Lead Auditor

Job Title: Lead Auditor

Location: Bedfordshire

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

The Role:

So, what will you be doing as a Lead Auditor …

To 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
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.

My client is keen to get this position filled ASAP, so if you feel you have the skills and desire to provide passion and drive as the next Lead Auditor, this is the opportunity for you!

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

So, if you are interested in joining a well-established, renowned, globally recognised organisation working with experts in their field as the next Lead Auditor, hit that apply button now!

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