Training & SMS Manager

This position is with Pacific Aero Tech, one of Gardner Standard's portfolio companies. Pacific Aero Tech is an FAA-certified aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organization located in Kent, Washington. Position Summary The Training & SMS Manager is responsible for the oversight, administration, and continuous improvement of the organization's Training Program and Safety Management System (SMS). This role ensures full compliance with regulatory and company requirements (including 14 CFR Part 145, as applicable), while driving measurable improvements in workforce competency, process adherence, safety culture, and operational performance. This position works cross-functionally with Production, Quality, and executive leadership to ensure training effectiveness, regulatory readiness, and proactive safety risk management. Key Responsibilities Training Program Management Administer and oversee all training procedures and personnel in accordance with the approved Training Manual and applicable regulatory requirements. Maintain and control the Master Course List, ensuring all approved courses and instructors are current. Review new course proposals and incorporate them into the training program when appropriate. Develop, revise, and control all course curricula to ensure technical accuracy and regulatory compliance. Create new OJT and regulatory training courses as changes occur (e.g., manual revisions, new equipment, process/tool changes, expanded capabilities). Ensure initial, recurrent, and OJT training are executed effectively and consistently across the organization. Strategically plan OJT activities with Production leadership to prevent skill gaps and minimize operational disruption. Conduct Approved Instructor examinations and maintain an up-to-date instructor roster. Ensure training assessments are conducted at defined intervals and initiate remedial training as required. Maintain both digital and physical training records in an audit-ready state at all times. Update SME/Instructor identification and signage on the shop floor. Recommend improvements to the Training Manual and training practices. Training Effectiveness & Performance Monitoring Develop and implement controls to ensure effective communication of training activities across departments. Measure, track, and present training KPIs to demonstrate program efficiency and effectiveness. In coordination with the Quality Manager, analyze in-process rejects, audit findings, scrap, and fallout trends to adjust curricula and strengthen competency gaps. Use data-driven methods to continuously improve training outcomes and workforce proficiency. Safety Management System (SMS) Leadership Develop, maintain, and continuously improve the organization's SMS training program (initial and recurrent). Embed SMS principles and safety culture messaging into daily operations. Chair the SMS Committee review process and manage the day-to-day operation of the SMS program. Coordinate Safety Risk Management (SRM) and Safety Assurance activities across all functional areas. Develop, implement, monitor, and report Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs) to assess SMS health and effectiveness. Maintain the SMS hazard tracking system and continuous improvement logs. Report SMS performance and risk status to the Accountable Executive and senior leadership. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Safety, Education, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience). Five years of experience in an FAA-regulated environment (e.g., Part 145 Repair Station). Working knowledge of Safety Management Systems and risk management principles. Experience developing and administering structured training programs. Strong understanding of regulatory compliance, audit preparedness, and record control. Demonstrated ability to analyze data and translate findings into actionable improvements. Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills. Core Competencies Regulatory Compliance & Audit Readiness Instructional Design & Adult Learning Principles #J-18808-Ljbffr Gardner Standard LLC