Deputy Platform Lead Author

Allan Webb Ltd.; Yeovil; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Allan Webb Ltd, a specialist engineering consultancy, is seeking a Deputy Platform Lead Author to oversee the platform and maintain hands-on technical authoring on Leonardo Helicopters projects.

The role is home-based with occasional visits to the Yeovil or Stonehouse offices, offering leadership opportunities while continuing hands-on authoring on high-profile defence programmes.

Qualifications

• Senior technical author with rotary wing aircraft experience.
• Educated to at least HNC level or equivalent in aviation-related subject.
• Experience on defence sector aviation projects.
• Knowledge of ASD S1000D, ASD STE-100 and ATA standards.

Responsibilities

• Run the platform in the Platform Lead Author's absence and ensure timely output.
• Up-issue and task authors in EPS and manage the assessment log.
• Coordinate with the Leonardo Project Manager on delivery issues.
• Create new illustrated Parts Data in EAGLE and produce quality technical documents.
• Maintain records, support verification/validation, and ensure safety/compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Technical writing

Project coordination

Rotary wing knowledge

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Deadline management

Education

HNC level or equivalent in aviation

Engineering apprenticeship + aircraft maintenance

Tools

Eagle Publishing System (EPS)

Helix

EAGLE

Enovia

Catia

Job description

At Allan Webb, we are currently seeking an experienced Deputy Platform Lead Author to join our Technical Publications team, working on Leonardo Helicopters projects.

About the Role

As Deputy Platform Lead Author, you’ll run the platform in the absence of the Lead Author, ensuring all authors have work and liaising with the Leonardo Project Manager on all issues affecting platform output. When not running the platform, you’ll carry out authoring duties or other tasks allocated by the Platform Lead Author.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior technical author with rotary wing aircraft experience to develop leadership skills whilst maintaining hands‑on technical authoring work on high‑profile defence projects.

This role is home based with occasional visits to the Yeovil office or Stonehouse (Gloucestershire)office.

This is a full time, permanent position.

What You’ll Be Doing

Deputy Leadership Tasks:

• Up-issue and task authors in the Eagle Publishing System (EPS)
• Task authors in Helix and manage task assessments, maintaining the Assessment log
• Liaise with the Leonardo Lead Author on all technical matters of delivery
• Ensure the timely delivery of all Statements of Work allocated to the platform within the allocated budget
• Answer all questions arising from authors in a timely manner
• Submit all TIR and RFCATP to Leonardo Helicopters
• Ensure the smooth running of the platform in the absence of the Platform Lead Author

Authoring Tasks:

• Create new illustrated Parts Data in EAGLE
• Produce technical documentation to the required quality and specifications
• Produce technical documents as required in a timely manner
• Ensure quality control of documentation in accordance with applicable technical authoring specifications and standards
• Maintain records and files of all versions and revisions in conjunction with document control
• Support the technical verification and validation of technical documentation
• Carry out assessments of future work as detailed by the Platform Lead

Health and Safety:

• Ensure activities under your control are undertaken in accordance with the requirements set out in the Allan Webb Ltd Health and Safety Manual
• Senior author with a minimum of 3 years’ experience, preferably on a Leonardo platform
• Very good knowledge of rotary wing aircraft to answer authors’ questions and provide technical guidance
• Good working administrative knowledge of Eagle/EPS including up-issuing and tasking data modules
• Good working knowledge of Helix to task Helix tasks and assessments to authors
• Educated to at least HNC level or equivalent in a relevant aviation‑related subject, OR completed a recognised engineering apprenticeship followed by employment in all aspects of aircraft maintenance and overhaul
• Detailed knowledge of Supportability and Air Publication specifications (ASD S1000D Issue 2.1 and 2.2, Def‑Stan 00‑60, S2000M, ATA2‑02‑90)
• Good working knowledge of Simplified Technical English (ASD‑STE‑100)
• Knowledge of technical authoring and production tools (EAGLE, Eagle Publishing System (EPS) and Helix)
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and use Enovia and Catia
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office programmes
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work to changing deadlines under pressure
• Knowledge of Merlin or Wildcat aircraft

What Makes You Stand Out

• Demonstrated ability to step into leadership roles when required
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent communication skills with both technical teams and project management
• Proactive approach to quality assurance and problem‑solving
• Experience working on defence sector aviation projects
• Ability to balance leadership responsibilities with hands‑on technical work

About Allan Webb Ltd

At Allan Webb, we’re more than just a leading engineering consultancy – we are a team of over 300 specialists dedicated to making a real difference. With over 60 years of experience, we provide asset optimisation services to defence, government, energy, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace sectors, both in the UK and internationally. Our work aims to deliver a safe and sustainable world by turning complex asset management challenges into streamlined, cost‑effective solutions.

We believe in the power of people. That is why we champion agile working, giving you the flexibility to choose your hours and how you work. We foster an inclusive culture where different perspectives spark innovation and excellence. As signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, we support service personnel, veterans, and their families, and we remain closely connected to our local communities

What can we offer?

At Allan Webb, we believe in creating an environment where you can thrive.

On top of a competitive salary, we offer:

• Agile/remote working arrangements
• Regular training and personal development reviews
• Investment in professional qualifications and training
• Mentoring and coaching programmes
• Inclusive and supportive work environment
• Active ED&I networks and initiatives
• Electric car scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to Perkbox (providing over 9,000 perks and benefits)
• Employee Referral Bonus [£1,000 following probation]
• 33 days’ annual leave (inc. Bank Holidays)
• Option to purchase additional annual leave
• Payment for Professional Membership
• Structured career development and professional accreditation support
• Access to high-profile defence and engineering projects
• Inclusive, team‑oriented culture with a focus on technical excellence

Allan Webb Ltd are an equal opportunity employer, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business, and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.

Due to the nature of this role with the Ministry of Defence, the successful candidate must undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre‑employment screening and obtain a formal Security Check (SC) clearance within the first 12 months of employment.

To be considered for this position, you must:

• Be a UK national, or have the legal right to work and live in the UK.
• Normally have resided in the UK for a minimum of 5 consecutive years immediately prior to application to enable necessary background checks.
• Be willing to undergo comprehensive background, Right to Work (RTW) criminal record (Basic DBS), social media and financial credit history checks.