget and personnel.
• Build competency of key direct reports, and establish a      succession plan for group.

 Position Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree/post-secondary education in related      discipline is required;
• Minimum 10+ years' experience in a Safety Management      position and 3-5 years' experience in a leadership role.
• Experience in an aviation flight operational      or technical environment is preferred but not essential.
• Canadian Registered Safety      Professional (CRSP) certification or similar recognized accreditation is      considered an asset.
• Experience in accident      prevention and investigation.
• Previous experience      participating, conducting, documenting and responding to client audits.
• Proficient in      examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy      and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Proficient with MS office software.

 Specific Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong leadership skills and ability to influence      others.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of the      organization.
• Must be skilled and knowledgeable in hazard and      exposure identification, auditing and inspections; conducting EHS      training; OHS record-keeping and reporting, and related governmental      reporting requirements.
• Demonstrate sound knowledge of TQM/SMS systems      and Human Factors.
• Ability to collate, transpose and disseminate      data trends from audits and process performances.
• Must be able to work independently and as a      team with a large and varied workload.
• Competent compiling detailed      reports for regulatory purposes.
• Possess excellent      organizational, presentation, communication, and public speaking skills.
• Proven problem solving, analytical and decision making      skills.
• Well organized, self-motivated.
• Ability to adapt well to fast-paced environments with      changing circumstances, direction, and strategy.
• Ability to travel on a regular basis.
• Strong report writing skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.

Resumes may be forwarded to Human Resources by Fax (709) 758-4934 or emailed to hr@cougar.ca.  Please attach a resume in the form of PDF or Microsoft word document and identify your interest in the position by stating the Subject line: “Application for Director of Safety and Quality”.  Deadline for submission of resume is August 15, 2014.  An in-person interview will be required where credentials will be verified.  Salary is negotiable. 

Cougar Helicopters Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We appreciate the interest of all candidates, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.