Lead Auditor

Job Title: Lead Auditor

Location: Bedfordshire

Rate: £50,000 pa pro rata (6 month FTC)

Role Overview

So, what will you be doing as a Lead Auditor? You will support the successful preparation and delivery of the AS9100 Rev D recertification audit by assessing current quality management systems, identifying gaps, and ensuring compliance across all business processes. The role will drive audit readiness, corrective actions, and continuous improvement activities within a dynamic defence engineering environment.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Management & Compliance

• Conduct detailed gap analysis between existing processes and AS9100 Rev D requirements
• Produce structured reports highlighting non‑compliance areas and prioritised corrective actions
• Ensure all documentation and quality records meet regulatory and organisational standards

Audit Planning & Execution

• Develop and deliver internal audit schedules covering product, process, and management systems
• Create audit checklists aligned to AS9100 requirements
• Conduct audits through interviews, documentation reviews, and on‑site observations
• Evaluate effectiveness and compliance of systems and processes

Non‑Conformance & Corrective Action Management

• Raise, manage, and track Non‑Conformance Reports (NCRs)
• Lead root cause analysis activities using recognised methodologies
• Define, implement, and verify corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs)
• Ensure timely closure and effectiveness of all corrective actions

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work collaboratively with process owners and operational teams to resolve findings
• Provide guidance on compliance requirements and quality standards
• Facilitate discussions to support implementation of improvements

Audit Readiness & Reporting

• Monitor and report progress against audit readiness plans
• Present audit status, risks, and improvement activities to senior management
• Support external audit preparation and execution

Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to ongoing quality improvements across manufacturing and engineering processes
• Support development and refinement of inspection, testing, and evaluation methods

Required Skills

• Strong working knowledge of AS9100 Revision D
• Proven experience as a Lead Auditor within a regulated environment
• Demonstrable experience in internal and external auditing
• Experience with quality management systems in manufacturing/engineering
• Root cause analysis and CAPA processes
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Effective stakeholder engagement and communication abilities

Desirable Skills

• Certification in Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies
• Experience within the aerospace, defence, or complex engineering sectors

You will need to have the ability to obtain SC level security clearance.

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