Lead Airworthiness Auditor

Air Arabia; Sharjah; On-site; AED 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Arabia is seeking a Lead Airworthiness Auditor to oversee compliance with aviation regulations and safety standards. The auditor will develop audit plans, ensure quality assurance processes, and work closely with stakeholders across various hubs, requiring significant experience in the aviation sector and specific regulatory knowledge.

Qualifications

• 8 years of experience in aviation; 4 years in Quality or Compliance functions.
• Licenses and certificates in Aircraft Maintenance and Auditing required.
• Fluency in English; Arabic or French advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Monitor compliance with Airworthiness and Safety regulations.
• Develop and implement audit plans across company hubs.
• Assess conformance with IOSA ISARPS standards.

Skills

Communication

Data Analysis

Attention to Detail

Influencing Skills

Education

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer License

Bachelor’s degree in Aircraft Engineering

Certificates related to Auditing

Project Management Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job description:

Job Purpose

Nominated by Air Arabia, the Lead Airworthiness Auditor shall monitor and verify all activities in the areas of Airworthiness, Maintenance, Ground Operations, Safety, Quality, and Security, ensuring all are carried out under the supervision of the relevant “Nominated Post Holder” in compliance with Air Arabia Group policies, third-party Regulatory Bodies’ requirements, and adopted standards such as IOSA.

Key Result Responsibilities

• Assist the Head of Operational Audit to ensure compliance with all applicable Airworthiness, Maintenance, Ground Operations, Quality, Safety, and Security regulatory requirements across Air Arabia Group.
• Partner with stakeholders to facilitate and support the deployment of QSS-related policies across hubs, including systems, investigation processes, regulatory compliance, and operation readiness. Identify deviations and create action plans to harmonize processes.
• Develop and implement an annual audit plan for all company hubs.
• Assess all hubs for conformance against IOSA ISARPS standards.
• Stay updated with local and international legislation, regulations, guidelines, and practices related to the aviation industry.
• Advise on projects, operational procedures, process changes, and new initiatives as assigned by line management.
• Conduct assessments for the Safety Management System (SMS) to identify hazards and risks, evaluate overall status, and set preventive and corrective measures. Ensure timely implementation of actions.
• Follow up on closure of all findings with adequate Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).
• Ensure safety manuals, risk registers, and documentation are regularly reviewed and updated in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Ensure operations, policies, procedures, and internal rules comply with:

- Conditions and Restrictions of the AOC & OPS SPECS.

- Maintenance approvals.

- Applicable Regulatory Requirements.

- All relevant Third Authority Regulations and standards set by Air Arabia Group (IOSA).

• Monitor the annual audit and inspection plans; identify non-conformities and deficiencies, propose corrective measures, and ensure timely and effective resolution by responsible managers.
• Advise the Head of Operational Audit on Quality, Security, and Safety matters; support with assessments and audit results; participate in Management’s Evaluation and Safety Review Boards.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of Group Policies & Procedures.
• Monitor and ensure all safety and security concerns are addressed, investigated, and resolved per Air Arabia’s programs.
• Conduct periodic health checks on the effectiveness of management systems across hubs.
• Share lessons learned in Safety, Quality, and Security across all hubs.
• Monitor Safety Performance Indicators (SPI) and Safety Performance Targets (SPT) for each department in each hub.
• Review Aviation Service Agreements and related Interface Procedures.
• Monitor the SAFA ratio at each hub and recommend improvements if needed.

Profile description:

Qualifications (Academic, training, languages)

• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer License and/or a Bachelor’s degree in Aircraft Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or Aeronautical/Auditing-related field.
• Alternatively, a diploma or certificate in a related field from a recognized institution, combined with relevant experience.
• Certificates related to Auditing, Quality Assurance, and Compliance (e.g., ICAO, IOSA, ISO Lead Assessor) are highly desirable.
• Project Management certification or equivalent working experience is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Advanced Excel and PowerPoint), Internet, and Web Search.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including reporting and presentations.
• Fluent in English; Arabic or French is a plus.

Work Experience

• At least 8 years of experience in various disciplines within the aviation/airline industry, with a minimum of 4 years leading the “Quality and Safety” or “Compliance” functions; low-cost airline experience is advantageous.
• Extensive knowledge of regulatory rules and requirements related to Engineering, Maintenance, and Ground Operations.
• General knowledge of ICAO ISARPS.
• Experience with airline documentation and records control systems.
• Aircraft technical knowledge and maintenance exposure is a plus.
• Deep understanding of Safety and Security requirements and audit practices in airlines.
• Experience managing aircraft continuing airworthiness in compliance with standards from authorities, manufacturers, and OEMs.
• Proven ability to develop and implement policies, procedures, and manuals aligned with regulations and standards.
• Strong influencing skills at all organizational levels and experience managing diverse teams.
• Proficient in data analysis, identifying issues, and recommending corrective actions.
• High accuracy and attention to detail.