Leading Hand

Dublin Aerospace; Exeter; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace maintenance firm in Exeter is seeking a Leading Hand to oversee the safe repair of aircraft components. The candidate will ensure quality and safety standards are upheld while managing workflows and prioritizing critical tasks. Responsibilities include collaborating with support teams, maintaining records, and promoting safety culture. Ideal candidates must have completed a recognized traineeship and possess strong communication and technical skills. This role offers the chance to lead a team and contribute to key maintenance operations.

Qualifications

• Experience in repairing aircraft and systems.
• Ability to maintain compliance with technical manuals.
• Willingness to adapt to new processes and systems.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely and professional completion of tasks.
• Liaise with support departments to resolve technical issues.
• Manage the workflow and priorities of an assigned area.

Skills

Competence in aircraft repair

Good communication skills

Basic computer literacy

Ability to work in a team

Education

Recognised Apprenticeship or Trainee program

Job description

The Leading Hand is responsible for the safe repair of Aircraft/Components undergoing maintenance and under the control of Exeter Aerospace within the hangar or workshop environment.

Reporting to the Check Managers / Zonal Leaders / Workshop Manager, he / she must ensure that the required quality, safety and technical standards of work are maintained and carried out in accordance with the relevant aircraft and company manuals and the regulatory requirements.

All work done must be inspected, repaired, tested and in compliance with the standards specified and in the case of components being released under the ‘C rating’ the leading hand must hold the relevant authorisation to release components with a form 1.

The Leading hand is responsible for managing an area of the aircraft input or specific workshop area, ensuring the work flow is maintained throughout prioritising critical paths to ensure projects are kept on track. Managing spares, paperwork and staff to ensure a common goal, assisting and imparting knowledge to other staff and any person involved in Training within the Business Unit.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure that all work and duties assigned are completed in a timely and professional manner to ensure that the out date of the aircraft / component is maintained and also to maximise output.
• Ensure that all work carried out is signed for as required on an ongoing basis using the approved Maintenance Data.
• Ensure that Documents being used are correct and up to date.
• Ensuring that any printed documentation, other than tasks cards, is disposed of once the task is completed.
• Ensuring relevant spares are ordered to maintain workflow on aircraft / component.
• Responsible for an allocated area and team to ensure efficient flow of work.
• Liaise with support departments, such as Workshops, NDT, Planning and Stores to ensure any technical issues are resolved efficiently to maintain the aircraft planned downtime / component turn around time.
• Hold authorisation for issue of Form 1’s whilst working under the ‘C rating’ approval.
• Maintain an excellent timekeeping and attendance record in line with company procedures.
• Ensure that Break times are adhered to at all times.
• Ensure handovers are up to date and accurate.
• Ensure all materials used in the carrying out of a task are recorded both for Commercial and Recording purposes.
• Account for all materials ordered out from stores by returning on an ongoing basis unused material or recording used material against the relevant task card.
• Assist with Audit finding corrective actions when required.
• Ensure proper use of all personal protective clothing and equipment as required and provided.
• Verify that test equipment used is within calibration date.
• Maintain work area in a clean and tidy condition at all times.
• Assist with development of new processes and or component capability.
• Report any technical or airworthiness or Safety issues to the Zonal or Check Leader.
• Be prepared to undertake other duties as may be reasonably assigned by the Company from time to time.
• Promote SMS and Just culture reporting.

Core Competencies

• Have served a recognised Apprenticeship or Trainee program.
• Competence in the working on and repairing of Aircraft and its systems.
• Display a good working knowledge of technical matters relevant to the activities of the Business Unit.
• Ability to interpret and apply requirements of maintenance manuals, engineering drawings, instructions, service bulletins and task-cards.
• A good standard of communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to adapt to change and work as part of a team.
• Basic computer literacy and willingness to learn and implement new systems and procedures in line with Company objectives.
• Possess a common sense and flexible approach to changing priorities and customer demands at short notice.
• A full understanding of the Company MOE and Procedures Manual.
• Willingness to attend Courses as provided by the Company.