Head of Quality and Safety

Permanent – Full time Location: Newport | Hybrid Salary - Competitive with a competitive benefits package

About AerFin

AerFin is breathing new life into aviation. We buy, sell, lease and repair aircraft, engines, and parts to maximise the value for their owners and provide a lower-cost supply of material to our airline, lessor and MRO customers. Through our deep technical expertise and high-performance culture, we deliver confidence-inspiring quality, safety and value to our customers. Our blend of industry expertise and experience – today’s insight and tomorrow’s foresight – gives us a unique perspective on our industry that is trusted by over 600 customers across six continents. With regional hubs in Europe, Asia and the USA we’re perfectly placed to keep fleets flying and get deals done. That’s the AerFin way. That’s the way ahead.

About the Role

The Head of Quality and Safety is a key leadership position responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, airworthiness, and workplace safety across the organisation. This role provides strategic and operational oversight of the Quality Management System (QMS), Health & Safety programs, and the Safety Management System (SMS), with direct accountability for compliance with EASA/CAA Part 145 requirements. Reporting to the COO and working closely with the Accountable Manager, the Head of Quality and Safety leads the assurance framework that underpins safe, compliant, and efficient operations in line with regulatory expectations and company objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Quality and Health & Safety functions, ensuring alignment with business and regulatory requirements.
• Act as the primary point of contact for competent authorities (e.g., EASA, CAA, FAA & ISO ) on all matters relating to quality, compliance, and safety.
• Maintain and develop the company’s MOE and associated manuals to ensure compliance with Part 145 requirements.
• Oversee the effective implementation and continuous improvement of the Safety Management System (SMS) across the organisation.
• Plan, execute, and follow up on internal and external audits, inspections, and compliance monitoring activities.
• Report on compliance and safety performance to the Accountable Manager and COO
• Drive root cause analysis and the effective closure of non-conformities, incidents, and safety reports.
• Ensure training and competence programs for all staff are robust, current, and aligned to regulatory requirements.
• Develop and promote a positive safety and compliance culture across all business functions.
• Manage and mentor a team of Quality and Safety professionals

You will ideally need the following:

• Extensive experience in a Part 145 Quality organisation within aviation MRO
• In-depth knowledge of EASA/CAA Part 145, Part M/Part CAMO, and associated regulatory frameworks
• Demonstrated leadership of Safety Management Systems (SMS).
• Recognised Lead Auditor qualification.
• Strong understanding of aviation Health & Safety management, ideally NEBOSH qualified (or equivalent).
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage at all levels of the organisation and with regulators.
• Proven track record of building, leading, and developing high-performing compliance and safety teams.
• Relevant qualifications in Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Management, or a related discipline.

In return we offer:

• Discretionary Bonus Scheme
• Flexible working, ability to work between home and the office
• Volunteering Leave
• Life Assurance
• Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Scheme
• 27 days of annual leave with an option to buy or sell an additional 5 days per year
• Electric Vehicle Leasing Scheme
• Social events and much more