Job Title: Lead Auditor
Location: Bedfordshire
Rate: £50,000 pa pro rata (6 month FTC)
The Role
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.
You will need to have the ability to obtain SC level security clearance.