Chief of the Office of Airworthiness

Our client a global provider for aircraft interior solutions, delivering market-leading services including; premium customized monuments, lounges, bars, sky shops, seat modules, galleys, and stowages, are recruiting for a Chief of the Office of Airworthiness for its office based in the London/ Kent area.
On Offer:

• An opportunity to join an expanding organisation, which is part of the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider supported by 14,000 highly skilled aviation professionals, the group is parent company to over 250+ subsidiaries.
  
• Offering a competitive salary, dependant on skills and experience
  
• 30 days annual leave including Public/ Bank Holidays
  
• Employee Assistance Programme
  
• Reimbursement of work expenses
  
• Bright Exchange
  
• Free parking on Company premises when available
  Main Purpose of the Chief of the Office of Airworthiness:
  The main purpose of this role is to ensure that all aircraft design, modifications, and certification activities comply with applicable airworthiness regulations like UK CAA Part 21, EASA, FAA. The Chief of the Office of Airworthiness will lead the organisation airworthiness function and acts as the primary liaison with aviation authorities.
  Key Accountabilities:
  • Advising on design and certification issues and supporting the Company’s application to the CAA for a Design Approval under part 21
  • Attaining Design Approval and acceptance by the CAA
  • CVE Structures and Cabin Safety, subject to the Company attaining Design Approval and acceptance by the CAA
  • Act as the company's airworthiness authority and primary point of contact with regulatory bodies (e.g. EASA, UK CAA, FAA)
  • Maintain oversight of all airworthiness and certification activities, including initial type certification, continued airworthiness, and design changes
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (UK CAA Part 21 Subpart J, CS-25/CS-23 or equivalent)
  • Approve and coordinate the release of airworthiness documentation, including Compliance Checklists, Certification Plans, and Statements of Compliance
  • Provide strategic leadership to the Office of Airworthiness and support other departments on certification and design assurance issues
  • Support internal audits and manage external audits related to airworthiness
  • Review and approve technical documentation submitted to authorities
  • Participate in design reviews and risk assessments, ensuring airworthiness concerns are identified and mitigated
  • Represent the company at industry meetings, working groups, and with civil aviation authorities
  To Be Considered:
  • Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
  • Proven track record and experience in aircraft certification and airworthiness, ideally in a Part 21J Design Organisation
  • Proven experience dealing with EASA/CAA/FAA and navigating complex certification projects
  • Strong understanding of aviation regulations and standards (e.g., CS-23, CS-25, Part 21, etc)
  Skills & Competencies:
  • Exceptional understanding of regulatory frameworks and compliance pathways
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
  • Leadership and mentoring skills to guide a team of Compliance Verification Engineers /airworthiness engineers
  Desirable:
  • Appointment as an approved Compliance Verification Engineer (CVE) or signatory for airworthiness compliance.
  For full details contact Willis Global – a leading Recruitment Consultancy for the Aviation & Aerospace