Purpose
The Team Leader will effectively manage the day to day running of all aspects of the Test Facility, providing a clear communication to staff and providing periodic updates to the Test Facility Manager.
This role is heavily focused on compliance and working within strict regulations. It is expected that the Team Leader shall be acquainted with and/or learn the relevant specifications needed to ensure that compliance is maintained always.
The Fire Testing Laboratory is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and this will form part of the Team Leaders duties.
This role is both internal and external customer facing, and strong communicational skills are essential.
Key Responsibilities
General:
* The Team Leader is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Test Facility and their Team Members, including but not limited to performance, roles and responsibilities, goal setting, coaching and competently handling any conflict management in a fair and constructive manner.
* The Team Leader shall maintain and continuously improve, (where possible), an already established skills matrix ensuring that training / competency assessments are kept up-to-date and the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 are met where applicable.
* The Team Leader will be responsible for effectively maintaining a robust laboratory calibration program, ensuring that ALL equipment that is used to perform testing is kept in good working order and is calibrated at regular, defined intervals and in line with ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
* The Team Leader shall ensure the effective communication with the Laboratory’s external customers, ensuring that agreed lead times are met, and any queries (existing or new) from customers are responded to in a timely manner.
* The Team Leader shall assist the Test Facility Manager (where required) in the laboratory’s specific annual audits which include, but are not limited to, UKAS, Nadcap and Airbus. The overall business is also subject to audits from the CAA and BSI, and the Laboratory will be expected to assist Operations in all aspects applicable to the Laboratory.
* Prioritise workload and generate schedules to provide regular updates both internally and externally.
* Periodically providing updates to the Test Facility Manager on the effectiveness of the Test Facility, raising any concerns and/or issues and presenting any ideas for improvement.
* Ensure that all HSE policies and procedures are adhered to and report any concerns to the HSE Manager.
Specific:
* The Team Leader will need to familiarise themselves with the procedures and policies of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and to ensure that where applicable, these requirements are met. External training conducted by UKAS will be provided to the right candidate.
* The Team Leader will also need to ensure that the Laboratory is working inline with its own internal Quality Management System, (where applicable).
Self-Management and People Management:
* The Team Leader will need to effectively be able to manage and organise their own workload with the Test Facility Manager communicating clear priorities where applicable.
* The Team Leader will instil a culture by where staff feel comfortable and heard, while feeling free to express their views and options related to specific tasks and duties but still respecting the Management structure.
* Manage all aspects of recruitment in support from the Test Facility Manager and HR.
NB: This list is not exhaustive of responsibilities but form the main part of what is required from the Team Leader and any other reasonable requests would also be included.
Key Performance Measures
To ensure that testing in all the laboratories is completed in a timely manner and to maintain a good relationship with the Laboratory’s customers, both internally and externally.
Ensuring where possible that the Laboratory achieves is financial budget set yearly by the Senior Leadership Team and communicating any risks associated with this to the Test Facility Manager.
To maintain an effective skills matrix program to ensure that staff are suitability trained and competent to perform their daily duties.
Ensuring that all aspects of calibrated equipment is maintained and equipment is kept in good working order.
Knowledge, Education, Skills and Experience
Essential Criteria:
* Strong communication skills and a proven track record successfully managing in a team environment.
* The ability to remain calm and be proactive in sometimes difficult situations.
* Excellent customer service skills
* Proficient using computers (i.e., using MS Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Teams etc).
* A flexible approach to working hours (where applicable and with reasonable requests).
* The ability to problem solve under tight time constraints (i.e., risk of being late to plan).
* To be able to read and understand technical drawings, regulations, quality management systems etc.
Desirable Criteria:
* Knowledge of Evolution or MRP systems
* Knowledge of aviation fire specifications (i.e., CS 25.853, FAA – Aircraft Materials Fire Test Handbook
* Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 - General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
Skills and competencies required
* Some knowledge of cabin interiors desirable, but not essential
* Understanding of Quality Management Systems
* Previous experience maintaining calibrated items / equipment / skills matrix
* Proficient using computers (i.e., using MS Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Teams etc).
* Previous experience managing a team
Key Relationships & Interaction
Internal Relationships & Interactions:
Test House Manager
Test House staff
Operations (Main site)
To communicate clearly and effectively any priorities, delays, issues, complaints etc, and to build a good working relationships with direct reports.
External Relationships & Interactions:
Customer facing via telephone, email, MS Teams and in person
To always ensure professionalism when communicating with customers
Other Material Requirements, such as location, working arrangements, travel requirement, etc
A positive attitude and the willingness to take on a big new challenge will greatly assist in becoming successful in this role. You will need to form strong relationships with staff to build trust and work well as a collective.
This role is fast paced, with elements that are technical based and requires someone who is adaptable to change, good at problem solving, while maintaining a proactive approach in a calm nature