NDT Process Lead

Senior; Congleton; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4-day working week

Excellent pension scheme

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Social and wellbeing events

Job summary

Based in Congleton, Cheshire, Senior Bird Bellows seeks an experienced NDT Process Lead to lead our NDT team, specialising in X-Ray and Dye Penetrant testing within a highly regulated manufacturing setting. A minimum Level 2 in both Dye Penetrant and Radiographic Testing is required, with leadership capability to drive improvement and compliance across the function.

The role focuses on safe, efficient NDT delivery, maintaining NADCAP and customer requirements, and developing staff through

Qualifications

• NDT Level 2 in Radiography and Dye Penetrant Testing with hands-on experience.
• Ability to lead a team, coordinate with Level III and external audits.
• Experience in highly regulated aerospace/industrial environments.
• Strong compliance, quality and continuous improvement focus.
• Good communication and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe, compliant operation of all NDT activities.
• Coordinate with external Level III and obtain approvals.
• Review and improve NDT standards; develop new capabilities.
• Develop NDT competence through training and induction.
• Maintain resources, capacity and cross-functional capability.
• Maintain approvals through audits.
• Drive continuous improvement across NDT processes.
• Support MRB process.
• Lead recruitment and people management.
• Promote communication and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

NDT Level 2 Radiography

NDT Level 2 Dye Penetrant

People management

HSE awareness

Education

Maths/English Level 2

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Company Description

Based in Congleton, Cheshire, Senior Bird Bellows was established in 1975 as a family run operation serving the petro-chemical and gas industries. Since then, we have evolved to become one of the industry leaders in the design, development and manufacture of pressure duct systems, flexible joints and insulation for highly regulated industries. We have established customers in aerospace (both civil and military), as well as in the nuclear, oil and gas, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced NDT Process Lead to support and develop our NDT team with capability, overseeing X-Ray and Dye Penetrant operations within a highly regulated manufacturing environment. Holding a minimum Level 2 qualification in both Dye Penetrant Testing and Radiographic Testing.

This role is ideally suited to a quality-focused and technically competent professional who thrives in a highly regulated environment and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance and operational excellence. You will play a key role in ensuring NDT activities are delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with customer, regulatory, NADCAP and industry requirements. The position is responsible for driving continuous improvement across NDT processes and capabilities, maintaining robust standards and procedures.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure the safe, effective and compliant operation of all NDT activities in line with business, customer and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with the contracted external Level III and obtain approvals as required.
• Maintain, review and improve NDT processes, standards and specifications, identifying and implementing new capabilities to meet business and customer needs.
• Develop and maintain NDT competence through training, qualification, induction and ongoing development of personnel.
• Ensure adequate skilled resource levels, capacity and cross-functional capability to support business requirements.
• Maintain customer, regulatory, NADCAP and NDT Merit approvals through internal and external audits, ensuring ongoing compliance with applicable standards and requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across NDT processes, personnel and departmental performance, working collaboratively with relevant departments.
• Support the MRB process, ensuring timely management of actions and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Lead recruitment and people management activities, embedding accountability, collaboration and company values through effective performance management.
• Promote effective communication and employee engagement through regular departmental meetings and stakeholder interaction.

ASSOCIATED RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure all work activities and records comply with Company policies, procedures and codes of practice.
• Support continuous improvement of NDT processes and procedures in collaboration with the Quality Team
• Support quality audits, investigations and engagement with external parties to maintain compliance and drive improvement.

Full job description available on request.

Qualifications

Essential

• Technically competent with the ability to instil and maintain consistently high standards
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
• Good Interpersonal skills at all levels
• Role model Business Values
• Ability to prioritise workload and make decisions
• NDT Level 2 in Radiography & Dye Penetrant Inspection
• Engineering experience in aerospace or a related industry
• Knowledgeable in metal forming processes and welding
• Engineering drawing and specification interpretation skills
• Basic IT skills
• HSE considerations
• Exposure to Nadcap requirements
• Level 2 Maths/ English

Desirable

• Formal Leadership training
• NDT Level 3 Holder or capability to achieve

Full person specification available on request.

Additional Information

We offer a supportive and rewarding work environment that values your wellbeing and work-life balance. Enjoy the benefits of a 4-day working week, giving you more time for what matters most. We also provide an excellent pension scheme, life assurance, and access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Our team regularly takes part in social and wellbeing events, helping you stay connected, supported, and engaged both in and outside of work.

Contract Information: Monday - Thursday (36hrs)

Closing Date: 10th September 2026