Director of QEHSS (Hiring Immediately) in Sedgefield

Filtronic plc is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance radio frequency (RF), microwave, and millimetre-wave (mmWave) subsystems, specialising in mission-critical communication networks. Since 1977, we have built a strong reputation as trusted partners to global technology leaders across the telecommunications infrastructure, aerospace and defence, space, and critical communications sectors. Our legacy of innovation and engineering excellence has positioned us at the forefront of advanced connectivity solutions worldwide, and we continue to grow as we deliver cutting-edge technology for some of the most exciting programmes in the industry.

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of QEHSS to lead our integrated Quality, Environment, Health & Safety, and Security functions. This is a senior leadership position that requires strategic thinking, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to engage with senior and executive leadership whilst ensuring compliance across all operational areas.

The successful candidate will serve as the statutory 'Responsible Person' under relevant health and safety legislation and will be accountable for developing and implementing comprehensive strategies that protect our people, assets, environment, and reputation whilst driving continuous improvement in quality assurance.

Requirements

• Strategic Leadership
  • Develop, implement, and continuously improve integrated QEHSS strategies aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
  • Act as trusted advisor to the Executive Leadership Team on all matters relating to quality, environmental impact, health & safety, and security risks.
  • Challenge existing practices and drive cultural change to embed QEHSS excellence throughout the organisation.
  • Lead the development of QEHSS policies, procedures, and management systems to world-class standards.
  • Experience of operating within VUCA business environments (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous).
• Quality Assurance & Management
  • Oversee comprehensive quality assurance programmes across all business operations.
  • Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards and maintain certification.
  • Oversee operations working to ISO 45001 standard principles.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence programmes.
  • Manage customer quality requirements and be the key interface with external auditors and certification bodies.
  • Develop and maintain quality protocols for space payload applications and aerospace/defence industry requirements.
  • Working knowledge of AS9100 certification requirements for Aviation, Space, and Defence (AS&D) industry standards.
• Health & Safety Leadership
  • Serve as the statutory 'Responsible Person' for health and safety under relevant legislation.
  • Develop and maintain robust health and safety management systems.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations and standards.
  • Lead incident investigation, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
  • Drive safety culture transformation and behavioural change programmes.
• Environment
  • Develop and implement environmental management strategies and policies.
  • Ensure compliance with environmental legislation and permit conditions.
  • Drive sustainability initiatives and environmental impact reduction programs.
  • Manage environmental risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Security & Risk Management
  • Develop comprehensive security strategies covering physical, personnel, information, and operational security.
  • Oversee day-to-day site security operations including access control systems, alarm monitoring and CCTV.
  • Manage security incident response and act as primary liaison with external agencies including MoD/Cabinet Office, HSE, blue light services and Durham County Council.
  • Conduct security risk assessments and implement appropriate mitigation and countermeasures.
  • Administer security access control systems and manage security clearance requirements.
  • Develop and deliver security awareness training programmes.
  • Develop and deliver health and safety, fire warden, first aid and any other type of training aligned to QEHSS, in collaboration with our Training Lead.
  • Ensure business continuity and crisis management preparedness.
  • Develop and test emergency response plans including evacuation and other procedures which may become relevant from time to time.
  • Maintain detailed records and reporting as required by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).