Lead Quality Specialist

Job Description Summary Reporting directly to the Cheltenham Lead Quality Engineer, this role will have primary accountability for the GE Cheltenham’s Site Quality Management System. You will build on demonstrated experience of Aerospace Regulations and requirements to support the wider quality team and work on improvement initiatives, providing a daily conduit between Site Quality Leadership and Cell based activities. You will also have ownership and management of key Quality and Compliance metrics and proactively drive the continuous improvement of performance through hands-on engagement with the cross-functional team. The Cheltenham facility is a hub of innovation for avionics and electrical power systems. As a centre of excellence, it designs, develops, and manufactures advanced avionics systems, flight management solutions, and electrical power technologies for both commercial and military aircraft. Cheltenham’s focus on cutting-edge solutions underpins the safety, efficiency, and performance of aircraft worldwide while fostering local expertise and contributing to the UK’s aerospace industry. Job Description Compliance Quality Management System Engage, support, and lead external audits in cell by our Customers and Regulators. Coordinate timely responses to internal quality issues and coordinate quality related activities on the shop floor. Support creation, processing, approval, verification, and closure of Non-Conformances. They will be an integral part of the Quality Leadership Team and have influence and responsibilities for Cell based activities to ensure system compliance and its correlation into the QMS by means of training, audit and GEMBA (with the guidance from the Lead Quality Engineer as applicable) They will support the Lead Quality Engineer and coordinate shop personnel covering all areas of Quality, including, but not limited to regulatory compliance. Driving product, process, and compliance improvement through their Production Cell Collaborate with the Lead Quality Engineer to support strategy development for Quality reporting of metrics and regulatory performance monthly (defect analysis and reporting, spot audit performance, competence training etc). Authorisation Control Manage and support stamp authorisation applications, and associated ‘on the job training’ to maintain compliant and effective Personnel Competency Assist with independent investigations into Human Factors, Quality Alerts, Corrective Actions, Notice of Escape, and Red Card, as required. Improvement Represent the Quality function at the Value Stream Daily Management Meetings, taking ownership and responsibility of assigned quality actions Escalate non-compliance identified on the shop floor to Quality Leadership Support development and maintenance of the Company’s Safety Management System (SMS) Develop and Deliver awareness and training sessions to support ongoing business operations or specific regulatory requirements Audit Conduct Internal Audits as assigned for System, Product and Process across site as directed by Team Leader / Audit Coordinator. Monitor and mentor employee’s awareness of FOD, ESD, Calibration, SMS and other Aerospace regulatory requirements Conduct Spot Check audits and One-to-One competence interviews with the shop-floor personnel Culture Ownership, management, and communication of Quality Metrics through standard operating rhythm Conduct ‘Walk the Floor’ audits and reporting of identified issues through standard operating rhythm, adjusting cadence as necessary in response to non-compliance findings Lead and coordinate response to QA queries and escalations from daily operating rhythm Develop and maintain effective visual and verbal communication of QA activities such as procedural changes, audit findings and any industry recognised regulatory requirements Any other activities in support of compliance, losses and audit readiness as assigned by Quality Leadership Minimum Requirements Strong experience in Aviation Manufacturing Detailed working knowledge and/or experience of Aviation Regulations and Standards from bodies including CAA, EASA, FAA and CAAC Ability to work independently and as part of a team and to work to timescales, achieve personal deadlines and contribute to team objectives. Ability to energise teams and create an engaging work environment, promoting inclusiveness. Acute attention to detail with good verbal and written communication skills Interpersonal communication & facilitation skills whilst remaining extremely motivated, flexible, and determined Ability to consider the external impact of business activities and decisions on customers, market/industry, investors, media, government, and communities including Safety Management Systems and Human Factors Competent IT skills, including interaction with operational business management systems, alongside Microsoft Office applications Strong Coaching and mentoring skills Demonstrated ability to analyse and resolve problems. Lead Auditor or significant current aerospace audit experience Competent IT skills, including interaction with operational business management systems, alongside Microsoft Office applications Desired Characteristics Experience in Production/Maintenance Quality and/or Quality Assurance Understanding and/or application of requirements for Certified release of product Degree or HNC/HND Qualified in an Aerospace related subject Understanding/application of structured problem solving and Root Cause Analysis techniques Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills Strong interpersonal, influencing and leadership skills Experience of Oracle, Proficy and TipQA IT systems Flexible Working GE supports and encourages flexible working arrangements, where possible, and recognises the benefits to employees of having a positive work-life balance. Total Reward At GE Aerospace we understand the importance of Total Reward. Our flexible benefits plan, called FlexChoice, gives you freedom, choice and flexibility in the way you receive your benefits, as well as giving you the opportunity to make savings where possible. As a new joiner to GE we are pleased to be able to offer you the following as default in your benefit fund, which you then can tailor to meet your individual needs; Pension Bonus Life Assurance Group income protection Private medical cover Security Clearance Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Please note that in the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security. Please see the link below for further details regarding the requirements for BPSS clearance: BPSS Right to Work Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, under the applicable UK immigration rules as may be in place from time to time, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available to take up the post. For further information please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. Additional Information Relocation Assistance Provided: No