Technical Assurance Lead (Defence Operations)

Tax-Efficient Income | Accommodation & Meals Provided | Gym & Sports Facilities | Return Flights | Professional Development | Unique Lifestyle

This is a unique opportunity to work in a live Defence environment on Ascension Island, supporting aircraft movements and the operational services that sit behind them.

The role will provide technical assurance and compliance support across Airfield Operations, Visiting Aircraft Handling Services (VAHS), Mechanical Transport (MT), Motor Transport Mechanical Services (MTMS) and the General Engineering Section (GES).

We are looking for someone with strong technical assurance and compliance experience who can hit the ground running, quickly understand the operational environment and work confidently with managers, supervisors, military personnel, client representatives and auditors.

• What You'll Get
• Tax-efficient income
• Free accommodation and meals
• Return flights to the UK
• 40 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Access to gym, swimming pool and sports facilities
• 5% Site Allowance and 10% Tour Bonus
• Professional development opportunities
• 24-month fixed-term contract

About the Role

The main focus of the role will be to ensure that aircraft movements and all associated activities are properly supported from a technical assurance and compliance perspective.

This will include checking that the required people, competencies, vehicles, equipment, maintenance records, procedures and supporting evidence are in place and that any gaps are identified and addressed before they impact operational delivery.

The role will also provide wider assurance support across operational services where required and provide supervisory cover during periods of leave or absence where the postholder is competent and authorised to do so.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical assurance and compliance oversight for aircraft movements and associated operational activities.
• Review operational readiness across VAHS, MT, MTMS, GES and Airfield Operations.
• Assure that vehicles, Ground Support Equipment, tools and specialist equipment are serviceable, maintained and supported by the correct records.
• Review maintenance, inspection, servicing, defect and competency records to ensure they are complete, current and auditable.
• Identify compliance gaps, recurring defects, documentation weaknesses or operational risks and ensure appropriate action is taken.
• Work closely with supervisors and managers to resolve technical and compliance issues before they affect service delivery.
• Support internal and external audits, inspections and assurance reviews, including the preparation and provision of supporting evidence.
• Track audit findings, corrective actions and technical assurance issues through to closure.
• Provide assurance across Mechanical Transport operations, fleet readiness, workshop activity and vehicle maintenance.
• Review the interface between MT and MTMS to ensure defects, repairs, servicing and vehicle availability are being effectively managed.
• Provide technical advice and assurance support to the Airfield Operations Manager and wider operational team.
• Present assurance findings clearly to internal management, client representatives, auditors and military stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate assurance records and provide clear evidence-based reporting.
• Support improvements to operational procedures, technical standards, documentation and compliance controls.
• Provide supervisory cover and appropriate sign off during periods of leave or absence where this falls within the postholder's competence and delegated authority.
• Support wider operational assurance activities as required by the business.
• What We Are Looking For
• Proven experience in technical assurance and compliance within a regulated operational environment.
• Experience working in aviation, airfield operations, military support, Mechanical Transport, engineering, fleet, workshop or a similar technical environment.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and confidence dealing with senior managers, clients, auditors and operational teams.
• Experience carrying out technical reviews, inspections, compliance checks, assurance activity or audits.
• Strong understanding of maintenance, servicing, defect management, inspection regimes and operational readiness.
• Ability to review technical records and evidence critically and identify where standards are not being met.
• Good understanding of QMS principles and the importance of accurate and auditable records.
• Ability to interpret technical instructions, maintenance requirements, manufacturer guidance and relevant procedures.
• Able to identify risk, challenge non-compliance professionally and follow corrective actions through to completion.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and maintenance or asset management systems.
• Organised, methodical and comfortable working across several operational workstreams.
• Able to work independently and make sound decisions in a live operational environment.

Desirable Experience

• Military engineering, aviation engineering, RAF, Army, Royal Navy, MOD contractor or Defence operational support background.
• Experience supporting aircraft movements or Visiting Aircraft Handling Services.
• Experience in Mechanical Transport, fleet management or workshop operations.
• Experience with Ground Support Equipment, specialist vehicles, refuellers, generators, compressors, lifting equipment or similar assets.
• Familiarity with MOD publications, JSPs, APs, AESPs, MTIs or other Defence technical documentation.
• Awareness of CAA, MAA, EASA or Part 145 requirements where relevant to the role.
• Experience working within an established QMS.
• Experience supporting internal or external audits.
• Experience using JAMES, Maximo or similar systems.
• Previous supervisory experience, including JNCO, SNCO or equivalent civilian experience.
• Relevant engineering, technical, transport or quality assurance qualification.
• Previous experience working in an overseas or remote environment.
• Why Apply

This is a central assurance role supporting aircraft movements and other critical operational activities across airfield operations, aviation support, Mechanical Transport, vehicle engineering and specialist operational equipment.

The role carries significant responsibility for strengthening technical standards, compliance and operational readiness, while working closely with Defence, military, client and assurance stakeholders in a live operational environment.

It also provides the opportunity to influence how technical assurance is developed and delivered across the contract, while gaining unique overseas experience supporting UK Defence operations on Ascension Island and developing your career within Mitie's international Defence portfolio.

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