Process & Compliance Lead

Process & Compliance Lead
Ampthill, Bedfordshire
Permanent | 37.5 hours | Four-day working week (Monday–Thursday)
Aerospace & Defence
Lead AS9100 Compliance in a Mission-Critical Engineering Environment
TXM Recruit is supporting a leading UK defence engineering organisation in the appointment of an experienced Process & Compliance Lead. This is a high-profile quality role focused on preparing the business for its forthcoming AS9100 Revision D recertification audit. You will assess existing systems, identify compliance gaps, and lead the corrective actions needed to achieve and maintain audit readiness. Working across engineering, manufacturing and operational functions, you will engage directly with process owners and senior leaders to strengthen the Quality Management System and embed sustainable improvements throughout the organisation.
The Opportunity
You will take ownership of audit readiness activities, providing clear direction and assurance across the business. Your responsibilities will include:
* Conducting a detailed gap analysis against AS9100 Revision D requirements.
* Producing structured reports identifying compliance risks and prioritised corrective actions.
* Developing and delivering risk-based internal audit schedules.
* Creating audit checklists aligned with AS9100 and business requirements.
* Conducting product, process, and Quality Management System audits.
* Assessing compliance through interviews, document reviews and workplace observations.
* Raising, managing, and tracking Non-Conformance Reports.
* Leading Root Cause Analysis using recognised quality methodologies.
* Defining, implementing, and verifying corrective and preventive actions.
* Monitoring the timely closure and effectiveness of corrective actions.
* Supporting process owners in resolving audit findings and improving compliance.
* Reporting audit readiness, risks, and improvement progress to senior management.
* Supporting the preparation and delivery of external certification audits.
* Contributing to continuous improvement across manufacturing and engineering processes.
About You
You will be an experienced quality and compliance professional with:
* Strong working knowledge of AS9100 Revision D.
* A recognised Lead Auditor qualification.
* Experience within a regulated manufacturing or engineering environment.
* Proven internal and external auditing experience.
* A strong understanding of Quality Management Systems.
* Practical experience in NCR and non-conformance management.
* Strong Root Cause Analysis and CAPA capability.
* The confidence to challenge existing processes constructively.
* Excellent analytical, reporting, and stakeholder-management skills.
* The ability to communicate effectively with operational teams and senior leadership.
Experience within aerospace, defence or another complex, highly regulated engineering sector would be particularly valuable.
Lean or Six Sigma certification and previous involvement in an AS9100 certification or recertification programme would also be advantageous.
Why Apply?
* Join a major UK defence engineering programme.
* Take a leading role in an important AS9100 recertification project.
* Influence quality and compliance across multiple business functions.
* Work on complex, mission-critical engineering activities.
* Benefit from an excellent four-day working week, Monday to Thursday.
* Access long-term career development within an advanced engineering environment.
Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be eligible for Security Clearance, with BPSS clearance required before starting