Quality Assurance Management Lead Full Time NEW

Job Title: Quality Assurance Management Lead

Salary: Negotiable day rate dependent upon experience

Location: Corsham/ Hybrid (1-2 days per week on site)

Aeropeople are looking for a Quality Assurance Management Lead for our client based in Corsham.

This is a fixed term contract which will last until the end of March 2027 but may possibly be extended beyond this.

We are seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Management Lead to provide SATCOM programme‑level Quality Assurance leadership across a complex defence programme. The role will ensure that quality is planned, assured and governed in line with Government Quality Assurance (GQA) principles, JSP 940 (MOD Policy for Quality), relevant ISO standards, and Allied Quality Assurance Publications (AQAP). Sitting alongside programme leadership and delivery teams, the Quality Assurance Management Lead will provide an independent, risk‑based view of supplier and project performance, supporting the early identification of issues and risks to capability, service, system, equipment delivery, and quality.

The role will be hybrid working, with an expectation to be on site 1- 2 days per week but this can be negotiated. There is also the opportunity to work in a local office if this is more suitable. There may be additional travel requirements for specific client events.

Due to the nature of our client’s business within the Defence sector, suitable candidates must already hold current SC clearance.

Main Responsibilities:

Programme Quality Management:

• Provide programme‑level Quality Assurance Management in line with GQA, JSP 940, ISO, and AQAP requirements.
• Act as the focal point for quality assurance policy, governance and assurance activity across the programme.
• Promote a consistent and risk‑based approach to quality across projects and suppliers.
• Produce regular assessment reports on supplier and project quality performance.
• Provide clear, evidence-based insights to programme leadership to support informed decision making.

Quality Surveillance & Planning:

• Develop and maintain a Government Quality Assurance (GQA) Strategy and Implementation Plan aligned to programme objectives and risk profile.
• Define appropriate levels of quality surveillance across projects and suppliers, proportionate to risk and criticality.
• Ensure quality planning is embedded early in the lifecycle of projects and contracts.

Verification & Auditing:

• Support and coordinate project audits, quality reviews and process evaluations to assess compliance with MOD and/or Supplier Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Provide expert advice on audit findings, compliance gaps and improvement actions.
• Support assurance activity across suppliers delivering systems, equipment, services or software.

Defect Management:

• Ensure non‑conformances are identified, recorded and managed appropriately.
• Oversee the use of effective Root Cause Analysis techniques to understand underlying causes of defects and systemic issues.
• Ensure corrective and preventive actions are defined, implemented and tracked to closure.

Certification:

• Support the Certification of Conformity (CoC) process where required, providing assurance that delivered outputs meet contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Advise on certification evidence, assurance activities and quality records.

Benefits:

• Competitive day rate (PAYE)
• Holiday Pay
• 4% pension contributions
• Travel expenses paid
• Hotel accommodation paid
• Evening meal allowance

About You:

Essential:

• Proven experience in Quality Assurance Management within large, complex programmes, ideally in the defence, aerospace and/or communication sectors.
• Strong working knowledge of Government Quality Assurance, JSP 940, ISO standards and AQAP.
• Capable of holding a GQAR license from DD Quality Assurance.
• Experience of quality surveillance, audits, defect management and corrective action processes.
• Ability to identify and communicate quality risks clearly to senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills, with the ability to provide clear, evidence‑based assessments.
• Proactive: Anticipates needs, suggests actions and drives progress rather than waiting for direction.
• Resilient: Comfortable pushing for outcomes and maintaining focus where priorities shift.
• Objective: Provides independent, evidence‑based assurance and challenge when required.
• Credible: Able to challenge senior stakeholders constructively and with confidence.
• Collaborative: Works effectively across organisational boundaries, leaders and diverse teams

Desirable:

• Experience working within MOD, Defence Digital or similar government delivery environments.
• Knowledge of ways of working in MOD including KiD and GEAR.
• Experience of working with, or alongside, DQA‑FF or equivalent assurance bodies.
• Experience of providing assurance across complex supply chains delivering hardware, software and services.
• Knowledge of Satellite Communication Systems.

About Aeropeople:

Whether you’re looking for your next job or searching out the next superstar to join your team…

Aeropeople’s expertise and experience is entrenched in the aerospace, aviation, engineering, motorsport, automotive, and defence industries. We have the insight and know-how at both a local and international level to help bring people and businesses together, saving time and energy. Our capability is validated through our Engineering Services division specifically our Aircraft Line Maintenance services as well as our Aircraft Tooling Leasing service.

During registration, please let us know where you are currently located or which locations you would consider taking a position in, required salary and notice period.

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