SMS Architect Program Manager

Location: United States

The SMS Architect Program Manager builds, implements, and maintains the Safety Management System across mobility operations supporting a large driver workforce. Reporting to the Director of Mobility Safety, this role designs the SMS framework, leads safety risk and change management processes, and establishes standardized hazard identification, risk assessment, safety assurance, and continuous improvement practices. The position partners across Operations, Incident Management, EHS, HR, Training, and Legal to embed a proactive, data-driven safety culture aligned with FAA SMS, ICAO Annex 19, ISO 45001, and applicable partner requirements.

 

A Day in the Life: 

No two days are the same. You may begin by reviewing hazard reports and emerging trends, then facilitate a risk assessment, evaluate the effectiveness of an existing control, or coordinate a change management review. Throughout the day, you will partner with cross-functional leaders, track mitigation and corrective actions, refine safety metrics and dashboards, support SMS technology implementation, and translate complex safety requirements into practical processes and training. Your analytical approach, sound judgment, and ability to influence stakeholders will help strengthen accountability and advance a proactive safety culture. 

 

The starting salary for this role is $120,000, commensurate with experience and will vary by market.

What You’ll Do: 

• Design, implement, and maintain an SMS framework aligned with FAA SMS, ICAO Annex 19, ISO 45001, applicable partner requirements, and industry best practices
• Configure and administer the hazard reporting system; analyze submissions, identify trends, track actions, and close the loop with reporters
• Lead safety risk management activities, including risk assessments, change management reviews, mitigation prioritization, residual risk evaluation, and risk acceptance
• Perform safety assurance assessments to evaluate SMS effectiveness, validate controls, identify gaps, and drive corrective actions to closure
• Define leading and lagging safety indicators, develop dashboards, report results to leadership, and assess safety-culture maturity
• Create and deliver practical SMS training for employees and leaders on hazard reporting, risk assessment, risk acceptance, and SMS responsibilities
• Partner with Operations, Incident Management, EHS, HR, Training, and Legal to integrate SMS requirements into business processes and operational decisions
• Maintain the Safety Policy, SMS Manual, risk registers, procedures, and related process documentation
• Serve as project manager for onboarding and implementing SMS software and tools supporting enterprise-wide adoption
• Benchmark SMS practices, identify maturity gaps, and recommend improvements that strengthen safety performance and organizational learning

 

What We’re Looking For: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Safety, Engineering, Aviation, or a related field required
• Five or more years of experience in safety management, SMS implementation, or risk management, preferably within transportation, aviation, logistics, or another high-reliability industry
• Strong knowledge of recognized SMS frameworks, including FAA SMS, ICAO Annex 19, ISO 45001, or equivalent standards
• Experience with hazard reporting systems and risk assessment methodologies such as bow-tie analysis, FMEA, and risk matrices
• Strong facilitation and training skills, with the ability to design and deliver content for diverse audiences
• Analytical, data-driven approach and proficiency with safety metrics, trend analysis, and dashboards using Excel, Power BI, or similar tools
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex safety concepts for nontechnical stakeholders
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams, meet deadlines, and drive accountability
• IOSA Auditor certification or a comparable credential, such as SMS Auditor, ISO 45001 Lead Auditor, or Aviation Safety Auditor, is preferred
• Experience in mobility, rideshare, autonomous vehicles, fleet operations, or another rapidly evolving operational environment is preferred
• Familiarity with Samsara or a similar telematics or safety platform is preferred
• Experience leading organizational culture change or process transformation is preferred

 

What You’ll Get: 

• Paid Time Off 
• Medical, Dental & Vision plan options 
• Retirement programs, including 401(k) employer matching 
• Paid Parental Leave & Adoption Assistance 
• Employee Assistance Program for employees & family 
• Educational Reimbursement & Discounts 
• Voluntary Insurance Programs - Pet, Legal/Identity Theft, Critical Illness 
• Perks & Discounts –Theme Park Tickets, Gym Discounts & more 

About Us

The Hertz Corporation operates the Hertz, Dollar Car Rental, Thrifty Car Rental brands in approximately 9,700 corporate and franchisee locations throughout North America, Europe, The Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The Hertz Corporation is one of the largest worldwide airport general use vehicle rental companies, and the Hertz brand is one of the most recognized in the world.