Platform Lead Author
At Allan Webb, we are currently seeking an experienced Platform Lead Author to join our Technical Publications team, working on Leonardo Helicopters projects.
About the Role
As Platform Lead Author, you'll be responsible for the timely delivery of all tasking assigned to the platform by Leonardo Helicopters workflow controllers, ensuring all work is completed within budget. You'll lead a team of authors, manage day-to-day operations, and act as the key liaison between the author team and the Leonardo Project Manager on all matters affecting delivery schedules.
This is an excellent opportunity for a senior technical author with rotary wing aircraft experience to take on a leadership role on high-profile defence projects.
This is a homebased role with occasional travel to our offices (Yeovil or Stonehouse in Gloucestershire) required.
This is full time, permanent position.
What You'll Be Doing
Responsibilities
- Run the day-to-day business of the platform and manage workflow distribution
- Close down Buildlists at completion of work and inform Leonardo Helicopters accordingly
- Ensure all authors have adequate work and maintain team productivity
- Maintain status reports and provide regular updates to the Leonardo Project Manager
- Highlight any deficiencies or requirements in training to the Leonardo Project Manager
- Recommend manpower adjustments during execution of the Statement of Work
- Rectify all platform non-conformances allocated by the QA Manager
- Maintain the RFCATP and TIR Logs
- Ensure timely completion of assessments and controlled use of data
- Discuss requirements with the Leonardo Project Manager on issue of a Statement of Work
- Maintain acceptable quality standards in all platform outputs
- Ensure new data modules are submitted for practical validation as necessary
- Ensure NATO codification is submitted in a timely manner
- Submit all required reports to the Leonardo Project Manager in a timely manner
- Escalate any issues to the Leonardo Project Manager at the earliest opportunity
- Ensure activities are undertaken in accordance with Allan Webb Ltd Health and Safety Manual requirements
What We're Looking For
- Senior author with a minimum of 3 years' experience, preferably on a Leonardo platform
- Very good knowledge of rotary wing aircraft to answer authors' questions and provide technical guidance
- Good working administrative knowledge of Eagle/EPS including up-issuing and tasking data modules
- Good working knowledge of Helix to task Helix tasks and assessments to authors
- Educated to at least HNC level or equivalent in a relevant aviation-related subject, OR completed a recognised engineering apprenticeship followed by employment in all aspects of aircraft maintenance and overhaul
- Detailed knowledge of Supportability and Air Publication specifications (ASD S1000D Issue 2.1 and 2.2, Def-Stan 00-60, S2000M, ATA2-02-90)
- Good working knowledge of Simplified Technical English (ASD-STE-100)
- Knowledge of technical authoring and production tools (EAGLE, Eagle Publishing System (EPS) and Helix)
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and use Enovia and Catia
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office programmes
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to lead a team
- Ability to work to changing deadlines under pressure
Desirable
- Knowledge of Merlin or Wildcat aircraft
What Makes You Stand Out
- Proven leadership experience in a technical publications environment
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage competing priorities
- Excellent communication skills with both technical teams and project management
- Proactive approach to quality assurance and continuous improvement
- Experience working on defence sector aviation projects
About Allan Webb Ltd
At Allan Webb, we're more than just a leading engineering consultancy – we are a team of over 300 specialists dedicated to making a real difference. With over 60 years of experience, we provide asset optimisation services to defence, government, energy, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace sectors, both in the UK and internationally. Our work aims to deliver a safe and sustainable world by turning complex asset management challenges into streamlined, cost-effective solutions.
We believe in the power of people. That is why we champion agile working, giving you the flexibility to choose your hours and how you work. We foster an inclusive culture where different perspectives spark innovation and excellence. As signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, we support service personnel, veterans, and their families, and we remain closely connected to our local communities
What can we offer?
At Allan Webb, we believe in creating an environment where you can thrive.
On top of a competitive salary, we offer:
- Annual bonus scheme
- Agile/remote working arrangements
- Regular training and personal development reviews
- Investment in professional qualifications and training
- Mentoring and coaching programmes
- Inclusive and supportive work environment
- Active ED&I networks and initiatives
- Electric car scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to Perkbox (providing over 9,000 perks and benefits)
- EAP - a confidential 24/7 service
- Employee Referral Bonus [£1,000 following probation]
- 33 days’ annual leave (inc. Bank Holidays)
- Option to purchase additional annual leave
- Payment for Professional Membership
- Structured career development and professional accreditation support
- Access to high-profile defence and engineering projects
- Inclusive, team-oriented culture with a focus on technical excellence
Allan Webb Ltd are an equal opportunity employer, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business, and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.
Due to the nature of this role with the Ministry of Defence, the successful candidate must undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment screening and obtain a formal Security Check (SC) clearance within the first 12 months of employment.
To be considered for this position, you must:
- Be a UK national, or have the legal right to work and live in the UK.
- Normally have resided in the UK for a minimum of 5 consecutive years immediately prior to application to enable necessary background checks.
- Be willing to undergo comprehensive background, Right to Work (RTW) criminal record (Basic DBS), social media and financial credit history checks.
Platform Lead Author employer: Allan Webb Limited
Allan Webb Ltd is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, offering flexible hybrid working arrangements that allow for a healthy work-life balance. With a strong commitment to employee growth through regular training, mentoring programmes, and support for professional qualifications, team members are empowered to thrive in their careers while contributing to high-profile defence and engineering projects. The company also prioritises employee well-being with a comprehensive benefits package, including an annual bonus scheme, generous leave policies, and access to a wide range of perks.
