Compliance Auditor

Location: Portsmouth

Contract: 3 month contract with the possibility of extension

Working Hours

• Monday to Thursday: 07:30 - 16:15
• Friday: 07:30 - 16:00
• Every other Friday is a non-working day

Immediate start available.

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Compliance Auditor to join a leading aerospace manufacturing organisation supporting both commercial and defence sectors.

This role is responsible for independently assessing and monitoring compliance with CAA Part 21G, UK CAA Part 145, EASA Part 145, and AS9100 Rev D requirements. You will play a key role in maintaining the effectiveness of the organisation's Quality Management System (QMS), Compliance Monitoring System, and Safety Management System (SMS).

The successful candidate will conduct internal audits, identify non-conformities and opportunities for improvement, verify corrective actions, and support regulatory and customer audits to ensure ongoing compliance across manufacturing, maintenance, and business operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct and report internal compliance audits against regulatory, industry, and company requirements.
• Verify compliance with Production Organisation Approval (POA) and Maintenance Organisation Approval (MOA) requirements.
• Assess the effectiveness of the QMS, Compliance Monitoring System, and SMS.
• Identify, document and communicate non-conformities, observations and improvement opportunities.
• Monitor corrective and preventive actions resulting from audits, customer findings and regulatory observations.
• Support customer and regulatory audits, including preparation, coordination and evidence gathering.
• Review procedures, manuals, forms and records to ensure continued compliance.
• Conduct process-based audits across manufacturing, maintenance, stores, supply chain, inspection and support functions.
• Support Management of Change activities from a quality and compliance perspective.
• Provide guidance to operational teams on regulatory and quality compliance requirements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance quality, compliance and operational performance.
• Maintain audit schedules, records, reports and compliance metrics.

Essential Requirements

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Proven auditing experience within a Part 21G Production Organisation and/or UK CAA/EASA Part 145 approved organisation.
• Strong knowledge of CAA Part 21G, UK CAA Part 145, EASA Part 145 and AS9100 Rev D requirements.
• Experience conducting internal, process, product and system audits in an aerospace environment.
• Ability to interpret aviation regulations and apply them within operational settings.
• Experience managing audit findings, root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Sound understanding of Quality Management Systems, Compliance Monitoring Systems and Safety Management Systems.
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining objectivity and impartiality.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic quality management systems.

Desirable Experience

The following would be advantageous:

• Experience within both aerospace manufacturing (Part 21G) and aircraft maintenance (Part 145) environments.
• Previous involvement in CAA, EASA, FAA, customer or third-party certification audits.
• Knowledge of EASA Part 21 Subpart G and associated guidance material.
• Experience auditing special processes, supply chain activities and product conformity requirements.
• Understanding of aviation safety risk management and Safety Management Systems.
• Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing processes, configuration management and airworthiness requirements.
• Experience using quality management and audit management software.
• Knowledge of Human Factors requirements applicable to Part 145 organisations.
• Continuous improvement experience using Lean, Six Sigma or similar methodologies.

Qualifications

Essential

• Recognised Lead Auditor qualification (AS9100, ISO 9001 or equivalent).
• Minimum of five years' experience within an aerospace quality, compliance or regulatory environment.
• Formal auditor training with practical auditing experience.
• Strong understanding of aviation regulatory frameworks and quality management principles.
• Full right to work in the UK.
• Willingness to travel between company sites when required.

Desirable

• AS9100 Rev D Lead Auditor certification.
• IRCA, CQI or equivalent recognised Lead Auditor qualification.
• Formal training in CAA Part 21G and/or UK CAA/EASA Part 145 regulations.
• Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Management or a related discipline.
• Human Factors training relevant to Part 145 organisations.
• Root Cause Analysis and Continuous Improvement qualifications such as 8D, 5 Why or Six Sigma Green Belt.
• Safety Management System (SMS) training within an aviation environment.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Compliance Auditor who can work collaboratively across the business while maintaining independence and professional integrity. You will be passionate about quality, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement, helping to ensure the highest standards are maintained across the organisation.

If you have a strong aerospace compliance background and are looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.