Director of Compliance in Exeter

Remote (with travel to Exeter, Devon) or based onsite in Exeter. An exciting opportunity has arisen within JMC Aviation, the world’s leading Aviation Engineering, Training & Recruitment business. We are a recognised global organisation, and as such this role can be offered on a fully remote basis, with the requirement for regular visits to our Head Office in Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom, along with travel to support global operations and regulatory engagements.

What’s on offer?

• Competitive Basic Salary
• Very competitive Company Quarterly Bonus Scheme (following successful completion of a probationary period)
• Company stretch bonus opportunities, offering up to an additional 25% bonus
• Full-time hours (8.30am – 5.30pm / 9.00am – 6.00pm)
• Team BBQs and staff days, incorporating family and partners
• A strong benefits package including: Private Healthcare, Life Cover, Income Protection, Cycle to Work Scheme

Job Purpose

The Compliance Director is responsible for leading the global compliance function across JMC Aviation, with oversight of Compliance, Quality and Immigration Compliance activities. This senior leadership role plays a pivotal part in ensuring all engineering, maintenance, repair and recruitment operations are delivered in line with regulatory, contractual and customer requirements. The Compliance Director will develop and implement robust compliance strategies, provide regulatory leadership across international operations and act as the senior authority for compliance, quality and risk management. This is a high-impact position, critical to safeguarding operational integrity, supporting sustainable global growth and maintaining JMC Aviation’s reputation as a compliant, trusted and high-performing aviation partner.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy Development and Implementation

• Lead and define the company’s global compliance strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements
• Establish and maintain a robust compliance framework across all engineering, maintenance, repair and recruitment activities
• Monitor global aviation regulatory changes and ensure timely implementation across the business
• Provide proactive regulatory guidance to the Senior Leadership Team on risk, compliance and emerging obligations
• Report on compliance performance, incidents, trends and improvement initiatives at leadership level

Compliance

• Ensure regulatory compliance when operating in new and existing geographies
• Maintain compliance across engineering project delivery, maintenance activities and recruitment/manpower supply
• Verify that operational teams consistently apply compliant processes and maintain accurate documentation
• Lead internal audits, monitoring activities and investigations, ensuring findings result in meaningful corrective actions
• Act as the senior escalation point for compliance queries, regulatory interpretation and customer or authority audits

Quality

• Lead and develop the Quality function, ensuring ongoing compliance with 9100 & 9110 accreditation requirements
• Ensure internal audit programmes are effective, risk-based and aligned with industry best practice
• Provide technical oversight for root cause analysis, corrective and preventative actions
• Develop the quality capability to support business growth and an expanding global customer base

Safety

• Oversee the development, implementation and maintenance of in-house safety management systems and documentation
• Provide expert guidance on safety matters and internal investigations
• Ensure safety processes support regulatory compliance and operational excellence

Team Leadership and Management

• Recruit, lead and develop a high-performing compliance and quality team
• Promote a culture of accountability, transparency and regulatory excellence
• Conduct performance reviews, identify training needs and support continuous professional development

Financial Management

• Develop and manage departmental budgets, ensuring financial targets are met
• Monitor expenditure, analyse financial performance and identify opportunities for efficiency

Risk Management & General Responsibilities

• Lead the identification, assessment and mitigation of regulatory and operational compliance risks
• Represent the business during external audits, regulatory engagements and customer assessments
• Undertake additional responsibilities in line with the needs of the business

Person Specification

Essential Requirements

• Proven senior leadership experience in aviation compliance and/or quality, ideally with Part 145 exposure
• Strong knowledge of 9100 & 9110 accreditations and best practice
• Demonstrated experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in a regulated environment
• Ability to review, interpret and apply complex legal, regulatory and legislative material
• Strong process-driven mindset with high attention to detail
• Proactive, self-motivated and able to operate effectively in a fast-paced, global business
• Clear alignment with JMC Aviation’s core values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, Passion & Unique

Disclaimer

This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job and is not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all responsibilities. Duties may vary and additional tasks may be assigned in line with business requirements.