Quality Inspection Team Leader

Aerospace; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Cheltenham seeks an experienced Inspection and Certifying Staff Leader to oversee compliance with CAA regulations and lead the inspection team. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, knowledge of aviation regulations, and the ability to promote continuous improvement. Responsibilities include managing inspections, training staff, and liaising with regulatory authorities. This role offers competitive benefits and supports flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Non-contributory Pension

Life Assurance

Group income protection

Private medical cover

Flexible holiday options

Qualifications

• Experience in Quality or Operations leadership.
• Working knowledge of CAA regulations and AS9100/ISO9001.
• Experience in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of inspectors and certifying staff.
• Ensure compliance with Part 21 regulations.
• Promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership in Quality or Operations

Knowledge of CAA regulations

Lean manufacturing principles

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Relevant technical education or degree

Job description

Job Description Summary

Based at our Global Headquarters in Gloucester UK, Dowty (a GE Aerospace company) are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Inspection and Certifying Staff Leader to lead our UK inspection team. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the inspection and certification processes in compliance with CAA Part 21 regulations. This role ensures that all manufacturing activities meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance and will lead the team in helping Dowty in pursuit of it goals and ambitions.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of inspectors and certifying staff
• Utilise GE LEAN FLIGHT DECK principles and daily management in an inspection environment
• Promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement within the inspection and certification team including identification of opportunities for improvement projects
• Provide guidance, training, and support to ensure team members are competent and compliant with regulatory requirements
• Ability to hire and develop talent inclusive of creating succession pathways to ensure business continuity resulting in ensuring no single point failures in team
• Ensure all inspection and certification activities comply with Part 21 regulations
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes and implement necessary adjustments to processes and procedures
• Liaise with and support regulatory authorities and represent the company during audits and inspections both internally and externally
• Ownership of root cause corrective actions reducing CoPQ
• Autonomy to make decisions within the cell in line with business targets and framework.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Relevant technical education or degree with experience in Quality or Operations leadership
• Working knowledge of CAA regulations
• Working knowledge of AS9100/ISO9001 requirements
• In depth understanding of AS9102
• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Understanding and application of complex technical drawings
• Experience in business system use and development
• Understanding of inspection methodologies and techniques
• Previous experience in an Operations or Quality function within a manufacturing or engineering organisation
• Experience of implementing daily management within an area of operation
• Customer focused and understanding of customer needs
• Good interpersonal and team skills
• Demonstrated performance of effective problem‑solving skills.

Flexible Working

GE Aviation supports and encourages flexible working arrangements, where possible, and recognises the benefits to employees of having a positive work‑life balance.

Total Reward

At GE Aviation we understand the importance of Total Reward. Our flexible benefits plan, called FlexChoice, gives you freedom, choice and flexibility in the way you receive your benefits, as well as giving you the opportunity to make savings where possible.

As a new joiner to GE we are pleased to be able to offer you the following as default in your benefit fund, which you then can tailor to meet your individual needs;

• Non‑contributory Pension
• Life Assurance
• Group income protection
• Private medical cover
• Holiday Hourly equivalent of 26 days, with flexible option to buy or sell.

Security Clearance

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Please note that in the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security. Please see the link below for further details regarding the requirements for BPSS clearance: BPSS

Right to Work

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, under the applicable UK immigration rules as may be in place from time to time, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available to take up the post. For further information please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No