Bedfordshire
Aerospace MRO | Part 145 | Safety Leadership | Regulatory Compliance
Full-Time | Permanent
Our client, a growing aerospace MRO organisation based in Bedfordshire, is seeking an experienced and proactive Safety & Compliance Manager to join their senior leadership team during an exciting phase of growth and operational transformation.
Recently becoming part of a globally recognised aerospace group, the business is investing heavily in regulatory excellence, operational maturity, and long-term strategic growth within the general aviation maintenance sector. This is a high-impact opportunity for an experienced aerospace compliance professional to play a key role in shaping safety culture, governance standards, and compliance systems within a Part 145 approved environment.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the successful candidate will take ownership of the organisation’s Safety Management System (SMS) and Compliance Monitoring System (CMS), ensuring ongoing compliance with UK CAA / EASA Part 145 requirements while supporting the wider integration into a larger global aerospace group structure.
This role offers significant visibility and influence across operational, engineering, quality, and leadership teams and would suit someone who thrives within evolving aerospace environments undergoing growth and transformation.
Key Responsibilities Regulatory Compliance & Governance
Ensure ongoing compliance with UK CAA / EASA Part 145 requirements and associated regulatory frameworks
Develop and maintain the Compliance Monitoring Plan (CMP)
Act as the primary interface with regulatory authorities including the UK CAA and EASA
Maintain sustained approval status and ensure ongoing audit readiness across all operational areasAudit & Compliance Monitoring
Develop and execute the internal audit programme
Conduct compliance, quality, and process audits across the organisation
Lead audit opening and closing meetings
Drive robust Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Corrective & Preventive Actions (CAPA)
Manage audit findings through to effective closure
Safety Management System (SMS)
Lead hazard identification, risk assessment, and safety investigations
Manage occurrence reporting systems and safety trend analysis
Facilitate Management of Change (MoC) activities
Promote and embed Just Culture principles across the organisation
Leadership & Continuous Improvement
Coach and support Responsible Managers on regulatory compliance and best practice
Drive continuous improvement initiatives aligned with group governance standards
Support AS9100 and Nadcap readiness initiatives
Influence operational maturity, compliance standards, and organisational safety culture
Training, Competence & Technical Governance
Oversee technical and regulatory training programmes
Maintain competence frameworks and certifying staff authorisations
Ensure technical records, manuals, procedures, and publications remain current and compliant
Supplier & Subcontract Oversight
Audit and monitor subcontracted organisations and external suppliers
Ensure supplier compliance with approval, capability, and contractual requirements
Support integration of suppliers into the wider management system
Candidate Requirements Essential Experience
Proven experience within a Part 145 Safety & Compliance / Quality leadership role
Strong working knowledge of UK CAA / EASA regulatory frameworks
Demonstrable experience managing regulatory audits and authority relationships
Experience implementing and maintaining Safety Management Systems (SMS)
Strong understanding of:
Part 145 / Part-M requirements
Compliance monitoring systems
Audit and investigation methodologies
Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and CAPA processes
Human factors and safety risk management
Occurrence reporting systems
Experience producing KPI and trend analysis reporting for senior leadership teams
Personal Attributes
Strong leadership and stakeholder management capability
Excellent communication skills across operational and executive teams
High levels of integrity, objectivity, and professional judgement
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Self-motivated with the ability to operate autonomously
Comfortable working within a growing aerospace organisation undergoing transformation
What’s on Offer
Opportunity to join a growing aerospace organisation backed by a major global aerospace group
High-impact leadership role with strategic influence across the business
Exposure to world-class aerospace governance and operational best practices
Long-term career development and progression opportunities
Competitive salary package dependent on experience
Full-time permanent position based in Bedfordshire
Monday – Friday working pattern with flexibility required
UK and occasional international travel
This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced aerospace compliance professional looking to play a defining role in the next phase of growth, operational maturity, and regulatory excellence within a dynamic aerospace MRO environment
Salary description
£60000.00 - £80000.00 per year