Safety & Compliance Manager – Post Holder
Brinkley Aerospace is part of Hartzell Propeller, a global leader in advanced aircraft systems and a key business within Signia Aerospace. This recent acquisition marks a significant step up in capability, scale, and long-term strategic growth.
Operating from our Part 145 approved facility in Biggleswade, Brinkley Aerospace specialises in the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) of propellers, landing gear, and aircraft components, alongside in-house and on-wing NDT services.
With the backing of a global aerospace group, we are entering a new phase of growth -expanding our technical capabilities, strengthening regulatory excellence, and positioning ourselves as a European centre of excellence for general aviation component MRO.
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Safety & Compliance Manager to join our senior leadership team. This is a high-impact role responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, driving safety culture, and aligning Brinkley Aerospace’s management systems with both Part 145 requirements and the broader expectations of a global aerospace organisation.
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape and mature compliance and safety systems within a growing organisation now supported by world-class aerospace governance, resources, and best practice frameworks. The successful applicant will report directly to the Managing Director (with functional alignment to Group Quality & Safety leadership within Signia Aerospace).
This role will require you to develop, lead, monitor and continuously improve the Safety Management System (SMS) and Compliance Monitoring System (CMS), ensuring:
* Full compliance with UK CAA / EASA Part 145 requirements
* Effective risk management and just culture maturity
* Alignment with group-level quality, safety, and regulatory expectations
* Sustained approval status and audit readiness
Key Responsibilities
Day to day activities to include but are not limited to:
1. Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
* Develop and maintain the Compliance Monitoring Plan (CMP) across all Part 145 activities
* Ensure ongoing compliance with Part 145, and associated regulatory frameworks
* Act as primary interface with the UK CAA, EASA and other regulatory authorities
* Lead regulatory audits and ensure effective closure of findings
· Audit & Assurance
* Develop and execute the internal audit programme
* Conduct compliance and quality audits across all operational areas
* Lead audit opening/closing meetings and manage reporting outputs
* Drive robust root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventative actions (CAPA)
· Safety Management System (SMS)
* Lead hazard identification, risk assessment, and safety investigations
* Classify and manage occurrence reporting (internal and mandatory)
* Facilitate Management of Change (MoC) processes
* Promote and embed Just Culture principles
· Leadership & Continuous Improvement
* Coach Responsible Managers in regulatory compliance and best practice
* Support a culture of continuous improvement aligned with group expectations
* Drive readiness for AS9100 and Nadcap accreditation pathways
* Align local processes with group-level standards and governance frameworks
· Training & Competence
* Develop and oversee the technical and regulatory training programme
* Ensure competence frameworks are defined and maintained
* Manage authorisations for certifying staff and Form 1 signatories
· Supply Chain & Subcontract Oversight
* Audit and monitor subcontracted organisations
* Ensure compliance with approval, capability, and contractual requirements
* Integrate suppliers into the Brinkley management system where required
· Quality System Governance
* Maintain control of quality records and technical documentation
* Ensure manuals, procedures, and publications are current and compliant
* Monitor effectiveness of the Quality & Safety Management Systems
Essential Experience
* Proven experience in a Part 145 Safety & Compliance / Quality Manager role
* Strong working knowledge of EASA / UK CAA regulatory frameworks
* Demonstrable experience managing audits and regulatory interfaces
* Experience implementing and maintaining Safety Management Systems
* KPI Data Analysis including trend analysis reporting monthly findings to Senior Management.
Technical Competence
* In-depth knowledge of:
* Part 145 / Part-M requirements
* Compliance monitoring and audit techniques
* Human factors and safety risk management
* Occurrence reporting systems
* Strong capability in root cause analysis and investigation
* Data and trend analysis.
Leadership Capability
* Ability to influence at senior leadership level
* Strong communication skills across operational and executive stakeholders
* High levels of integrity, objectivity, and professional judgement
Personal Attributes
* Detail-oriented with strong analytical capability
* Self-motivated and able to operate autonomously
* Comfortable operating within a growing organisation undergoing transformation
* Willing to travel (UK and international)
* Flexibility and ability to manage varying demands and workloads, while maintaining a high level of attention to detail and accuracy
* Excellent communication and literacy skills, with the ability to articulate complex information clearly and effectively to stakeholders at all levels.
* Strong IT skills and the ability to use IT systems to support safety and compliance monitoring activities
By joining Brinkley Aerospace (Part of Signia Aerospace) you will:
* Be part of a globally recognised aerospace group
* Play a key role in shaping a centre of excellence in European GA MRO
* Access to group-level best practices, systems, and leadership networks
* Opportunity to influence strategic growth, compliance maturity, and culture
* Work within a business that combines entrepreneurial agility with global backing
Terms & Conditions
* Full-time, permanent position
* 40 hours per week (primarily Monday–Friday, 08:00–17:00; flexibility required)
* Salary: Competitive and dependent on experience
Additional Information
This role description reflects the current scope of responsibilities but may evolve in line with organisational growth and integration into Signia Aerospace systems and standards.