Lead Software Quality Specialist

The Lead Quality Specialist takes ownership of the organisation’s Quality Management System, ensuring seamless integration with AS9100 Rev D and global aviation regulatory frameworks. In this role, you will lead the architecture, governance, and digital mapping of cross-functional business processes to align company-wide operations with stringent aerospace quality standards. Serving as the primary technical authority for system compliance, you will manage comprehensive internal audit programmes, champion risk management initiatives, and collaborate with department heads to drive a high-performance culture of continuous organisational improvement.

We are seeking a Lead Software Quality Specialist to join our team and play a critical role in ensuring the reliability, compliance, and integrity of our software and firmware products. This role provides independent assurance across the software development lifecycle, helping to shape high-quality, mission-critical systems while working collaboratively across functions.

Typical Accountability:

• Provide expert advice and guidance to the business in order to support achievement of current and future business, Line of Business (LoB) or functional objectives.
• Initiate, gain agreement for and manage projects with a significant impact on the achievement of organisation goals.
• Manage assigned LoBs and Process Areas in relation to audit & certification activities, undertake and manage (as necessary) business level internal audit programme.
• Utilise knowledge of external best practice, tools and current developments in own professional area to identify and assess risks and opportunities.
• Provide direct input to Process Owners, Lobs, Internal Project Teams (IPTs) / cross functional teams and meetings at a senior level to influence decision making.
• May manage third party suppliers, including certification bodies and Regulators, in order to procure and monitor delivery of goods and services.
• Completion of assigned audits, tasks and activities related to audit & certification management.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Feedback from Function / IPT / senior management.
• Evidence of active contribution to appropriate teams/ meetings.
• Achievement of project/ financial objectives aligned with business KPIs.
• Timely completion and supply of performance data reporting.
• External knowledge of software quality.
• Ensures own compliance with statutory requirements and helps others understand their obligations.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Clear understanding of business and functional strategy and how the job contributes.
• Experience of auditing management systems, developing and managing the programme and reporting outcomes and trend data to senior management.
• Experience of management systems, their architecture and reference international standards; ideally Aerospace & Defence related.
• Ability to engage and influence key stakeholders.
• Evidence of business acumen in order to take / influence best decisions for the business.
• Software Quality Assurance experience in maturity (stage gate) reviews - Assessing life cycle deliverables, ensuring results and actions are implemented. Demonstrated knowledge and experience of all phases of the product life cycle and the associated processes, experienced in design / maturity reviews representing quality at the highest level.

Qualifications:

• Degree / Qualification in quality, manufacturing, engineering or IT degree.
• Equivalent experience combined with a successful track record of quality management in a high-tech, low to mid volume, high quality environment.

Security Clearance: This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Why join us:

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website. Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.