At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop our NDT team, ensuring compliance and operational excellence.
- Company: Join a family-run leader in pressure duct systems and flexible joints.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, excellent pension, life assurance, and wellbeing events.
- Other info: Supportive work culture that values your wellbeing and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a highly regulated environment with continuous improvement opportunities.
- Qualifications: NDT Level 2 in Radiography & Dye Penetrant Inspection and engineering experience required.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
Based in Congleton, Cheshire, Senior Bird Bellows was established in 1975 as a family run operation serving the petro-chemical and gas industries. Since then, we have evolved to become one of the industry leaders in the design, development and manufacture of pressure duct systems, flexible joints and insulation for highly regulated industries. We have established customers in aerospace (both civil and military), as well as in the nuclear, oil and gas, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.
We are looking for an experienced NDT Process Lead to support and develop our NDT team with capability, overseeing X-Ray and Dye Penetrant operations within a highly regulated manufacturing environment. Holding a minimum Level 2 qualification in both Dye Penetrant Testing and Radiographic Testing. This role is ideally suited to a quality-focused and technically competent professional who thrives in a highly regulated environment and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance and operational excellence. You will play a key role in ensuring NDT activities are delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with customer, regulatory, NADCAP and industry requirements. The position is responsible for driving continuous improvement across NDT processes and capabilities, maintaining robust standards and procedures.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Ensure the safe, effective and compliant operation of all NDT activities in line with business, customer and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate with the contracted external Level III and obtain approvals as required.
- Maintain, review and improve NDT processes, standards and specifications, identifying and implementing new capabilities to meet business and customer needs.
- Develop and maintain NDT competence through training, qualification, induction and ongoing development of personnel.
- Ensure adequate skilled resource levels, capacity and cross-functional capability to support business requirements.
- Maintain customer, regulatory, NADCAP and NDT Merit approvals through internal and external audits, ensuring ongoing compliance with applicable standards and requirements.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across NDT processes, personnel and departmental performance, working collaboratively with relevant departments.
- Support the MRB process, ensuring timely management of actions and compliance with applicable requirements.
- Lead recruitment and people management activities, embedding accountability, collaboration and company values through effective performance management.
- Promote effective communication and employee engagement through regular departmental meetings and stakeholder interaction.
ASSOCIATED RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Ensure all work activities and records comply with Company policies, procedures and codes of practice.
- Support continuous improvement of NDT processes and procedures in collaboration with the Quality Team.
- Support quality audits, investigations and engagement with external parties to maintain compliance and drive improvement.
Qualifications
Essential:
- Technically competent with the ability to instil and maintain consistently high standards.
- Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
- Good Interpersonal skills at all levels.
- Role model Business Values.
- Ability to prioritise workload and make decisions.
- NDT Level 2 in Radiography & Dye Penetrant Inspection.
- Engineering experience in aerospace or a related industry.
- Knowledgeable in metal forming processes and welding.
- Engineering drawing and specification interpretation skills.
- Basic IT skills.
- HSE considerations.
- Exposure to Nadcap requirements.
- Level 2 Maths/ English.
Desirable:
- Formal Leadership training.
- NDT Level 3 Holder or capability to achieve.
We offer a supportive and rewarding work environment that values your wellbeing and work-life balance. Enjoy the benefits of a 4-day working week, giving you more time for what matters most. We also provide an excellent pension scheme, life assurance, and access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Our team regularly takes part in social and wellbeing events, helping you stay connected, supported, and engaged both in and outside of work.
Contract Information: Monday - Thursday (36hrs)
Closing Date: 10th September 2026
NDT Process Lead in Congleton employer: Senior
As a leading aerospace manufacturing company based in Royston, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values innovation and employee development. Our collaborative work culture fosters a supportive environment where engineers can thrive, with ample opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement. We offer competitive benefits and a commitment to health and safety, ensuring that our team members feel valued and empowered in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NDT Process Lead in Congleton
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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We think you need these skills to ace NDT Process Lead in Congleton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Senior specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Senior
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Senior, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Senior value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
