Compliance Investigator – Aviation MRO

Mane Contract Services; Kidlington; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK helicopter organisation is seeking a Compliance Investigator to ensure operations are aligned with regulatory requirements and quality standards. The role includes conducting investigations, performing root cause analysis, and engaging with various teams to promote safety and compliance. Candidates should have experience in aviation maintenance, strong analytical skills, and the ability to write detailed reports. This position entails travel across sites within the UK and requires security clearance eligibility.

Qualifications

• Experience in compliance investigations within aviation maintenance or aerospace environments.
• Solid understanding of UK CAA / EASA regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent report-writing, analytical, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead investigations into compliance incidents and safety concerns.
• Ensure compliance with relevant aviation regulations.
• Produce detailed investigation reports for management and regulatory bodies.

Skills

Compliance investigations

Root Cause Analysis

Problem-solving tools

Understanding of UK CAA / EASA regulations

Report-writing skills

Analytical skills

Education

Formal training in RCA and investigative techniques

Tools

QMS

Compliance monitoring systems

Data analysis tools

Job description

Compliance Investigator - Aviation MRO

We are a leading UK helicopter organisation specialising in civil and military aviation support. Our Oxford Airport site serves as a national hub for helicopter maintenance, bespoke completions, engineering, training, and spares support. With extensive in‑house capabilities covering design, customisation, installation, flight‑testing, certification, and technical support, we deliver high‑quality solutions across multiple UK locations and maintain long‑standing partnerships within both the civil and defence sectors.

We are seeking a Compliance Investigator to join our dedicated Compliance Team in Oxford. This role is vital in ensuring our operations remain aligned with regulatory requirements, internal quality standards, and our commitment to safety and continuous improvement. The position requires travel to all company sites across the UK to support consistent compliance practices.

About the Role

As a Compliance Investigator within our Helicopter Maintenance Repair Organisation (MRO), you will conduct in‑depth investigations into compliance issues, identify root causes, and drive corrective and preventive actions across the business. You will play a key role in promoting safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance Investigations & Root Cause Analysis

Lead thorough investigations into compliance incidents, discrepancies, and safety concerns.

Conduct MEDA investigations as required.

Apply recognised RCA methods (5 Whys, Fishbone / Ishikawa, Fault Tree Analysis).

Identify Human Factors and Human Performance elements contributing to events.

Detect trends and systemic issues to ensure lasting corrective actions.

Regulatory & Quality Assurance

Ensure compliance with UK CAA / EASA Part 145, Part CAMO, Part 21G, and relevant military aviation regulations (MRP 145, MIL CAMO).

Work closely with Quality Assurance teams to refine audit and inspection processes.

Support regulatory audits and lead the closure of non‑conformances.

Process Improvement & Risk Mitigation

Partner with engineering, maintenance, production, and safety teams to strengthen processes.

Develop and recommend risk‑mitigation strategies.

Promote best practices in safety, human factors, and compliance monitoring.

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

Produce detailed investigation reports for senior management and regulatory bodies.

Maintain clear, accurate records of investigations and CAPA activity.

Build strong relationships across operational teams to enhance compliance awareness.

Skills & Experience

Essential

Experience in compliance investigations within aviation maintenance or aerospace environments.

Strong expertise in Root Cause Analysis and problem‑solving tools.

Solid understanding of UK CAA / EASA regulatory frameworks and relevant MRO standards.

Knowledge of Human Factors and Human Performance principles.

Experience in audits, inspections, and analysis of technical / maintenance documentation.

Excellent report‑writing, analytical, and communication skills.

Proficiency with QMS, compliance monitoring systems, and data analysis tools.

Desirable

Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.

MEDA investigation experience.

Familiarity with Part CAMO, Part 21G, military aviation regulations (MAA, MRP145, MIL CAMO).

Knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100.

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels.

Education & Qualifications

Essential

Formal training in RCA and investigative techniques.

Ability to obtain Security Clearance (SC) and DBS clearance.

Desirable

Aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS) certification.

Auditor or Lead Auditor qualification.

Lean Six Sigma Green / Black Belt.

Extensive experience in aviation compliance, investigation, or audit functions.

Additional Requirements

Eligibility for SC clearance and ability to meet DBS requirements.

Must satisfy Export Compliance Regulations.