Compliance & QA Lead

Compliance and Quality Assurance Lead Location: Bristol (Hybrid)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Travel Requirement: Up to 25% (UK and occasional international travel)
Security Clearance: Active SC (required)
Role Overview An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Compliance and Quality Assurance Lead to support the delivery of assurance and audit programmes within a major UK defence logistics transformation programme.
This role requires a proactive and motivated professional who can operate effectively both independently and as part of a wider team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will contribute to ensuring compliance, quality standards, and audit excellence across a complex supply chain.
The position is based in Bristol, with a hybrid working arrangement combining remote working and on-site presence as required.
Key Responsibilities The Compliance and Quality Assurance Lead will be responsible for the following:

Ensuring accurate material accounting within public stores accounts relating to Government Furnished Assets (GFA)
Developing, managing, and maintaining a risk-based audit schedule for key subcontractors
Leading and conducting subcontractor and supply chain audits in accordance with ISO standards and contractual requirements
Supporting audit surveillance activities across key suppliers and partners
Providing guidance to internal and external stakeholders on compliance requirements, including audit processes, policy updates, and contractual obligations
Line management and development of a Quality Assurance Advisor within the compliance team
Monitoring team performance and supporting continuous professional development
Collecting, analysing, and reporting on performance metrics (KPIs) related to quality and asset management
Acting as a delegate for senior compliance leadership when required, including representing the function at governance forums and meetings
Supporting the implementation of quality and asset management plans in line with programme requirements
Developing subject matter expertise in Quality Management Systems, ISO standards, and defence-specific regulations (e.g., AQAPs and Joint Service Publications)Required Skills and Experience
Demonstrable experience in quality assurance and control within a complex operational environment
Certification as an ISO 9001 Lead Auditor (or equivalent)
Proven experience implementing corrective and preventative actions (CAPA)
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
UK citizenship
Willingness and eligibility to obtain SC security clearance
Flexibility to travel as requiredDesirable Skills and Experience
Experience working within defence or government contract environments
Familiarity with MOD standards, including AQAPs, Defence Standards, and Joint Service Publications
Experience using tools such as Power BI, SharePoint, Jira, and Microsoft Office applications
Active SC clearanceSecurity Requirements
BPSS pre-employment screening is required
Active SC clearance is mandatory for the role
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed