Compliance & QA Lead

Compliance and Quality Assurance Lead Location: Bristol (Hybrid) Employment Type: Full-Time Travel Requirement: Up to 25% (UK and occasional international travel) Security Clearance: Active SC (required) Role Overview An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Compliance and Quality Assurance Lead to support the delivery of assurance and audit programmes within a major UK defence logistics transformation programme. This role requires a proactive and motivated professional who can operate effectively both independently and as part of a wider team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will contribute to ensuring compliance, quality standards, and audit excellence across a complex supply chain. The position is based in Bristol, with a hybrid working arrangement combining remote working and on-site presence as required. Key Responsibilities The Compliance and Quality Assurance Lead will be responsible for the following: Ensuring accurate material accounting within public stores accounts relating to Government Furnished Assets (GFA) Developing, managing, and maintaining a risk-based audit schedule for key subcontractors Leading and conducting subcontractor and supply chain audits in accordance with ISO standards and contractual requirements Supporting audit surveillance activities across key suppliers and partners Providing guidance to internal and external stakeholders on compliance requirements, including audit processes, policy updates, and contractual obligations Line management and development of a Quality Assurance Advisor within the compliance team Monitoring team performance and supporting continuous professional development Collecting, analysing, and reporting on performance metrics (KPIs) related to quality and asset management Acting as a delegate for senior compliance leadership when required, including representing the function at governance forums and meetings Supporting the implementation of quality and asset management plans in line with programme requirements Developing subject matter expertise in Quality Management Systems, ISO standards, and defence-specific regulations (e.g., AQAPs and Joint Service Publications)Required Skills and Experience Demonstrable experience in quality assurance and control within a complex operational environment Certification as an ISO 9001 Lead Auditor (or equivalent) Proven experience implementing corrective and preventative actions (CAPA) Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment UK citizenship Willingness and eligibility to obtain SC security clearance Flexibility to travel as requiredDesirable Skills and Experience Experience working within defence or government contract environments Familiarity with MOD standards, including AQAPs, Defence Standards, and Joint Service Publications Experience using tools such as Power BI, SharePoint, Jira, and Microsoft Office applications Active SC clearanceSecurity Requirements BPSS pre-employment screening is required Active SC clearance is mandatory for the role